Application of DEM modelling to grinding processes

Understanding energy utilisation in grinding is critical to the process optimisation. In this paper, we demonstrated that the discrete element method (DEM) modelling, when combined with experimental measurements, can provide more realistic and reliable description of grinding processes. By incorporating particle grindability from experiments and energy condition from DEM simulations into a population balance model (PBM), we developed a multi-scale framework to predict mill performance. The model can be an invaluable tool in the design, control and optimisation of grinding processes.