Effect of media size and mechanical properties on milling efficiency and media consumption

The effect of media size and properties on milling efficiency, media wear, and power consumption will be discussed. A predictive model has been developed and was verified by analyzing results of laboratory trials in a mineral grinding application. Recent developments in high density media capabilities for a range of feed types and particle sizes will be presented.

Research Highlights► The effect of mill media material properties on grinding efficiency, media wear, and power consumption was defined. ► High density media with optimum sizing improved milling efficiency by approximately 30%. ► Mill media with a low coefficient of friction resulted in reduced energy consumption of up to 2.3 times in the laboratory trials. ► Large size high density mill media is suitable for coarse feed grinding in IsaMills. ► Mill media cost is not the only factor to be considered in selecting the best media for a specific application.