Control method for a grinding mill train

Abstract

The application discloses a control method of a grinding machine group. The method comprises the following steps: acquiring a particle size ratio of target ore materials output from the second outlet of the cyclone group, the particle size of the target ore materials being less than or equal to a preset particle size threshold, the particle size ratio being a ratio between a content of the target ore materials and a content of total ore materials output from the second outlet; and if the particle size ratio is not in a preset particle size ratio range, adjusting a water adding rate of the first pump pulp tank until the particle size ratio is in the particle size ratio range, wherein the water adding rate is positively correlated with the particle size ratio. The classification accuracy of the cyclone group can be improved by the application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of grinding technology, and in particular relates to a control method for a grinding mill unit. Background Technology

[0002] In the grinding process, hydrocyclones are commonly used classification equipment. Their working principle is to classify the ore, separating out coarse particles and returning them to the grinding mill for further grinding. This effectively prevents excessively coarse particles from being mixed into subsequent beneficiation processes, thereby ensuring a more uniform and stable product particle size.

[0003] During the grinding process, the properties of the ore often change, such as changes in ore hardness and mineral composition, or the instability of the previous process. These factors make it difficult to keep the feed constant, which poses a challenge to accurately controlling the classification accuracy of the hydrocyclone. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide a control method for a grinding mill unit, which can at least improve the classification accuracy of a hydrocyclone unit to a certain extent.

[0005] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control method for a grinding mill unit is provided. The grinding mill unit includes a first process device, which includes a grinding mill, a first slurry tank, and a hydrocyclone group. The grinding mill is provided with a return port and a discharge port. The first slurry tank is connected to the return port and the first slurry tank is connected to the hydrocyclone group. The hydrocyclone group is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the return port. The particle size of the ore output from the second outlet is smaller than the particle size of the ore output from the first outlet. The method includes:

[0007] The particle size ratio of the target ore output from the second outlet of the hydrocyclone group is obtained, wherein the particle size of the target ore is less than or equal to a preset particle size threshold, and the particle size ratio is the ratio between the content of the target ore and the content of the total ore output from the second outlet.

[0008] If the particle size ratio is not within the preset particle size ratio range, the water addition rate entering the first pump tank is adjusted until the particle size ratio is within the preset range, wherein the water addition rate is positively correlated with the particle size ratio.

[0009] Optionally, the first pump slurry tank includes a water inlet valve, and adjusting the water inlet rate into the first pump slurry tank until the particle size ratio is within the specified range includes:

[0010] The opening of the water supply valve is adjusted according to the preset first step length, and the particle size ratio is obtained again after each adjustment until the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, at which point the adjustment of the opening of the water supply valve is stopped. The opening of the water supply valve is positively correlated with the particle size ratio.

[0011] Optionally, the first pump tank is equipped with a first motor, and after the particle size ratio is within the specified range, the method further includes:

[0012] Obtain the current liquid level of the first pump slurry tank;

[0013] If the current liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the frequency of the first motor is adjusted until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, wherein the frequency of the first motor is negatively correlated with the current liquid level.

[0014] Optionally, adjusting the frequency of the first motor until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range includes:

[0015] The frequency of the first motor is adjusted according to the preset second step size, and the current liquid level is reacquired after each frequency adjustment until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, at which point the frequency adjustment of the first motor is stopped.

[0016] Optionally, the hydrocyclone group includes multiple hydrocyclones, and after the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, the method further includes:

[0017] Obtain the feed pressure of the hydrocyclone;

[0018] If the feed pressure is not within the preset pressure range, the opening and closing state of at least one of the hydrocyclones is adjusted, wherein the feed pressure is negatively correlated with the number of hydrocyclones in the open state, or the feed pressure is positively correlated with the number of hydrocyclones in the closed state.

[0019] Optionally, adjusting the opening and closing state of at least one of the hydrocyclones includes:

[0020] If the feed pressure is less than the pressure range, one hydrocyclone is shut down one by one, and the feed pressure is reacquired after each hydrocyclone is shut down, until the feed pressure is within the pressure range, and then the remaining hydrocyclones are shut down.

[0021] If the feed pressure is greater than the pressure range, one hydrocyclone is turned on in turn, and the feed pressure is re-acquired after each hydrocyclone is turned on, until the feed pressure is within the pressure range, and then the remaining hydrocyclones are turned off.

