AG-Test Small scale tests for autogenous grinding scale-up
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Avdelningen för Mineralteknik och Metallurgi |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 498 000 |
| Project duration | April 2020 - November 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Swedish mining and metal producing industry - SIP Swedish Mining Innovation |
| Call | Towards a sustainable development in the mining and metal extraction industry |
Important results from the project
The results of the project indicate that for any small-scale test development or evaluation of such a test, the fatigue generation in the large stone should be accounted for and the current available test methods ignore this. XCT scanning is a potential tool for observing the behavior of ore under loading and can be used to evaluate the fracture and track micro-cracks.
Expected long term effects
Reviewing the small-scale test methods available for AG upscaling and performance showed that in all small-scale tests the generation of fatigue in large stones during grinding cycles was ignored. XCT scanning with high-resolution showed that micro-cracks exist in fresh feed to the mill and the frequency of generating micro-cracks depends on ore properties and environment condition.
Approach and implementation
Using loading cycles, fatigue generated in the small samples. Generating fatigue in soft ore without breaking the sample was challenging. XCT scanning worked well for small sample size (4.5 x 7.0 mm) and a resolution of 1.5 µm. Micro-cracks were visible in the images. The fatigue affected the soft and hard ores differently. Hard ore has no apparent increase of micro-cracks.