Dynamic simulation of the comminution of multi-component systems

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Arno Kwade
• Subject Area: Mechanical Process Engineering
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 551526332

Multicomponent systems are comminuted in a variety of industrial sectors, with mineral processing and the recycling sector being particularly noteworthy areas of application. Multi-component comminution has already been investigated experimentally by various research groups and modelled using population balances, but a holistic understanding is lacking. In particular, the interaction of the components and energy sharing during comminution cannot be quantified using current modelling approaches. In order to fill this knowledge gap, the project aims to experimentally investigate the comminution behaviour of a multi-component system consisting of quartz and limestone, using the knowledge gained together with data from DEM simulations to build a dynamic process model. The process model should be able to map the effects of relevant process parameters on multi-component comminution with the help of population balances and stress-energy distributions and allow in-depth insights into component interaction. The process model should offer the possibility of predictively describing the comminution process and thus the degree of disintegration of a multi-component system, which can be used, for example, to design and optimise downstream separation processes.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants