Retrofit process for ball mill system

Abstract

The invention relates to a refitting process for a ball mill system. The retrofit process includes: decoupling a first outlet liner from a rearward radial wall of a drum of the ball mill system; and coupling a second outlet liner to a rearward radial wall of the drum, the second outlet liner including a tab extending axially forward from a radially inner end of the second outlet liner into the cavity of the drum. The retrofit process includes: decoupling a first plurality of liner sections from a rearward radial wall of a drum of the ball mill system, each of the first plurality of liner sections disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent section of the first plurality of liner sections; and coupling a second plurality of liner segments to a rearward radial wall of the drum, each of the second plurality of liner segments disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent one of the second plurality of liner segments, each of the second plurality of liner segments including a protrusion, a tab extends axially forward from a radially inner end of each of the second plurality of liner sections into the cavity of the drum.

Description

This invention patent application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application date of January 13, 2023, the application number of which entered the Chinese national phase, 202310071891.9, and the name “System, device and method for improving the efficiency of a ball mill”. Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the grinding of ores and, more particularly, to improved ball mill systems and methods. Background Art

[0002] Mineral recovery from ores such as those containing precious metals often involves mechanical size reduction of the ore particles. For example, prior to metal recovery processing, the ore may be crushed or ground by a grinding system. Grinding systems can utilize tumbling ball mills or ball mills in both wet and dry systems, in batch and continuous operations, and / or on both small and large scales. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A drum assembly is disclosed herein. The drum assembly may include: a drum having a first flange extending axially forward from a first radial wall, a second flange extending axially rearward from a second radial wall, and a drum shell extending axially from a first radially outer end of the first radial wall to a second radially outer end of the second radial wall; a frame coupled to the first flange; and an inlet liner coupled to the frame, the inlet liner including a plurality of inlet segments arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other, the inlet liner defining an inlet radius for the drum assembly.

[0004] In various embodiments, each of the plurality of inlet segments includes an axially rearward flange, an axially forward flange spaced axially forward from the axially rearward flange, and a radially inner wall extending from a first radially inner end of the axially forward flange to a second radially inner end of the axially rearward flange. The radially inner wall may partially define an inlet radius of the drum assembly.

[0005] In various embodiments, the inlet liner is configured to prevent material being ground from flowing back in front of the inlet liner.

[0006] In various embodiments, the inlet liner is configured to receive a supply nozzle having a radially outer surface radius that is between 95% and 100% of a radially inner surface radius of the inlet liner.

[0007] In various embodiments, the drum assembly further includes a first plurality of inlet segments and a second plurality of inlet segments, the first plurality of inlet segments being disposed radially outward from the inlet liner, and the second plurality of inlet segments being disposed radially outward from the first plurality of inlet segments. Each of the first plurality of inlet segments and the second plurality of inlet segments can be coupled to the first radial wall.

[0008] A ball mill system is disclosed herein. The ball mill system may include a feed chute including an inlet housing, a main housing, and a feed nozzle including a tube extending axially from the main housing to a distal end; and a drum assembly in fluid communication with the feed chute, the drum assembly including a drum having a first flange extending axially forward from a first radial wall, a second flange extending axially rearward from a second radial wall, and a drum housing extending axially from a first radially outer end of the first radial wall to a second radially outer end of the second radial wall; a frame coupled to the first flange, and an inlet liner coupled to the frame, the inlet liner defining a drum inlet, the distal end of the tube extending axially rearward from an axially forward end of the inlet liner.

[0009] In various embodiments, the inlet liner includes a plurality of inlet segments disposed circumferentially adjacent to one another.

[0010] In various embodiments, the inlet liner defines a drum inlet radius for the drum assembly. The tube of the supply nozzle may include a radially outer surface that defines an outer surface radius of the supply nozzle. In various embodiments, the outer surface radius is between 95% and 100% of the drum inlet radius.

[0011] In various embodiments, the drum assembly further includes a discharge assembly, the discharge assembly including an outlet liner, the outlet liner including a plurality of outlet segments, each outlet segment of the plurality of outlet segments being arranged circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent outlet segment of the plurality of outlet segments, each outlet segment of the plurality of outlet segments being coupled to the second radial wall. The inlet liner may include a plurality of inlet segments arranged circumferentially adjacent to each other. Each of the plurality of inlet segments may include an axially rearward flange, an axially forward flange spaced axially forward from the axially rearward flange, and a radially inner wall extending from a first radially inner end of the axially forward flange to a second radially inner end of the axially rearward flange. Each of the plurality of outlet segments may include a second axially rearward flange, a second axially forward flange spaced axially forward from the second axially rearward flange, and a second radially inner wall extending from a first radially inner end of the second axially forward flange to a second radially inner end of the second axially rearward flange. The axially forward flange of each of the plurality of inlet segments may be coupled to the first radial wall of the drum. The second axial rearward flange of each of the plurality of outlet segments may be coupled to the second radial wall of the drum.

