The effects of grinding media shapes on the grinding kinetics of cement clinker in ball mill

To investigate the effects of grinding media shapes on the grinding kinetics of ball mill cement clinker, the grinding effects with ϕ20 mm balls and ϕ20 × 20 mm cylinders on six different size fractions, i.e. − 4.75 + 4.00 mm, − 4.00 + 3.35 mm, − 3.35 + 2.36 mm, − 2.36 + 2.00 mm, − 2.00 + 1.70 mm and − 1.70 + 1.18 mm of cement clinkers, were studied in a laboratory scale ball mill. The specific rate of breakage and the primary breakage distribution function were compared for the balls and cylinders. Result shows that cement clinker obeys first-order grinding kinetics in the case of both balls and cylinders. The specific rate of breakage of cylinders is higher than that of balls. The primary breakage distribution parameters are dependent on the initial feed size. The φ value of cylinders is higher than that of balls.

The effects of balls and cylinders on the clinker's specific rate of breakage were investigated. The results showed that the specific rate of breakage provided by cylinders is higher than that of balls. − 2.00 + 1.70 mm is an optimum feed size for 20 mm diameter balls and 20 × 20 mm diameter cylinders. At that feed size, the value of Si is maximized.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Cement clinker obeys first-order breakage kinetics both balls and cylinders.
► The specific rate of breakage of cylinders is higher than that of balls.
► The primary breakage distribution parameter is dependent on the initial feed size.
► The φ value of cylinders is higher than that of balls.