[0022] Optionally, the first pumping tank is equipped with a pumping pipeline connected to the hydrocyclone assembly. During the process of adjusting the water injection rate into the first pumping tank, the method further includes:

[0023] The concentration of ore fed to the hydrocyclone group by the first pump slurry tank through the pump slurry pipeline is detected.

[0024] If the feed concentration exceeds the preset feed concentration range, the adjustment of the water addition rate will be stopped and an alarm will be triggered.

[0025] Optionally, after the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, the method further includes:

[0026] Obtain the current liquid level of the first pump slurry tank;

[0027] If the current liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the feed rate into the first pump slurry tank is adjusted until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, wherein the feed rate is positively correlated with the current liquid level.

[0028] Optionally, the grinding mill unit further includes a second process device, which operates in the next step after the first process device in the grinding process flow. After the particle size ratio is within the specified range, the method further includes:

[0029] Obtain the cyclic load of the second process equipment;

[0030] If the cyclic load is less than the preset load range, then the first process equipment is controlled to operate according to the lower limit of the particle size ratio range.

[0031] If the cyclic load is greater than the load range, then the first process equipment is controlled to operate at the upper limit of the particle size ratio range.

[0032] Optionally, the second process equipment includes a second pump tank and a second motor, and obtaining the circulating load of the second process equipment includes:

[0033] The liquid level of the second pump slurry tank or the current of the second motor is obtained, wherein the liquid level of the second pump slurry tank is positively correlated with the circulating load, and the current of the second motor is positively correlated with the circulating load.

[0034] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, including one or more processors and one or more memories, wherein at least one piece of program code is stored in the one or more memories, the at least one piece of program code being loaded and executed by the one or more processors to perform the operations performed as described in any of the methods of the first aspect.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing at least one computer program instruction, the at least one computer program instruction being loaded and executed by a processor to perform the operation as described in any of the methods in the first aspect.

[0036] The one or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention achieve at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0037] This application obtains the particle size ratio of the target ore output from the second outlet of the hydrocyclone group. The particle size of the target ore is less than or equal to a preset particle size threshold. The particle size ratio is the ratio between the content of the target ore and the content of the total ore output from the second outlet. If the particle size ratio is not within the preset range, the water addition rate entering the first pump tank is adjusted until the particle size ratio is within the range. The water addition rate and the particle size ratio are positively correlated. Therefore, this embodiment of the application, by adjusting the water addition rate of the first pump tank, ensures that the particle size ratio of the ore output from the hydrocyclone group is always within the specified range, thus improving the classification accuracy of the hydrocyclone group.

[0038] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0040] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the grinding mill unit according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 A flowchart of a control method for a grinding mill unit according to an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the electronic device of the present application is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this application, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0045] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different models and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0046] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0047] It should also be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such uses of these terms can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described.

[0048] Currently, mineral processing plants typically employ closed-circuit grinding processes for various reasons, such as improving the quality of grinding products to meet the particle size requirements of subsequent beneficiation operations, increasing grinding efficiency to reduce energy consumption and production costs, stabilizing the production process to ensure smooth transitions between stages, and adapting to different ore properties and product requirements. In closed-circuit grinding systems, hydrocyclones are commonly used classifying devices. Their working principle is to classify the grinding products, separating coarse particles and returning them to the grinding mill for further grinding. This effectively prevents overly coarse particles from being mixed into subsequent beneficiation processes, thus ensuring a more uniform and stable product particle size. Simultaneously, by using hydrocyclones to promptly separate qualified fine particles, over-grinding is significantly reduced, allowing the grinding mill to focus its main efforts on grinding coarse particles, thereby effectively improving grinding efficiency.

[0049] However, hydrocyclones face numerous challenging problems in actual control. Firstly, their classification accuracy is highly complex, influenced by a complex interplay of factors such as feed pressure, concentration, and particle size. Fluctuations in feed pressure can cause significant changes in particle size. Furthermore, in actual production, ore properties frequently change—for example, alterations in hardness and mineral composition—or the instability of previous processes, such as fluctuations in feed rate, making it difficult to maintain a constant feed condition. This poses a significant challenge to accurately controlling the classification accuracy of hydrocyclones. Secondly, with the continuous expansion of ore processing plants, equipment is trending towards larger sizes, and hydrocyclones are correspondingly being deployed in hydrocyclone arrays to meet this demand. However, currently, there is a lack of mature and comprehensive control standards for the number of hydrocyclone arrays in operation, often requiring manual intervention and adjustment. This not only increases the labor intensity and workload of manual operation, but also makes it difficult to accurately and timely optimize and adjust the number of hydrocyclones in operation based on the actual production situation due to the limitations of manual judgment and operation. This is not conducive to the continuous and stable performance of grinding and classification efficiency, and can easily lead to increased fluctuations and instabilities in the production process, which in turn has an adverse impact on the production efficiency and product quality of the entire concentrator.

