ReconstructionoftheTheoryofComminution.docVIP

Reconstruction of the Theory of Comminution Toshio Inoue Professor Emeritus, University of Tokyo Abstract One of the immediate incentives of this research was to answer the question, how to reduce the particle size of various materials to the nanometer domain in particular for advanced technology. To achieve this goal the author considered that the fundamentals of comminution have to be better understood, and on this ground the new theory of comminution needs be reestablished. The new approach proposed to this end calls for ‘the micro-scale model’. The purpose of this paper is to present how we can realize this task by simulation in association with the test works in the micro-scale. In line with this objective the paper compares several types of media mills and jet mills to substantiate the relationship between the energy required for fracturing minute particles and the amenability of the material testing to achieve it in the micro-scale. Keywords: comminution theory, discrete element method simulation, media mill, jet mill INTRODUCTION - Formulation of the energy-particle size relationship - Rittinger(1867), Kick(1885) and Bond(1952) presented the formulas that represent the transfer of modal size of particles before and after crushing or grinding operations in relation to the work done, or the energy input per unit mass. These well-known formulas are still being used widely in the industry as well as in research works. Generally speaking, Kick’s formula is used mostly in the prediction of energy required to crush materials above millimeter sizes, while Rittinger’s formula is considered to give acceptable fit to the grinding operations in the size range below 100 microns. Below 10 microns downwards, however, Rittinger’s formula invalidates itself rapidly. This phenomenon can be attributed primarily to the reduction of the grinding efficiency, but the real reason for this is complex and misty. Indeed this is the most crucial problem today, becau