Modelling discrete fragmentation of brittle particles

Modelling of Gyratory Crusher Liner Wear Using a Digital Wireless Sensor

A gyratory crusher is a key mineral processing asset in a comminution circuit. Monitoring and predicting the crusher liner wear is essential to ensure the throughput and product quality are maintained during production. This study developed a digital sensor and a discrete element modelling (DEM)-coupled methodology to monitor and reconstruct the gyratory crusher concave liner wear pattern. The developed digital sensor was able to track and report the live thickness of the specific installation point on a concave liner during operation. A wear reconstruction model was then developed based on the wear intensity obtained using the DEM and digital sensor results. The wear reconstruction model predictive results were subsequently compared with site measurements after 95 days of operation. The results indicated that the wear reconstruction model showed good agreement with measured results in terms of wear zone distribution as well as quantitative wear rate prediction. The outcome of this study can be potentially utilised in the mineral processing industry for plant monitoring and automation.

Quantifying Dry Milling in Pharmaceutical Processing: A Review on Experimental and Modeling Approaches

Particle size reduction by mechanical means is an important unit operation in the pharmaceutical industry, used to improve flow, solubility, and in amorphization of drugs. It is usually achieved by the fracturing of particles under the action of applied energy. Despite being pervasive in the pharmaceutical field, it is one of the least understood processes owing to the complexity of material and process variables involved during milling. To comprehend the process, efforts should be focused on techniques that measure the particle size as well as the control the process. With the ongoing initiative of US FDA to encourage design in quality, the review is focused on some process analytical tools to characterize particle size distribution as well as process modeling tools to simulate particle size reduction. Additionally, an overview of some fundamental aspects related to milling is provided. To this end, the review is limited, mainly concentrating on some of experimental and modeling approaches used to quantify and understand the physics behind the process of dry milling.