[0050] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a control method for a grinding mill unit, which can at least improve the classification accuracy of the grinding mill unit to a certain extent. The method will be described in detail below with reference to the specific accompanying drawings.

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the grinding mill unit according to an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the control method of a grinding mill unit according to an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0052] like Figure 1As shown, the grinding mill group 1 includes a first process equipment, which includes: a grinding mill 1, a first pump slurry tank 11, and a hydrocyclone group. The grinding mill 1 is provided with a return port and a discharge port. The first pump slurry tank 11 is connected to the return port and the first pump slurry tank 11 is connected to the hydrocyclone group. The hydrocyclone group is provided with a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the return port, and the particle size of the ore output from the second outlet is smaller than that of the ore output from the first outlet.

[0053] It should be noted that the working principle of the first process equipment is as follows: the pump 3 slurry tank transports the slurry to the hydrocyclone group, the hydrocyclone group classifies the slurry, and the slurry with smaller particle size that meets the separation standard of this process section is output through the second outlet, for example, to enter the next process; the slurry with larger particle size is transported through the first outlet to the return port and enters the grinding mill 1 for further grinding. The ground slurry enters the first pump slurry tank 11, and the above process is repeated until the particle size of the slurry output from the current process section meets the standard.

[0054] In some embodiments, the first pump slurry tank 11 is provided with a flow meter 9 and a water inlet valve 10. The flow meter 9 is used to detect the flow rate of water entering the first pump slurry tank 11, and the water inlet valve 10 is used to control the amount of water entering the pump slurry tank.

[0055] In some embodiments, the first slurry tank 11 includes a motor, a pump 3 and a slurry pipe for the pump 3, the slurry pipe for the pump 3 being connected to the hydrocyclone assembly, the motor being configured to drive the pump 3 to operate, and the pump 3 pumping the slurry in the first slurry tank 11 into the hydrocyclone assembly through the slurry pipe for the pump 3.

[0056] In some embodiments, the first slurry tank 11 is provided with a level gauge 2, which is configured to detect the current level of the slurry in the first slurry tank 11.

[0057] In some embodiments, the hydrocyclone group includes a plurality of hydrocyclones, each of which is connected to the slurry pipeline via a branch pipe, the branch pipe being provided with a switch valve 4 for controlling the connection or closure of the branch pipe.

[0058] In some embodiments, the hydrocyclone assembly is provided with a pressure sensor 5, configured to detect the feed pressure on the hydrocyclone assembly.

[0059] In some embodiments, the hydrocyclone assembly is provided with a concentration meter 6, configured to detect the slurry concentration in the hydrocyclone assembly.

[0060] In some embodiments, the second outlet is provided with a pipe sampler 7 and a particle size analyzer 8. The pipe sampler 7 is used to sample the ore output from the second outlet, and the particle size analyzer 8 is used to detect the particle size ratio of the sampled ore.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, according to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control method for a grinding mill unit is provided. The method can be executed on control equipment at the grinding process site, such as an industrial computer. The method includes, but is not limited to:

[0062] Step S1. Obtain the particle size ratio of the target ore output from the second outlet of the hydrocyclone group, wherein the particle size of the target ore is less than or equal to a preset particle size threshold, and the particle size ratio is the ratio between the content of the target ore and the content of the total ore output from the second outlet.

[0063] For example, the particle size ratio of the target ore output from the second outlet is detected by the particle size analyzer.

[0064] Step S2. If the particle size ratio is not within the preset particle size ratio range, the water addition rate entering the first pump slurry tank is adjusted until the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, wherein the water addition rate is positively correlated with the particle size ratio.

[0065] Understandably, if the particle size ratio is not within the preset particle size ratio range, it means that the proportion of target ore material that is less than or equal to the preset particle size threshold (e.g., 3mm) is too large or too small. If it is too large, the particle size of the slurry output from the second outlet to the next process will be too fine, which is not conducive to the separation of the next process. If it is too small, the particle size of the slurry output from the second outlet to the next process will be too coarse, resulting in low grinding efficiency.