[0012] A retrofit process for a ball mill system is disclosed herein. The retrofit process may include extending an axial length of a feed nozzle for the ball mill system, the feed nozzle defining an outer surface radius; coupling a frame to a first flange of a drum, the first flange being disposed at an axially forward end of the drum; and coupling an inlet liner to the frame, the inlet liner defining a drum inlet radius of a drum assembly.

[0013] In various embodiments, the retrofitting process further includes: decoupling the outlet liner from the rearward radial wall of the drum; and coupling a second outlet liner to the rearward radial wall of the drum.

[0014] In various embodiments, responsive to the ball mill system being assembled for operation, the feed nozzle extends axially rearwardly of the axially forward end of the inlet liner.

[0015] In various embodiments, the outer surface radius is between 95% and 100% of the drum inlet radius.

[0016] In various embodiments, the inlet liner includes a plurality of liner segments, each liner segment of the plurality of liner segments disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent liner segment of the plurality of liner segments.

[0017] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the above features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent in light of the following description and accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the following description and accompanying drawings are intended to be exemplary and non-restrictive in nature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a ball mill system according to the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of a feed chute according to various embodiments;

[0020] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a drum assembly of a ball mill system according to various embodiments;

[0021] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a portion of a feed head of a drum assembly of a ball mill system according to various embodiments;

[0022] Figure 3C shows a perspective view of a portion of a discharge head of a drum assembly of a ball mill system according to various embodiments;

[0023] Figure 4A shows a portion of a feed chute prior to a conversion process according to various embodiments;

[0024] Figure 4B illustrates a portion of a feed chute during a conversion process according to various embodiments;

[0025] Figure 4C shows a portion of a feed chute after a conversion process according to various embodiments;

[0026] Figure 5 shows a modification process according to various embodiments;

[0027] Figure 6A shows a drum prior to a conversion process according to various embodiments;

[0028] Figure 6B shows a drum after a conversion process according to various embodiments; and

[0029] Figure 7 A retrofitting process according to various embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present disclosure relates to and describes methods and systems for mechanical size reduction of ore by a flanged roller grinding system. It will be understood that the broader process steps described herein can be accomplished by a variety of equipment configurations and sub-process steps, each of which is within the scope of the present invention. For example, the following disclosure describes improvements to the wear resistance of components of a flanged roller grinding system. Specific equipment is generally described as being suitable for such wear resistance improvements. However, other equipment may be implemented or combined with other equipment to accomplish the functions of the grinding systems described herein. Additionally, or alternatively, the systems and methods herein may be implemented or adapted to process other starting materials and / or produce different end products.

[0031] Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for improving the efficiency of balls in a grinding system, and for mechanically reducing the size of ore particles or the like. In various embodiments, a reduced output radius of a conventional ball mill apparatus can improve the efficiency of the ball mill system. For example, the improved ball mill systems disclosed herein can increase load throughput capacity compared to conventional ball mill systems.

[0032] Now refer to Figure 1 , a cross-sectional view of a ball mill system 100 is shown according to various embodiments. The ball mill system 100 includes a drum assembly 101 and a feed chute 120. The drum assembly 101 includes a drum 110. The drum 110 defines a central axis 10 of the ball mill system 100. During operation of the ball mill system 100, the drum assembly 101 is configured to rotate about the central axis 10. In this regard, the drive motor can be configured to rotate the drum assembly 101 about the central axis 10 via a gear system or the like. During operation of the ball mill system 100, a plurality of balls disposed within the drum assembly 101 are configured to grind material from a larger particle size to a smaller particle size. During operation, the plurality of balls can comprise approximately 30% to 45% of the volume of the ball mill system 100.

[0033] The material to be ground by the ball mill system 100 (e.g., ore or the like) is fed through a feed chute 120 (e.g., via a screw conveyor or the like). The material can be fed in a solid state or in a slurry form for wet grinding applications. As the material passes axially through the drum assembly 101 (i.e., from the front end to the rear end of the drum assembly 101), the plurality of balls disposed within the drum assembly 101 can be configured to crush the material because the weight of each of the plurality of balls exceeds the centrifugal force within the drum assembly 101. In this regard, in response to rotation within the drum assembly 101, each of the plurality of balls travels along the radially inner surface of the drum assembly 101 until the weight of the ball exceeds the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the drum assembly 101, causing each ball to tumble back to the bottom portion of the drum assembly 101, resulting in the material traveling axially through the drum assembly 101 being ground.

