Desarrollo de software académico para simulación de procesos metalúrgicos de reducción y clasificación de tamaño : Desarrollo de un software para la simulación de un sistema de trituración y clasificación en una trituradora de cono.

Abstract

Comminution covers the various processes that can be applied to an ore to reduce its particle size and, thus, convert it into a more usable product and/or prepare it for subsequent processes that allow the liberation of a given element. Cone crushers are usually used in the secondary and tertiary crushing stages with hard and abrasive materials and have a reduction ratio in the range of 3:1 to 6:1. The objective of the present work was to develop a software for the simulation of a crushing and classification system in a cone crusher, which allows knowing the particle size distribution of the product from feed data and operational parameters. For this purpose, a model was defined which describes the comminution process as a repetitive cycle of classification and breakage. The particle size distribution of the product was determined from operational parameters of the equipment such as the discharge opening in the closed position of the crusher or Close Side Setting (CSS) and the inlet material flow (TPH), as well as the feed particle size. The model was validated by comparing the results obtained with existing data in the literature, from which mean deviation values of 1.24% and 2.06% were obtained for the first two scenarios analyzed. Finally, a graphical interface was developed with MATLAB App Designer, which allowed obtaining and visualizing the particle size distribution of the product for typical comminution systems or by entering the operating parameters.