Modeling and Simulation of Cone Crushers

A generic structure for dynamic models of cone crushers is presented, in the form of a partial differential equation depending on both time and a spatial variable as well as the size distribution of the particles. Assumptions on the size classification of the flow through the crusher and the velocity of the particles enable modeling the effect of the main manipulated variables, i.e. closed side setting and rotational velocity. It is also shown how the model may be discretized and approximated by an ordinary differential equation. Simulations show that the model exhibits the expected behavior of a cone crusher. Notable is the effect of changing the rotational speed, which suggests that this variable is potentially valuable for improving the control of the crusher.