[0066] It should be noted that the positive correlation between water addition rate and particle size ratio means that the higher the water addition rate, the higher the particle size ratio, and vice versa. This can be understood as follows: when the slurry concentration and feed pressure are within a certain range, a higher water addition rate results in a lower slurry concentration in the first pump tank, leading to better classification by the hydrocyclone group. This increases the proportion of ore particles below the preset particle size threshold, thus increasing the particle size ratio.

[0067] In some embodiments, the first pump slurry tank includes a water inlet valve, and adjusting the water inlet rate into the first pump slurry tank until the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range includes:

[0068] The opening of the water supply valve is adjusted according to the preset first step length, and the particle size ratio is obtained again after each adjustment until the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, at which point the adjustment of the opening of the water supply valve is stopped. The opening of the water supply valve is positively correlated with the particle size ratio.

[0069] For example: the preset particle size ratio range is Gmin (lower limit of particle size ratio) to Gmax (upper limit of particle size ratio), the particle size detection time interval T can be 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, etc., and the water inlet valve opening adjustment range ΔZ can be 2%, 5%, 10%, etc. The above values ​​can be adjusted within the system and are not limited here.

[0070] During the grinding process, the particle size analyzer samples the overflow particle size ratio of the hydrocyclone group at detection time intervals T, and the sampling result is set as the particle size ratio G.

[0071] If Gmin < G < Gmax, then the existing control parameters remain unchanged.

[0072] If G ≥ Gmax, it indicates that the overflow of the hydrocyclone group is too fine, which is not conducive to the efficiency of the grinding and classification process. It is necessary to increase the hydrocyclone feed concentration to coarsen the overflow particle size and improve the throughput of the grinding and classification process. The water inlet valve opening is reduced by the adjustment range ΔZ, decreasing the water inlet rate of the first pump slurry tank, thereby increasing the hydrocyclone feed concentration D. This reduces the classification effect of the hydrocyclone group, resulting in a decrease in the proportion of ore below the preset particle size threshold, and thus a decrease in the particle size ratio. After a detection time interval T, the particle size ratio is continuously detected and compared. If G ≥ Gmax, the above steps are continued until G < Gmax.

[0073] If G ≤ Gmin, it indicates that the overflow of the hydrocyclone group is too coarse, which is detrimental to the efficiency of the next process. It is necessary to reduce the hydrocyclone feed concentration to fineren the overflow particle size and improve the classification effect of the grinding and classification process. Increase the water valve opening by the adjustment range ΔZ to increase the water addition rate of the first pump slurry tank, thereby reducing the hydrocyclone feed concentration D and increasing the classification effect of the hydrocyclone group. This will increase the proportion of ore with a particle size below the preset threshold, thus increasing the particle size ratio. After the detection time interval T, continue to detect and compare the overflow particle size. If G still ≤ Gmin, continue adjusting according to the above steps until G > Gmin.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first pump tank is equipped with a first motor, and after the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, the method further includes:

[0075] Step S3. Obtain the current liquid level of the first pump slurry tank;

[0076] For example, the current liquid level in the first pump slurry tank is detected using a level gauge.

[0077] Step S4. If the current liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the frequency of the first motor is adjusted until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, wherein the frequency of the first motor is negatively correlated with the current liquid level.

[0078] Understandably, after adjusting the water supply rate of the first pump slurry tank, the liquid level of the first pump slurry tank will change. In order to prevent the pump tank from being emptied or the tank from overflowing with ore, the motor frequency needs to be adjusted.

[0079] The negative correlation between the frequency of the first motor and the current liquid level means that the lower the frequency of the first motor, the higher the current liquid level, and vice versa.

[0080] In some embodiments, adjusting the frequency of the first motor until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range includes:

[0081] The frequency of the first motor is adjusted according to the preset second step size, and the current liquid level is reacquired after each frequency adjustment until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, at which point the frequency adjustment of the first motor is stopped.

[0082] For example: the preset liquid level range is Low (lower limit) to Lhigh (upper limit), and the frequency adjustment range of the first motor is ΔS, which can be 5Hz, 10Hz, 15Hz, etc. These values ​​can be adjusted within the system and are not limited here.

[0083] During the grinding process, the current liquid level L is compared with the liquid level range. If Llow < L < Lhigh, no adjustment is made.

[0084] If L≤Llow, reduce the frequency S of the first motor by the adjustment range ΔS to reduce the pump's delivery capacity, thereby avoiding the first motor's frequency being too high when the liquid level is too low, which would cause the pump slurry to be pumped out. After a certain interval, such as 10s, 15s, etc., compare the liquid level L with the liquid level range again until Low<L<Lmax.

