Using the discrete element method to analyze the breakage rate in a centrifugal/vibration mill

The grinding characteristics of a centrifugal mill with varying G/D (gyration/mill diameter) ratios were investigated using the population balance model and the discrete element method (DEM). A series of grinding tests were conducted on illite samples using a centrifugal mill under various conditions, and the breakage parameters were calculated. Three-dimensional DEM simulations were also conducted. It was found that the specific rates of breakage estimated for various grinding conditions correlated well with the impact energy calculated from DEM simulations. This information was used to develop scale-up functions for the centrifugal mill in terms of G/D ratio, rotational speed, mill diameter, grinding media diameter, and ball loading.