[0034] The drum assembly 101 includes a drum 110, a supply head 112, a cartridge housing 114, and a discharge head 116. The supply head 112 includes an axial portion 111 of the drum 110 (e.g., a front axial portion of the drum 110) and a radial portion 113 of the drum 110 (e.g., a front radial portion of the drum 110), the axial portion defining a flange, and the radial portion extending radially from the axial portion 111 to the cartridge housing 114. Although the radial portion 113 is shown as including two axially adjacent sections, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, a single radial portion 113 can extend from the axial portion 111 to the cartridge housing 114, as further described herein.

[0035] The radial portion 113 of the supply head 112 can be coupled to the cartridge housing 114 (e.g., via fasteners or the like), or the radial portion 113 of the supply head 112 can be integral with the cartridge housing 114 (i.e., formed from a single piece or integrally formed). The present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Similarly, the discharge head 116 includes an axial portion 115 of the drum 110 (e.g., a rear axial portion of the drum 110) and a radial portion 117 of the drum 110 (e.g., a rear radial portion of the drum), the axial portion defining a flange, the radial portion extending radially from the axial portion 115 to the cartridge housing 114. The cartridge housing 114 extends axially from the radial portion 113 of the drum 110 to the radial portion 117 of the drum 110.

[0036] The drum assembly 101 at least partially defines a cavity 118 therein that is configured to receive the material to be ground as previously described herein. The drum assembly 101 is further configured to contain a plurality of balls during a grinding operation.

[0037] In various embodiments, the feed head 112 of the drum assembly 101 further includes a drum inlet assembly 160 coupled to the drum 110. The drum inlet assembly 160 includes a frame 162 and an inlet liner 164. In various embodiments, the frame 162 is configured to be coupled to the axial portion 111 of the drum 110. The inlet liner 164 defines an inlet to the cavity 118 for the drum assembly 101, which receives the material to be ground. In this regard, according to various embodiments, any axially forward portion of the inlet liner 164 may not be exposed to the material to be ground.

[0038] The inlet liner 164 can be coupled to the frame 162. In various embodiments, the drum inlet assembly 160 is configured to prevent backflow of material during grinding operation. For example, the inlet liner 164 can define a front radial flange that is configured to prevent axially rearward material backflow of the inlet liner 164, as further described herein. In this regard, the input / output efficiency of the ball mill system 100 can be significantly enhanced relative to a conventional ball mill system. "Axially forward" and "axially backward" as defined herein refer to the direction of travel of the material to be ground during grinding operation. For example, the material to be ground enters the inlet defined by the drum inlet assembly 160 of the drum assembly 101, passes through the cavity 118 of the drum assembly 101, and travels axially backward along the drum housing 114 (i.e., from the axially forward end of the drum assembly 101 to the axially rearward end of the drum assembly 101), and exits the drum outlet defined by the discharge head 116. Therefore, the inlet of the drum assembly 101 is provided at an axially forward end portion of the drum assembly 101 , and the outlet of the drum assembly 101 is provided at an axially rearward end portion of the drum assembly 101 .

[0039] The feed chute 120 includes a main housing 122, an inlet housing 124, and a feed nozzle 130. The inlet housing 124 is configured to receive material to be ground in the ball mill system 100, which travels through the main housing 122 and is fed out of the feed nozzle 130 into the drum assembly 101. The feed nozzle 130 includes a tube 132 that extends axially from the main housing 122 at least partially into the cavity 118 of the drum 110.

[0040] In various embodiments, as further described herein, a feed inlet liner 140 is disposed on a radially inner surface of the tube 132 of the feed nozzle 130 .

[0041] In various embodiments, the inlet liner 164 is axially spaced a first distance D1 from the main housing 122, and the tube 132 extends axially from the main housing 122 a second distance D2 to the distal end 123. In various embodiments, the first distance D1 is less than or equal to the second distance D2. In this regard, the material to be milled can exit the feed nozzle 130 at least at the axial beginning of the inlet liner 164 of the drum 110. In various embodiments, the inlet liner 164 defines a drum feed inlet radius R1 measured from the central axis 10. The drum feed inlet radius R1 can be smaller relative to conventional drum feed inlet radii for ball mill systems. In this regard, there can be a small radial gap between the tube 132 of the feed nozzle 130 and the radially inner surface of the inlet liner 164 to allow the drum 110 to rotate relative to the feed nozzle 130. For example, the tube 132 can include an outer surface radius R2 also measured from the central axis 10. In various embodiments, the outer surface radius R2 can be between 95% and 100%, or between 95% and 99.9%, or between 97% and 99.9% of the drum feed inlet radius R1. In this regard, according to various embodiments, the radially outer surface of the tube 132 can be slightly spaced from the radially inner surface of the inlet liner 164 for spacing purposes.