[0085] If L≥Lhigh, increase the frequency S of the first motor according to the adjustment range ΔS to increase the pump's delivery capacity, thereby avoiding the situation where the frequency of the first motor is too low when the liquid level is too high, resulting in ore overflow from the full tank. After a certain interval, such as 10s, 15s, etc., compare the liquid level L with the liquid level range again until Llow<L<Lmax.

[0086] In some embodiments, the hydrocyclone group includes a plurality of hydrocyclones, and after the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, the method further includes:

[0087] Step S5. Obtain the feed pressure of the hydrocyclone;

[0088] For example, a pressure sensor can be used to detect the feed pressure of a hydrocyclone.

[0089] It should be noted that each hydrocyclone can be connected to the slurry pump pipeline (main pipe) via a branch pipe. When the configuration parameters of each hydrocyclone are the same, the feed pressure of each hydrocyclone is basically the same. The feed pressure mentioned above can refer to the pressure remaining after deducting the pressure loss from the main pipe to the branch pipe inlet and the resistance loss of the branch pipe itself, based on the main pipe pressure.

[0090] Step S6. If the feed pressure is not within the preset pressure range, the opening and closing state of at least one of the hydrocyclones is adjusted, wherein the feed pressure is negatively correlated with the number of hydrocyclones in the open state, or the feed pressure is positively correlated with the number of hydrocyclones in the closed state.

[0091] The negative correlation between the feed pressure and the number of hydrocyclones in the open state means that the more hydrocyclones in the open state, the lower the feed pressure. In other words, increasing the number of open hydrocyclones can reduce the feed pressure.

[0092] The positive correlation between the feed pressure and the number of hydrocyclones in the off state means that the more hydrocyclones in the off state, the higher the feed pressure. In other words, increasing the number of hydrocyclones in the off state can increase the feed pressure.

[0093] It is understandable that when the liquid level in the first pumping tank is within the preset range after the frequency of the first motor is adjusted, the pressure of the slurry supplied from the first pumping tank to the hydrocyclone assembly through the pumping pipeline is constant; that is, the pressure in the pumping pipeline is constant. Therefore, with the pressure in the pumping pipeline remaining constant, the more outlets in the main pipe (i.e., the more branch pipes are open), the more the total flow in the main pipe will be distributed across multiple outlets, resulting in a dispersed flow and a decrease in pressure at each outlet. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the opening or closing state of the hydrocyclone according to the actual operating conditions to maintain the feed pressure of the hydrocyclone within the preset pressure range.

[0094] In some embodiments, adjusting the opening and closing state of at least one of the hydrocyclones includes:

[0095] Step S61. If the feed pressure is less than the pressure range, shut down one hydrocyclone at a time, and re-acquire the feed pressure after each shutdown of a hydrocyclone until the feed pressure is within the pressure range, then stop shutting down the remaining hydrocyclones.

[0096] Step S62. If the feed pressure is greater than the pressure range, one hydrocyclone is turned on in turn, and the feed pressure is re-acquired after each hydrocyclone is turned on, until the feed pressure is within the pressure range, and then the remaining hydrocyclones are turned off.

[0097] For example, compare the feed pressure P of the hydrocyclone group detected by the pressure sensor with the preset pressure range (Plow to Pmax). If Plow < P < Pmax, no adjustment is made.

[0098] If P≤Pmin, then close the valve of one hydrocyclone each time, and check the feed pressure again after a certain interval (e.g., 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, etc.). If P≤Pmin is still present, continue to close the valve of one hydrocyclone until Plow<P<Pmax.

[0099] If P≥Pmax, then each time a hydrocyclone switch valve is opened, the pressure is checked again after a certain interval (e.g., 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, etc.). If P≥Pmax is still present, then another hydrocyclone switch valve is opened until Plow<P<Pmax.

[0100] In some embodiments, the first slurry tank is provided with a slurry pumping pipe connected to the hydrocyclone assembly, and the method further includes adjusting the water injection rate into the first slurry tank during the process of adjusting the water injection rate.

[0101] The concentration of ore fed to the hydrocyclone group by the first pump slurry tank through the pump slurry pipeline is detected.

[0102] If the feed concentration exceeds the preset feed concentration range, the adjustment of the water addition rate will be stopped and an alarm will be triggered.

[0103] Understandably, the feed concentration is allowed to be adjusted within a set range, i.e., Dmin < D < Dmax. If, after adjusting the water addition rate of the first pump slurry tank, the concentration value D exceeds the set range, but the detected particle size ratio G still does not reach the preset particle size ratio range, then the water addition rate of the first pump slurry tank will no longer be adjusted, and an alarm can be triggered, for example, by popping up an alarm window to remind the operator to check.

