Optimization of a grinding and classification circuit of a magnetite ore processing plant through computer simulation

Minerals & Metallurgical Processing , 2008, Vol. 25, No. 4, pp. 223-228

Delgadillo, J.A.; Lopez-Valdivieso, A.; Tello, A.

ABSTRACT:

Computer simulation and mineral modeling was applied to the optimization of a grinding circuit in a plant processing 256 t/h magnetite. These tools were used to develop a grinding and classification configuration to decrease the grade of silica in the magnetite concentrate, which is produced by the plant. Empirical grinding and classification models were finely tuned using plant experimental data. The JKSimMetTM 5.0 software was used to simulate the grinding and classification units. By applying changes in the original circuit, a throughput increment
of 100% was achieved with an important reduction in the energy consumption. The silica content in the magnetite concentrate can be decreased by regrinding the coarse fraction of fine screens into a separate ultrafine grinding unit instead of returning this flow to the ball grinding mills.