A Simplified DEM Approach to Predict the Grinding Process in a Stirred Mill

This study investigates media wear in stirred media mills by varying key variables such as specific energy input and feed sizes. Specific energy input is considered a primary influencing factor in the grinding process, making it a central focus of the study. The investigation was carried out in two parts: experimental studies and DEM simulations. In the experimental phase, the specific energy input was varied at three levels (5, 10, and 20kWh/t), while feed sizes were varied at two levels (1150+850 μm and -600+425 μm). The data generated were used to calibrate the DEM mill program. The DEM was then used to assess energy spectra and particle probability breakage properties to predict the milling rate. The experimental findings revealed clear insights into the impact of varying specific energy and feed sizes on the grinding process, highlighting specific energy as a key driver of grinding efficiency. It is demonstrated that this simple scheme indicates good assessment capabilities without requiring the complexity of combining DEM with CFD. This approach is recommended for speedier evaluation of the material grinding rate, provided the fracture properties of the material to be ground are available.