Abstract
A grinding system consisting of a ball mill and an imperfect classifier, whose performance characteristics include wide-range stochastic classification processes as well as partition phenomenon towards the coarser products, is analyzed by means of matrix simulation method.
The analysis is principally aimed at the clarification of classifier performance on the steady-state flow-rate and also on the particle size distribution of fine products, under the prerequisite that the fraction of particles finer than a predetermined size should be kept constant by means of the adjustment of cut-size of classifier.
From the results of analysis, some suggestions can be made on the optimization of operational or design variables. One of these is on the existence of optimum point of classifier-feed flowrate F and the effects of other variables on its location. To make steady-state flow-rate of fine products highest, it is recommended that the classifier should be operated so that the flow-rate of recirculating air in the classifier may be held constant at the maximum value, and F should be maintained constant at the optimum point.