[0104] In addition, to ensure a stable liquid level in the first pump slurry tank and prevent it from being emptied or filled to capacity, a minimum warning level Lmin and a maximum warning level Lmax are preset. If the detected current liquid level L≥Lmax, the replenishment water flow rate is immediately reduced and the pump operating frequency is increased to prevent the pump tank from filling to capacity; if the detected current liquid level L≤Lmin, the replenishment water flow rate is immediately increased and the pump operating frequency is decreased to prevent the pump from emptying. Furthermore, liquid level warnings can be issued, for example, by displaying an alarm window to remind operators to check.

[0105] In some embodiments, after the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, the method further includes:

[0106] Obtain the current liquid level of the first pump slurry tank;

[0107] If the current liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the feed rate into the first pump slurry tank is adjusted until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, wherein the feed rate is positively correlated with the current liquid level.

[0108] Understandably, the first pump slurry tank can be fed by the previous process, such as the beneficiation process, the belt conveyor process, or the weighing process that controls the feed rate. For example, when the overflow particle size of the hydrocyclone meets the standard (Gmin < G < Gmax), but the current liquid level L of the first pump slurry tank is less than or equal to the lower limit Low, the feed rate of the previous process can be increased according to the set adjustment range. As another example, when the overflow particle size of the hydrocyclone meets the standard (Gmin < G < Gmax), but the current liquid level L of the first pump slurry tank is greater than the upper limit Lmax, the feed rate of the previous process can be decreased according to the set adjustment range.

[0109] In some embodiments, the grinding mill further includes a second process device, which operates in the next step after the first process device in the grinding process flow. After the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, the method further includes:

[0110] Step S71. Obtain the cyclic load of the second process equipment;

[0111] It is understandable that the second process equipment can be a process segment that further refines or screens the ore output from the first process equipment. For example, the second process equipment includes a grinding mill, a second slurry tank, and screening equipment. The screening equipment receives the ore from the second slurry tank for screening, and on the other hand, outputs the ore with larger particle sizes back to the grinding mill for further grinding, and on the other hand, outputs the ore with particle sizes that meet the final particle size requirements.

[0112] Therefore, the circulating load can refer to the ratio between the content of ore returned from the screening equipment in the closed-loop circulation of the second process equipment and the amount of raw ore fed (the content of ore output from the first process equipment to the second process equipment).

[0113] In some embodiments, the second process equipment includes a second pump tank and a second motor, and obtaining the circulating load of the second process equipment includes:

[0114] The liquid level of the second pump slurry tank or the current of the second motor is obtained, wherein the liquid level of the second pump slurry tank is positively correlated with the circulating load, and the current of the second motor is positively correlated with the circulating load.

[0115] Understandably, the lower the liquid level in the second slurry tank, the less slurry it supplies, and therefore the smaller the circulating load. Conversely, the higher the liquid level in the second slurry tank, the more slurry it supplies, and therefore the larger the circulating load. Furthermore, the lower the current of the second motor, the less slurry it supplies, and therefore the smaller the circulating load. Conversely, the higher the current of the second motor, the more slurry it supplies, and therefore the larger the circulating load.

[0116] Step S72. If the cyclic load is less than the preset load range, then control the first process equipment to operate according to the lower limit of the particle size ratio range;

[0117] In other words, when the circulating load of the second process equipment is too small, the overflow particle size G of the hydrocyclone is reduced and controlled according to the lower limit of particle size Gmin to improve the throughput of the grinding and classification process, and the circulating load is transferred to the downstream process. At the same time, the aforementioned mill feed rate interlocking control is implemented to increase the feed rate of the upstream process.

[0118] Step S73. If the cyclic load is greater than the load range, then control the first process equipment to operate at the upper limit of the particle size ratio range.

[0119] In other words, when the circulating load of the second process equipment is too large, the overflow particle size G of the hydrocyclone is increased and controlled according to the upper limit of particle size Gmax to improve the classification effect of the grinding and classification process. At the same time, the aforementioned mill feed rate interlocking control is implemented to reduce the feed rate of the previous process.

