Size class reduction in a cumulative rates model for a grinding mill circuit

The number of size classes used in a cumulative rates model to simulate a grinding mill circuit was reduced from 25 to 5. The model remains qualitatively and quantitatively accurate when 5 size classes are used, with variations of less than 5% from the base case of 25 size classes. If the model is implemented in a model-based controller, the reduced number of size classes can possibly lessen the computational load for on-line implementation.