Use of the advanced discrete element method (DEM) to enhance the design and performance of the iron ore crusher used by Baffinland Company

破碎是选矿的第一步，将矿场的矿石/岩石送入破碎机，以减小后续阶段的粒度，从而从脉石中释放出有价值的矿物。在拟议的研究项目中，将利用一种名为离散单元法(DEM)的先进模拟技术来升级Baffinland铁矿使用的破碎机的设计。 由于铁矿石的大小和形状分布等特性不同，这些破碎机不能正常工作。为了适应生产能力的增加，修改这些破碎机的设计也是至关重要的。为了提高产品质量，有必要了解改变关键操作条件(如偏心速度和密闭粒度设定(CS))对铁矿石破碎率和破碎机能力的影响。因此，本研究项目的主要目的是改进现有破碎机的设计，提高破碎机在最佳运行条件下的性能。在拟议的项目中开发的DEM模型将用于评估破碎机的磨损和分析堵塞问题。这些重要信息将被用来升级这些破碎装置的设计。 应用这一研究项目的成果将有助于努纳武特人民的就业机会，增加努纳武特政府的收入，并增加加拿大采矿业的经济活动。加拿大采矿业、设备设计者和制造商可以在计算机上实施DEM方法来评估许多场景，而无需通过反复试验来构建和测试原型模型或修改当前设计的额外成本。这将节省资本成本，改进设备设计，增加现有工厂的生产能力，提高产品质量，并更有效地利用电力。因此，拟议的研究将有助于加拿大采矿业经济活动的增加，并将影响我们的社会、生活质量、健康和环境。

Crushing is the first step of mineral processing where the ores/rocks from the mine site are fed into a crusher to reduce the size for the subsequent stages and thus liberate the valuable mineral from the gangue. In the proposed research project, an advanced simulation technique called discrete element method (DEM) will be utilized to upgrade the design of the crushers used by Baffinland Iron Mines. These crushers are not functioning properly due to the variations in iron ores characteristics such as the size and shape distributions. To cope with an increase in the production capacity, it is also vital to modify the design of these crushers. In order to enhance the quality of the product, it is essential to understand how iron ore breakage and the capacity of the crusher are affected by changing the critical operating conditions such as the eccentric speed and the close size setting (CSS). Therefore, the main objectives of this research project are to modify the design of the existing crusher and to enhance the performance of the crusher at the optimal operating conditions. The DEM model developed in the proposed project will be employed to assess the crusher wear and to analyze the blockage issue. This vital information will be used to upgrade the design of these crushing units. Applying the results of this research project will contribute to the employment opportunities for the people of Nunavut, increased revenues to the Government of Nunavut, and increased economic activity of the Canadian mining industry. Canadian mining industry, and equipment designers and manufacturers can implement the DEM approach to assess many scenarios on a computer without the additional cost of constructing and testing prototype models or modifying current design via trial and error. This will lead to capital cost savings, improved equipment design, increased throughput for existing plant, improved quality of products, and more efficient use of power. Thus, the proposed research will contribute to the increased economic activity of the Canadian mining industry, and will impact our society, quality of life, health and environment.