[0120] It is understandable that the returned ore content all enters the second pump slurry tank. The higher the returned ore content, the higher the liquid level in the second pump slurry tank. If the first process equipment is not adjusted, to prevent ore runoff from the second pump slurry tank, it is necessary to reduce the water supply to the second pump slurry tank or increase the motor frequency. However, these adjustments may reduce the screening efficiency of the screening equipment, leading to a further increase in the returned ore content, creating a vicious cycle. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the circulating load of the second process equipment is not within the load range, the particle size ratio of the ore output from the first process equipment to the second process equipment is adjusted to keep the circulating load of the second process equipment within a preset load range.

[0121] In some embodiments, a minimum granularity ratio warning value and a maximum granularity ratio warning value are set. The minimum granularity ratio warning value is less than the lower limit of the granularity ratio range, and the maximum granularity ratio warning value is greater than the upper limit of the granularity ratio range.

[0122] When the circulating load of the second process equipment is normal, the overflow particle size of the hydrocyclone is controlled according to the preset particle size ratio range. When the circulating load of the second process equipment is too high, the overflow particle size G of the hydrocyclone is increased, and controlled within the range from the upper limit of the particle size ratio range to the highest particle size ratio warning value, thereby improving the classification effect of the grinding and classification process. At the same time, the aforementioned mill feed rate interlock control is executed to reduce the feed rate of the upstream process. When the circulating load of the second process equipment is too low, the overflow particle size G of the hydrocyclone is reduced, and controlled within the range from the lowest particle size ratio warning value to the lower limit of the particle size ratio range, thereby improving the throughput of the grinding and classification process and shifting the circulating load to the downstream process. At the same time, the aforementioned mill feed rate interlock control is executed to increase the feed rate of the upstream process.

[0123] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a computer system suitable for implementing the electronic device of the present application is shown.

[0124] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, an electronic device is provided, including one or more processors and one or more memories, wherein at least one piece of program code is stored in the one or more memories, and the at least one piece of program code is loaded and executed by the one or more processors to perform the operation as performed by any of the methods in the first aspect.

[0125] like Figure 3 As shown, the electronic device 400 is manifested in the form of a general-purpose computing device. The components of the electronic device 400 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processing unit 410, at least one storage unit 420, and a bus 430 connecting different system components (including storage unit 420 and processing unit 410).

[0126] The storage unit stores program code, which can be executed by the processing unit 410, causing the processing unit 410 to perform the steps described in the "Embodiment Method" section above according to various exemplary embodiments of this application.

[0127] Storage unit 420 may include readable media in the form of volatile storage units, such as random access memory (RAM) 421 and / or cache 422, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 423.

[0128] Storage unit 420 may also include a program / utility 424 having a set (at least one) of program modules 425, such program modules 425 including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0129] Bus 430 can represent one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory cell bus or memory cell controller, a peripheral bus, a graphics acceleration port, a processing unit, or a local bus using any of the various bus structures.

[0130] Electronic device 400 can also communicate with one or more external devices 500 (e.g., keyboard, pointing device, Bluetooth device, etc.), one or more devices that enable a user to interact with electronic device 400, and / or any device that enables electronic device 400 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., router, modem, etc.). This communication can be performed through I / O (input / output) interface 450, which can also be connected to display unit 440 to display the communication content. Furthermore, electronic device 400 can communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public network, such as the Internet) via network adapter 460. As shown, network adapter 460 communicates with other modules of electronic device 400 via bus 430. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figures, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with electronic device 400, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0131] The functions described herein can be implemented in hardware, software executed by a processor, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software executed by a processor, the functions can be stored as one or more instructions or codes on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium. Other examples and embodiments are within the scope and spirit of this invention and the appended claims. For example, due to the nature of software, the functions described above can be implemented using software executed by a processor, hardware, firmware, hardwired, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the functional units can be integrated into a single processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a single unit.

[0132] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed technical content can be implemented in other ways. The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for example, the division of units can be a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the displayed or discussed mutual couplings, direct couplings, or communication connections may be through some interfaces; indirect couplings or communication connections between units or modules may be electrical or other forms.

[0133] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. Similarly, the components of the control device may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple units. Some or all of the units can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment, depending on actual needs.

[0134] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this invention, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods of the various embodiments of this invention. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), portable hard drives, magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0135] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this application, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, the computer-readable storage medium storing at least one computer program instruction, the at least one computer program instruction being loaded and executed by a processor to perform the operation as described in any of the methods in the first aspect.

