Optimization of grinding efficiency of a dolomite plant to cater glass manufacturing industry

Abstract

The glass industry necessitates stringent particle size specifications for raw materials such as dolomite to ensure product integrity and process quality. In this paper, it is suggested that there is a systematic study to optimize the grinding efficiency of a dolomite processing plant to meet such stringent specifications. The research focused on the optimization of a pre-existing secondary ball milling circuit to produce a higher dolomite percentage of particles size lesser than 700 μm, while closely controlling the production of fines (<150 μm). The selection of dolomite with improved grinding characteristics was based on material pre-characterization through Aggregate Impact Value (AIV) and moisture content. Three systematic ball mill studies were conducted to examine various breaking mechanisms in different feed size ranges (5-1.7 mm, 3-1.7 mm, and 1.7 mm-700 μm). The experiments indicate an interdependence between feed size and media charge. The final optimized trial, with a fine feed (1.7 mm-700 μm) and intermediate-weighted ball charge (30% 60 mm, 50% 40 mm, 20% 30 mm), could successfully produce a product that contained 90.2% passing 600 μm while 29.3% passing 150 μm. The outcome confirms the two-stage grinding strategy and offers a fact-based path to success in meeting the glass industry's specifications.