XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 3969
compared with the predictions from the DEM simulations.
This comprehensive approach validates the DEM simula-
tion methodologies and contributes to the optimized design
and operation of the CAHM and MonoRoll prototypes.
Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Ab-T10
Breakage Model in Comminution Processes
Discrete Element Method (DEM) modelling is a numerical
technique that enables the detailed study of granular mate-
rials’ mechanical and dynamic behavior. DEM has been an
essential toolkit for the design of CAHM technology. By
representing rock particles as discrete entities, Ansys Rocky
DEM allows for the simulation of the complex interactions
and breakage events that occur during comminution.
In the context of comminution processes, DEM pro-
vides a powerful tool for modeling and understanding par-
ticle breakage. This is achieved using the Ab-T10 breakage
model as implemented in Ansys Rocky DEM. The function
is a probabilistic model that is based on the work of Vogel
and Peukert (2005) that was later modified by Shi and
Kojovic (2007). This model treats each particle as a single
entity that can be instantaneously broken into a predict-
able fragment distribution based on the cumulative impact
energy it receives.
In Rocky DEM software, the specific impact energy is
computed by summing the work done by the contact forces
at all contact points of a particle during the loading period.
For a particle to be damaged, the specific impact energy
should be greater than the minimum breakage energy of
that particle. This minimum breakage energy is related
to the particle size. To account for the damage caused by
successive collisions, the verification of breakage is made
by considering a cumulative value of the specific impact
energy.
A particle instantaneously breaks in the model if at any
moment the breakage probability is larger than the strength
of the particle. The daughter fragments are generated fol-
lowing the Voronoi fracture algorithm according to the
Gaudin-Schumann size distribution.
HPGR DEM MODELING AND
VALIDATION
HPGR machines were selected as the reference for compar-
ison and evaluation of the CAHM machine performance.
Initial HPGR simulations were set up to virtually replicate
experimental data collected from a Koeppern 800 mm
roll diameter HPGR machine located at the University of
British Columbia (UBC).
The DEM simulation of the HPGR, as illustrated in
Figure 3, was successfully executed and the results were
compared with the experimental data. The DEM model
predicts the HPGR machine response roller force and
power draw with more than 97% accuracy.
Demonstrated results highlight the efficacy of the
DEM model in predicting the performance of the HPGR
machine, thus providing a reliable tool for comparing and
evaluating the CAHM machine. For more detailed results
and a comparison with CAHM performance, please refer
to the relevant tables in the following sections.
The DEM model, once calibrated and validated for
HPGR modeling, was used for DEM simulation of the
CAHM technology.
Figure 3. UBC’s HPGR DEM simulation
compared with the predictions from the DEM simulations.
This comprehensive approach validates the DEM simula-
tion methodologies and contributes to the optimized design
and operation of the CAHM and MonoRoll prototypes.
Discrete Element Method (DEM) and the Ab-T10
Breakage Model in Comminution Processes
Discrete Element Method (DEM) modelling is a numerical
technique that enables the detailed study of granular mate-
rials’ mechanical and dynamic behavior. DEM has been an
essential toolkit for the design of CAHM technology. By
representing rock particles as discrete entities, Ansys Rocky
DEM allows for the simulation of the complex interactions
and breakage events that occur during comminution.
In the context of comminution processes, DEM pro-
vides a powerful tool for modeling and understanding par-
ticle breakage. This is achieved using the Ab-T10 breakage
model as implemented in Ansys Rocky DEM. The function
is a probabilistic model that is based on the work of Vogel
and Peukert (2005) that was later modified by Shi and
Kojovic (2007). This model treats each particle as a single
entity that can be instantaneously broken into a predict-
able fragment distribution based on the cumulative impact
energy it receives.
In Rocky DEM software, the specific impact energy is
computed by summing the work done by the contact forces
at all contact points of a particle during the loading period.
For a particle to be damaged, the specific impact energy
should be greater than the minimum breakage energy of
that particle. This minimum breakage energy is related
to the particle size. To account for the damage caused by
successive collisions, the verification of breakage is made
by considering a cumulative value of the specific impact
energy.
A particle instantaneously breaks in the model if at any
moment the breakage probability is larger than the strength
of the particle. The daughter fragments are generated fol-
lowing the Voronoi fracture algorithm according to the
Gaudin-Schumann size distribution.
HPGR DEM MODELING AND
VALIDATION
HPGR machines were selected as the reference for compar-
ison and evaluation of the CAHM machine performance.
Initial HPGR simulations were set up to virtually replicate
experimental data collected from a Koeppern 800 mm
roll diameter HPGR machine located at the University of
British Columbia (UBC).
The DEM simulation of the HPGR, as illustrated in
Figure 3, was successfully executed and the results were
compared with the experimental data. The DEM model
predicts the HPGR machine response roller force and
power draw with more than 97% accuracy.
Demonstrated results highlight the efficacy of the
DEM model in predicting the performance of the HPGR
machine, thus providing a reliable tool for comparing and
evaluating the CAHM machine. For more detailed results
and a comparison with CAHM performance, please refer
to the relevant tables in the following sections.
The DEM model, once calibrated and validated for
HPGR modeling, was used for DEM simulation of the
CAHM technology.
Figure 3. UBC’s HPGR DEM simulation