[0136] Computer-readable storage media may be portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) and include program code, and may run on a terminal device, such as a personal computer. However, the computer-readable storage medium of this application is not limited thereto. In this application, the readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that contains or stores a program that may be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0137] A readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of readable storage media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable disk, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0138] Program code for performing the operations of this application can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computing device, partially on the user's computing device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computing device and partially on a remote computing device, or entirely on a remote computing device or server. In cases involving remote computing devices, the remote computing device can be connected to the user's computing device via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it can be connected to an external computing device (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0139] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a grinding mill unit, characterized in that, The grinding mill unit includes a first process device, which includes a grinding mill, a first slurry tank, and a hydrocyclone assembly. The grinding mill has a return port and a discharge port. The first slurry tank is connected to the return port and the first slurry tank is connected to the hydrocyclone assembly. The hydrocyclone assembly has a first outlet and a second outlet. The first outlet is connected to the return port. The particle size of the ore output from the second outlet is smaller than the particle size of the ore output from the first outlet. The method includes: The particle size ratio of the target ore output from the second outlet of the hydrocyclone group is obtained, wherein the particle size of the target ore is less than or equal to a preset particle size threshold, and the particle size ratio is the ratio between the content of the target ore and the content of the total ore output from the second outlet. If the particle size ratio is not within the preset particle size ratio range, the water addition rate entering the first pump tank is adjusted until the particle size ratio is within the preset particle size ratio range, wherein the water addition rate is positively correlated with the particle size ratio. The first pump tank is equipped with a first motor, and after the particle size ratio is within the specified range, the method further includes: Obtain the current liquid level of the first pump slurry tank; If the current liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the frequency of the first motor is adjusted until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, wherein the frequency of the first motor is negatively correlated with the current liquid level. The hydrocyclone assembly includes multiple hydrocyclones, and after the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, the method further includes: Obtain the feed pressure of the hydrocyclone; If the feed pressure is not within the preset pressure range, the opening and closing state of at least one of the hydrocyclones is adjusted, wherein the feed pressure is negatively correlated with the number of hydrocyclones in the open state, or the feed pressure is positively correlated with the number of hydrocyclones in the closed state.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pump slurry tank includes a water inlet valve. Adjusting the water inlet rate into the first pump slurry tank until the particle size ratio is within the specified range includes: The opening of the water supply valve is adjusted according to the preset first step length, and the particle size ratio is obtained again after each adjustment until the particle size ratio is within the particle size ratio range, at which point the adjustment of the opening of the water supply valve is stopped. The opening of the water supply valve is positively correlated with the particle size ratio.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of adjusting the frequency of the first motor until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range includes: The frequency of the first motor is adjusted according to the preset second step size, and the current liquid level is reacquired after each frequency adjustment until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, at which point the frequency adjustment of the first motor is stopped.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment of the opening and closing state of at least one of the hydrocyclones includes: If the feed pressure is less than the pressure range, one hydrocyclone is shut down one by one, and the feed pressure is reacquired after each hydrocyclone is shut down, until the feed pressure is within the pressure range, and then the remaining hydrocyclones are shut down. If the feed pressure is greater than the pressure range, one hydrocyclone is turned on in turn, and the feed pressure is re-acquired after each hydrocyclone is turned on, until the feed pressure is within the pressure range, and then the remaining hydrocyclones are turned off.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pumping tank is equipped with a pumping pipeline, which is connected to the hydrocyclone assembly. During the process of adjusting the water injection rate into the first pumping tank, the method further includes: The concentration of ore fed to the hydrocyclone group by the first pump slurry tank through the pump slurry pipeline is detected. If the feed concentration exceeds the preset feed concentration range, the adjustment of the water addition rate will be stopped and an alarm will be triggered.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the particle size ratio is within the specified range, the method further includes: Obtain the current liquid level of the first pump slurry tank; If the current liquid level is not within the preset liquid level range, the feed rate into the first pump slurry tank is adjusted until the current liquid level is within the liquid level range, wherein the feed rate is positively correlated with the current liquid level.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The grinding mill unit further includes a second process device, which operates in the next step after the first process device in the grinding process flow. After the particle size ratio is within the specified range, the method further includes: Obtain the cyclic load of the second process equipment; If the cyclic load is less than the preset load range, then the first process equipment is controlled to operate according to the lower limit of the particle size ratio range. If the cyclic load is greater than the load range, then the first process equipment is controlled to operate at the upper limit of the particle size ratio range.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second process equipment includes a second pump tank and a second motor. Obtaining the circulating load of the second process equipment includes: The liquid level of the second pump slurry tank or the current of the second motor is obtained, wherein the liquid level of the second pump slurry tank is positively correlated with the circulating load, and the current of the second motor is positively correlated with the circulating load.

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