Fines reduction and energy optimisation in aggregates production

Ruszala, Matthew James Amor (2013). Fines reduction and energy optimisation in aggregates production. University of Birmingham. M.Res.

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Abstract

Aggregates production is a huge global industry which uses an enormous amount of energy and produces a massive amount of unsaleable fines. By reducing the amount of energy used and the amount of fines produced, it would make a quarry more efficient. This research looks at modelling a UK granite quarry, using JKSimMet and Split-Desktop software in conjunction with the EU project, EE-Quarry. Samples submitted to drop-weight tests confirmed the granite as an extremely hard and yielded rock fracture and energy of comminution data.

Split-Desktop software was utilised to determine the particle size distribution (PSD) of the primary crusher feed. JKSimMet was used to create a flowsheet of the quarry, the crusher product PSDs were simulated and strong correlations with experimental data were seen, especially in the fines. The simulated primary crusher product PSD showed 5.9% fines, and a simulation over the entire quarry showed the product to be within the size range of the quarry. When the closed side setting on the primary crusher was altered from 165.1 mm to 100.0 mm, it increased the amount of fines and the power draw, but reduced the overall plant fines.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Res.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Res.

Supervisor(s):