XXXI International Mineral Processing Congress 2024 Proceedings/Washington, DC/Sep 29–Oct 3 489
have higher ratios of particle-wall to particle-particle con-
tacts, and PTFE has a greater contact ratio to PA66.
The findings from this analysis support the robustness
and flexibility of our tribocharger optimisation approach,
revealing consistent patterns in contact area ratios across
a range of materials and particle sizes. Such consistency is
crucial, particularly as it suggests the method’s capacity for
designing effective particle charging is not limited to a spe-
cific material type. This is particularly valuable in contexts
where regular or easy access to the target environment is
constrained, such as the lunar surface.
LUNAR CASE STUDY
As we have demonstrated the efficacy of the optimised tri-
bocharger design in terrestrial settings, it is essential to con-
sider the applicability of the optimisation method for lunar
environments. The unique conditions of the Moon, includ-
ing its lower gravity and lack of atmosphere, present distinct
challenges and opportunities for mineral beneficiation. In
Figure 7. A comparison of the net particle-wall (PW) to net particle-particle (PP)
contact areas for PA66, PTFE, and PVC particles error bars indicate 95% confidence
intervals
Figure 8. A comparison of the particle-wall and particle-particle contact areas
experienced by a binary mixture of PTFE and PA66
have higher ratios of particle-wall to particle-particle con-
tacts, and PTFE has a greater contact ratio to PA66.
The findings from this analysis support the robustness
and flexibility of our tribocharger optimisation approach,
revealing consistent patterns in contact area ratios across
a range of materials and particle sizes. Such consistency is
crucial, particularly as it suggests the method’s capacity for
designing effective particle charging is not limited to a spe-
cific material type. This is particularly valuable in contexts
where regular or easy access to the target environment is
constrained, such as the lunar surface.
LUNAR CASE STUDY
As we have demonstrated the efficacy of the optimised tri-
bocharger design in terrestrial settings, it is essential to con-
sider the applicability of the optimisation method for lunar
environments. The unique conditions of the Moon, includ-
ing its lower gravity and lack of atmosphere, present distinct
challenges and opportunities for mineral beneficiation. In
Figure 7. A comparison of the net particle-wall (PW) to net particle-particle (PP)
contact areas for PA66, PTFE, and PVC particles error bars indicate 95% confidence
intervals
Figure 8. A comparison of the particle-wall and particle-particle contact areas
experienced by a binary mixture of PTFE and PA66