Optimizing the grinding circuit
Efficiency in the grinding circuit strongly improves the overall performance of a concentrator. Since grinding accounts for a large proportion of operating costs and has a strong impact on downstream processes such as flotation, the grinding control system is one of the most crucial factors in concentrator performance. Dependable real-time particle size information provided by the particle size analyzer makes the management and control of a grinding circuit possible. Additionally, it guarantees high and stable quality of the end product as well as effective tailings disposal.
For years, Outotec has been helping customers to optimize their grinding circuits by providing Outotec PSI® particle size analyzers and Outotec MillSense® mill charge analyzers to evaluate the status and performance of the process. More recently, Outotec has consolidated its strong grinding know-how to provide an advanced grinding control solution.
Information from the particle size analyzer and other on-line analyzers is used for closed loop and expert system control. Outotec has extensive experience in providing expert control solutions (Advanced Control Tools, Outotec® ACT) for grinding circuits. When Outotec's advanced control solution is applied, the variation of process parameters is reduced, the desired particle size distribution is maintained and the throughput of the mill is optimized. This ensures cost-effective, trouble-free and efficient operation of grinding circuits as well as a steady feed to downstream processes.
Advanced grinding control
The most suitable control strategy for each circuit is tailor-made on the basis of process data analysis, available instrumentation and current operating methodologies. As the first step of implementing expert control, on-line data is validated and used for monitoring the grinding circuit status and its performance. Primary control actions are taken in order to stabilize the process parameters and prevent disturbances such as mill overloading or an unstable circulating load.
Furthermore, the throughput of the circuit is optimized based on the defined criteria of product particle size and operating costs. By utilizing Outotec MillSense®, control can also be based on volumetric mill load to optimize grinding efficiency. This is especially useful in SAG/AG mill applications. With Outotec's advanced grinding control solution, you can reliably maximize the performance of your mills.