[0042] In various embodiments, at least a portion of the inlet liner 164 of the drum inlet assembly 160 is disposed axially adjacent to the radial portion 113 of the feed head 112. In various embodiments, the inlet liner 164 can be integral (e.g., integrally formed or formed from a single piece) with the radial portion 113 of the feed head 112. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0043] With the feed nozzle 130 coupled to the main housing 122 of the feed chute 120, the feed nozzle 130 is fixed during operation of the ball mill system 100. In this regard, the drum 110 rotates relative to the feed nozzle 130 during operation of the ball mill system 100. Accordingly, the ball mill system 100 disclosed herein is configured to deposit the material to be milled through the feed nozzle 130 proximate the inlet liner 164 of the drum assembly 101, and to prevent backflow of the material during operation of the ball mill system 100.

[0044] The feed chute 120 further includes a feed inlet liner 140. The feed inlet liner 140 is disposed on the radially inner surface of the tube 132 of the feed nozzle 130. In various embodiments, the feed inlet liner 140 and the tube 132 of the feed nozzle are further extended into the drum 110 relative to conventional ball mill systems. For example, the feed inlet liner 140 and the tube 132 of the feed nozzle 130 can extend in an axially forward direction to or beyond the axially forward end of the inlet liner 164.

[0045] Reference is now made to Figure 2, a cross-sectional view of a portion of a ball mill system 100 is shown, with a large portion of the drum 110 removed for clarity, according to various embodiments. A feed inlet liner 140 includes a plurality of liner segments 142. Each of the plurality of liner segments 142 is arranged circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent liner segment in the plurality of liner segments 142. In this regard, each of the plurality of liner segments 142 includes an arcuate shape and is configured to combine with the plurality of liner segments 142 to form an annular shape. In various embodiments, utilizing multiple liner segments 142 can make maintenance easier than with a single liner segment. For example, if one of the liner segments is more worn than the others, according to various embodiments, only that single liner segment can be replaced, rather than replacing the entire liner segment.

[0046] The plurality of liner segments 142 may include a set of cast liners 144 and a set of wear plates 146. The set of cast liners 144 may be disposed in the bottom portion of the feed nozzle 130, and the set of wear plates 146 may be disposed on the top portion of the feed nozzle 130 (i.e., the wear plates 146 may be disposed vertically above the set of cast liners 144). Although illustrated as including a set of wear plates 146 and a set of cast liners 144, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, according to various embodiments, the plurality of liner segments may include a polymer compound, a composite material, or the like. In various embodiments, relative to conventional ball mill systems 100, the feed inlet liner 140 is configured to extend further into the cavity 118 of the drum assembly 101.

[0047] Each of the plurality of liner segments 142 is coupled to the supply nozzle 130. For example, the first fastener 152 and / or the second fastener 154 may couple the cast liner 145 of the set of cast liners 144 to the supply nozzle 130. Each of the plurality of liner segments 142 may be coupled to the supply nozzle 130 near the main casing 122 of the supply chute 120.

[0048] Now refer to Figure 3A , that is, according to various embodiments Figure 1 1. A cross-sectional view of the drum 110 of FIG. The supply head 112 includes an axial portion 111 and a radial portion 113 as previously described herein. The axial portion 111 defines a first flange 302. Similarly, the discharge head 116 includes an axial portion 115 and a radial portion 117 as previously described herein. The axial portion 115 defines a second flange 312.

[0049] The first flange 302 can be configured to interface with the first bearing assembly on a radially outer surface, and the second flange 312 can be configured to interface with the second bearing assembly on a radially outer surface. In this regard, the drum assembly 101 can be configured to rotate about the central axis 10 and interface with the first bearing assembly at a front end having the first flange 302 and interface with the second bearing assembly at a rear end having the second flange 312.

[0050] The frame 162 of the drum inlet assembly 160 includes an axial portion 352 and a radial portion 354. The axial portion 352 is in the shape of an arc (e.g., semi-annular, annular, etc.). In this regard, the axial portion 352 is configured to interface with and couple with the first flange 302. The axial portion 352 can be semi-annular to facilitate easy assembly of the drum assembly 101. The radial portion 354 extends radially inward from the axial portion 352 at the front end of the axial portion 352. The radial portion 354 is configured to mate with and couple with the inlet liner 164. In this regard, the radial portion 354 can provide structural support to the inlet liner 164 of the drum inlet assembly 160 of the drum assembly 101 and facilitate assembly.

[0051] Drum inlet assembly 160 may further include a reinforcement 356 or a plurality of reinforcements 356. Reinforcements 356 may be coupled to axial portion 352 and radial portion 354 to provide greater structural support to inlet liner 164. According to various embodiments, reinforcements 356 may provide structural support to radial portion 354 of frame 162 and inlet liner 164.

[0052] Although the radially inner surface of the second flange 312 is shown without a liner, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. For example, according to various embodiments, the radially inner surface of the second flange 312 may include a liner disposed thereon.

[0053] In various embodiments, radial portion 113 of delivery head 112 includes wall 304. Wall 304 extends radially outward from first flange 302 to cartridge housing 114. Wall 306 includes liners 307, 308 disposed therein. According to various embodiments, liners 307, 308 can be configured to prevent wear of wall 306.

[0054] Although the cartridge housing 114 is shown without a liner disposed on the radially inner surface of the cartridge housing, the present disclosure is not limited in this respect. Figure 1 When the drum assembly 101 is provided, the drum housing 114 may include a liner that mates with the radially inner surface of the drum housing 114. The liner disclosed herein may differ in material properties based on its location within the drum 110. For example, as the liner is axially positioned within the drum 110, the liner may be positioned radially within the drum 110. Figure 1Different material properties may be desired as the feed head 112 to the discharge head 116 of the drum housing 114 is fed to the drum housing 114. In this regard, since larger particle sizes are expected to be observed toward the axially forward portion of the drum housing 114 relative to the axially rearward portion of the drum housing 114, the liner disposed at the front of the drum assembly 101 may be varied accordingly relative to the liner disposed at the rear of the drum assembly 101, according to various embodiments.

[0055] The radial portion 117 of the discharge head 116 includes a wall 314. The wall 314 extends radially outward from the second flange 312 to the drum housing 114. The wall 316 interfaces with liners 317, 318. The liner 318 can at least partially define a drum discharge assembly 340.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 3B , according to various embodiments, a perspective view of a portion of the supply head 112 of the roller assembly 101 is shown, wherein the roller 110 is hidden for clarity. The axial portion 352 of the frame 162 can define an arcuate surface extending from the first flange 351 to the second flange 353. The first flange 351 and the second flange 353 can each extend radially inward from the respective axial ends of the axial portion 352. In various embodiments, the frame 162 can be configured to be coupled to a second frame to define a portion of the roller assembly 101 for use in a roller assembly. Figure 1 Although shown as including two frames 162 for ease of assembly, any number of frames 162 (eg, 4 frames, 8 frames, etc.) may be utilized. The present disclosure is not limited in this regard.

[0057] The inlet liner 164 includes an inlet segment 362. In this regard, a plurality of inlet segments 362 are disposed circumferentially adjacent to one another to form the inlet liner 164. For example, according to various embodiments, four inlet segments 362 may be disposed circumferentially adjacent to one another (each inlet segment rotated approximately 90 degrees about a centerline) to form the inlet liner 164. However, the present disclosure is not limited to any number of inlet segments 362, and one skilled in the art may recognize various numbers of inlet segments 362 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Each inlet section 362 includes an axially forward flange 363 axially spaced from an axially rearward flange 364. A radially inner wall 365 extends from the axially forward flange 363 to the axially rearward flange 364. According to various embodiments, a radially inner surface 366 of the radially inner wall 365 defines at least a portion of the inlet of the drum assembly 101. Thus, as Figure 3A As shown, radially inner surface 366 may have a radius R1 .

[0059] In various embodiments, the axially forward flange 363 is configured to mate with and couple (e.g., via fasteners or the like) with the radial portion 354 of the frame 162. In various embodiments, the inlet section 362 can be made of a cast ferrous alloy, such as a product sold by Bradken Inc. of Kansas City, Missouri under the name DURAcast®. Likewise, according to various embodiments, any of the liners disclosed herein (e.g., the liners 307, 308, 317, 318, the liner section 142 of the liner 144, or the cast liner 144) can be made of a similar material. Likewise, according to various embodiments, any of the liners disclosed herein (e.g., the liners 307, 308, 317, 318, the liner section 142 of the liner 144, or the cast liner 144) can be made of a similar material. Figure 2

[0060] In various embodiments, the liners 307, 308 can also be liner sections spaced adjacent to each other circumferentially. For example, according to various embodiments, the liner 308 can include approximately eight liners disposed adjacent to each other circumferentially to form an annular liner assembly (e.g., the liner 308). Likewise, according to various embodiments, the liner 307 can include approximately eight liners disposed adjacent to each other circumferentially to form an annular liner assembly (e.g., the liner 307). The radially inner liner (e.g., the liner 308) can be a different material or the same material as the radially outer liner (e.g., the liner 307). The present disclosure is not limited in this regard. In various embodiments, the liners 307, 308 can be coupled to the wall 304 of the drum 110 by any fastening method (e.g., via fasteners or the like). Figure 3A

[0061] In conventional ball mill systems, there is no defined, created, or formed drum inlet. Typically, the feed nozzle releases the material to be milled loosely into the drum assembly, and there is little restriction on the drum inlet or the drum outlet. In this regard, in conventional systems, the feed rate can be based on preventing backflow at the drum inlet, rather than optimal feed for ball mill efficiency. Accordingly, according to various embodiments, the inlet liner 164 disclosed herein is configured to prevent backflow of the material being milled in the drum 110 and / or to facilitate a significant increase in the input / output of the ball mill system 100.

[0062] In various embodiments, the inlet section 362 can be integral (e.g., integrally formed or formed from a single piece) with the radially inner section of the feed head 112 (e.g., the section of the liner 308). However, the present disclosure is not limited in this regard. In various embodiments, by having a separate, distinct component for the inlet section 362 relative to the section of the liner 308, the inlet liner 164 can be utilized in retrofit applications as well as original manufacture of drum assembly types.

[0063] Reference is now made to Figure 3C ​​, according to various embodiments, a portion of the discharge head 116 of the drum assembly 101 is shown, with the drum 110 hidden for clarity. The discharge head 116 includes liners 317, 318. The liners 317, 318 can also be liner segments spaced adjacent to each other around the circumference. For example, according to various embodiments, the liner 318 can include approximately eight liners disposed circumferentially adjacent to each other to form an annular liner assembly (e.g., liner 318). Likewise, according to various embodiments, the liner 317 can include approximately eight liners disposed circumferentially adjacent to each other to form an annular liner assembly (e.g., liner 317). Although Figure 3B While the liners 307, 308 of the supply head 112 and the liners 317, 318 of the discharge head 116 are described herein as having approximately eight arcuate segments defining an annular liner (e.g., liners 307, 308, 317, 318), the present disclosure is not limited to the number of segments forming the annular liner. For example, an annular liner may be formed from two or more segments and remain within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0064] Liner 318 includes a plurality of outlet segments 342. In this regard, a plurality of outlet segments 342 are disposed circumferentially adjacent one another to form a portion of a bowl discharge assembly 340. Each outlet segment 342 includes an axially rearward flange 343 axially spaced from an axially forward flange 344. A radially inner wall 345 extends from the axially forward flange 344 to the axially rearward flange 343. A radially inner surface 346 of the radially inner wall 345 defines at least a portion of the outlet of bowl assembly 101.

[0065] In various embodiments, the shape of the liner 318 may enhance Figure 1 For example, according to various embodiments, by axially spacing the axial forward flange 344 of the drum discharge assembly 340 from the axial rearward flange 343, the axial rearward flange 344 and the axial rearward flange 343 are spaced axially apart. Figure 3A The lining 318 can act as a ledge to catch the wall 314 of the drum 110. Figure 1 The ball mill system 100 exits the ground material.

[0066] In various embodiments, the radially inner liner (e.g., liner 318) can be a different material or the same material as the radially outer liner (e.g., liner 317). The present disclosure is not limited in this respect. In various embodiments, the liners 307, 308 can be coupled to the radially outer liner 307, 308 by any fastening method (e.g., via fasteners or the like). Figure 3A wall 314 of the drum 110 .

[0067] Now refer to Figures 4A-4C and 5, showing ( Figures 4A-4C ) Modification of the feed chute 420 according to various embodiments ( Figure 4A) to form an improved supply chute 520 ( Figure 4C )'s process 600( Figure 5 ). The process 600 includes decoupling the first liner assembly 440 from the supply nozzle 430 (step 602). Decoupling the first liner assembly 440 may include decoupling the plurality of fasteners 450 from each liner segment of the first plurality of liner segments 442 of the first liner assembly 440. In various embodiments, each liner segment of the first plurality of liner segments 442 may define a first axial length L1. Decoupling the plurality of fasteners 450 may include removing each fastener of the plurality of fasteners 450. After removing each fastener of the plurality of fasteners 450, each segment of the plurality of liner segments 442 may be removed from the radially inner surface of the supply nozzle 130, as shown. Figure 4B shown.

[0068] The process 600 further includes coupling 604 the extended nozzle portion 432 to the axial end of the supply nozzle 430. The axial end of the supply nozzle 430 may be disposed distally from the main housing 122 of the supply chute 420. In various embodiments, the extended nozzle portion 432 may be coupled to the supply nozzle 430 by means of a mechanical coupling, such as via fasteners, via welding, via brazing, or the like.

[0069] In various embodiments, step 604 can be replaced by decoupling the supply nozzle and coupling a second supply nozzle to the supply chute, the second supply nozzle including an extended nozzle portion (e.g., extended nozzle portion 432). In this regard, according to various embodiments, the extended portion can be coupled to the modified supply nozzle, or the supply nozzle can be replaced (i.e., with a supply nozzle having a longer axial portion) to obtain a greater length for the modified supply nozzle.

[0070] In various embodiments, the process 600 further includes coupling the second liner assembly 540 to the supply nozzle 430 (step 606). In this regard, the holes through the supply nozzle 430 configured for the plurality of fasteners 450 from the supply chute 420 can be reused, and the plurality of fasteners 450 can be reused to couple the supply nozzle 430 to the second liner assembly 540. In various embodiments, the second liner assembly 540 and Figure 4A 4, except that the second liner assembly 540 has a second axial length L2 that is greater than the first axial length L1. In this regard, the second axial length L2 may correspond to Figure 4B The axial length of the axial portion of the feed nozzle 530 formed by step 604 of the process 600 is shown in FIG. In various embodiments, the improved feed chute 520 formed by the process 600 may be formed with a Figure 1 and 2In this regard, the improved feed chute 520 can be configured to extend the inlet portion of the ball mill system 100 to Figure 1 In this regard, according to various embodiments, the improved feed chute 520 for the improved ball mill system 500 can be configured to further guide the material to be ground into the drum assembly 101 and / or cause relative Figure 4A The feed chute 420 of the ball mill system 400 shown in FIG. 4 has a higher efficiency.

[0071] Now refer to Figures 6A-6B and 7, showing ( Figures 6A-6B ) Modifying the drum 710 of the ball mill system 400 according to various embodiments ( Figure 6A ) to form an improved ball mill system 500 ( Figure 6B )'s process 900( Figure 7 ). Process 900 includes coupling the frame 162 of the drum inlet assembly 160 to the first flange 702 of the drum 710 (step 902). In various embodiments, the frame 162 can be formed from two semi-annular frames or the like. The present disclosure is not limited in this respect. The frame 162 can be coupled to the first flange 702 via fasteners or any other coupling means.

[0072] The process 900 further includes coupling the inlet liner 164 of the drum inlet assembly 160 to the frame (step 904). In this regard, the drum inlet assembly 160 previously described herein is formed. Step 904 may further include coupling the drum inlet assembly 160 to the frame (step 904). Figures 3A-3B Each of the plurality of inlet segments 362 is coupled to the frame 162. Thus, the inlet liner 164 of the drum inlet assembly 160 is coupled to the frame 162. Figure 3B A radially inner surface 366 of the inlet section 362 defines a drum inlet.

[0073] In various embodiments, Figure 4C The extended nozzle portion 432 of the improved supply chute 520 is configured to Figure 4C During operation of the improved ball mill system 500, the inlet liner 164 is located adjacent to the inlet liner 164. The inlet liner 164 is configured to prevent backflow of the material being ground in the improved drum assembly 801. Figure 6B ). Thus, by decoupling the drum inlet assembly 160 from the drum 710 of the drum assembly 701 ( Figure 6A ), the same drum 710 can be used to create an improved drum assembly 801 with an improved inlet configuration ( Figure 6B ). Additionally, the inlet liners 722, 723 can remain the same, resulting in an improved drum assembly 801 ( Figure 6B) minimizes assembly effort for the improved inlet configuration. In various embodiments, apertures may be drilled into the first flange 702 to facilitate fasteners or the like coupling the frame 162 to the first flange 702.

[0074] The process 900 further includes decoupling the first outlet liner 724 from the rearward radial wall 734 of the drum 710 (step 906). The first outlet liner 724 may include a plurality of circumferentially adjacent liner segments disposed on an axial surface of the rearward radial wall 734. The rearward radial wall 734 may be coupled to the drum 710. Figure 3A In various embodiments, the aft radial wall 734 includes a plurality of apertures configured to receive corresponding fasteners for coupling the first outlet liner 724 to the aft radial wall 734 .

[0075] In various embodiments, the first outlet liner 724 can be converging (i.e., increasing in thickness as the first outlet liner 724 extends in a radially outward direction). In this regard, according to various embodiments, the first outlet liner 724 can be configured to direct material that has been ground in the drum 710 axially rearwardly out of the discharge end of the drum 710. In various embodiments, the first outlet liner 724 includes a first length L3 defined in the radial direction.

[0076] The process 900 further includes coupling the second outlet liner 824 to the rearward radial wall 734 to partially form the improved drum assembly 801 (step 908). The second outlet liner 824 includes a plurality of circumferentially adjacent liner segments (e.g., Figure 3B 810 and the outlet section 342 of the modified drum assembly 801). The second outlet liner 824 includes a lip extending forwardly into the drum 810 and defining a protrusion to capture ground material for discharge through the drum outlet defined by the second outlet liner 824. In this regard, the second outlet liner 824 can also be configured to direct material ground in the modified drum assembly 801 axially rearwardly out of the discharge end of the modified drum assembly 801. In various embodiments, the second outlet liner 824 includes a plurality of apertures configured to align with a plurality of apertures in the rearward radial wall 734 of the modified drum assembly 801.

