Simulation as an aid to design: A case study

摘要

In this study, the effect of proposed changes on the performance of Kure Copper Plant grinding circuit was investigated using simulation as a tool. It was suggested that changing the size of hydrocyclones would provide a finer, hence more liberated, feed to the flotation circuit and increase the grade and recovery of concentrate. The plausible effect of the proposed modifications was studied by simulating the grinding circuit. Perfect mixing model was used to simulate both rod and bal mill grinding. For the hydrocycloning the model developed by Nageswararao was employed. Breakage characteristics of the ore were determined by using twin pendulum test device. The data obtained from sampling around the circuit was used for the estimation of model parameters of comminution and classification models. The plant scale tests carried out by the plant engineers provided the data to verify the simulation results. It was shown that the proposed changes would not provide the desired product size if the plant operated under the design conditions. It is, however, possible to obtain such a product by considerably decreasing the throughput.