[0077] The second outlet liner 824 includes a second length L4 defined in the radial direction. The second length L4 is substantially similar to the first length L3 (e.g., equal to plus or minus 2%, or equal to plus or minus 1%). In this regard, the second outlet liner 824 is configured to maintain the output radius of the modified drum assembly 801 (e.g., the output radius R3 of the drum assembly 701 is substantially equal to the output radius R4 of the modified drum assembly 801). In this regard, the modified outlet liner 824 can be installed to form the modified ball mill system 500 while maintaining the output diameter designed for the ball mill system 400. For example, the second outlet liner 824 can be radially aligned with the second flange 744, which extends in the rearward axial direction from the rearward radial wall 734. The second flange 744 can define the first output radius R3 of the ball mill system 400 modified via process 900.

[0078] In various embodiments, the modification processes 600, 900 may be performed sequentially to form the improved ball mill system 500. In this regard, the modified ball mill system 400 may be modified to form the improved ball mill system 500 as described herein. Figure 1 Advantages of the ball mill system 100.

[0079] It is believed that the above disclosure includes at least one distinct invention having independent utility. Although the present invention has been disclosed in exemplary form, the specific embodiments disclosed and shown herein should not be considered limiting, as many variations are possible. The subject matter of the present invention includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or properties disclosed herein.

[0080] The methods and systems described herein can be implemented to improve the efficiency of ball mill devices and systems.Other advantages and features of the present systems and methods can be understood from the methods and systems disclosed and implemented herein.

Claims

1. A modification process for a ball mill system, the modification process comprising: decoupling a first outlet liner from a rearward radial wall of a drum of the ball mill system; as well as A second outlet liner is coupled to the rearward radial wall of the drum, the second outlet liner including a protrusion extending axially forwardly from a radially inner end of the second outlet liner into the cavity of the drum.

2. The modification process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protrusion is configured to catch ground material exiting the ball mill system during operation of the ball mill system.

3. The modification process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outlet liner includes an inclined surface that slopes in an axially rearward and radially inward direction from a radially outer end toward a radially inner end of the rearward radial wall, the radially inner end being proximate to an outlet of the drum.

4. The modification process according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is configuring the inlet of the drum to reduce a cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the drum.

5. The modification process according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also included is configuring the axial length of the feed nozzle of the ball mill system.

6. The modification process according to claim 5, characterized in that: Configuring the axial length of the supply nozzle further includes extending the axial length of the supply nozzle to or beyond the axial forward end of the inlet liner.

7. The modification process according to claim 5, characterized in that: Also includes: coupling a frame to a first flange of the drum, the first flange being disposed at an axially forward end of the drum; as well as An inlet liner is coupled to the frame, the inlet liner defining a drum inlet radius of the drum assembly.

8. The modification process according to claim 7, characterized in that: The inlet liner is configured to prevent backflow of material during operation of the ball mill system.

9. The modification process according to claim 8, characterized in that: The inlet liner includes a forward radial flange configured to prevent backflow of material during operation of the ball mill system.

10. The modification process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outlet liner includes a first plurality of liner segments, each of the first plurality of liner segments being disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent segment of the first plurality of liner segments, and The second outlet liner includes a second plurality of liner segments, each of the second plurality of liner segments being disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent segment of the second plurality of liner segments.

11. The modification process according to claim 10, characterized in that: Each of the second plurality of liner segments includes an axially aft flange axially spaced from an axially forward flange.

12. The modification process according to claim 11, characterized in that: Each of the second plurality of liner segments includes a radially inner wall extending from the axially forward flange to the axially rearward flange.

13. The modification process according to claim 12, characterized in that: Coupling the second outlet liner to the aft radial wall includes coupling an axial aft flange of each of the second plurality of liner segments to the aft radial wall.

14. The modification process according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drum further includes a forward radial wall axially spaced from the rearward radial wall, and a drum shell extending axially from a first radially outer end of the forward radial wall to a second radially outer end of the rearward radial wall.

15. The modification process according to claim 14, characterized in that: The drum further includes a first flange extending axially forward from the forward radial wall, and a second flange extending axially rearward from the rearward radial wall.

16. A modification process for a ball mill system, the modification process comprising: decoupling a first plurality of liner segments from a rearward radial wall of a drum of the ball mill system, each of the first plurality of liner segments being disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent segment of the first plurality of liner segments; as well as A second plurality of liner segments are coupled to the rearward radial wall of the drum, each of the second plurality of liner segments being disposed circumferentially adjacent to an adjacent segment of the second plurality of liner segments, each of the second plurality of liner segments including a protrusion extending axially forwardly into the cavity of the drum from a radially inner end of each of the second plurality of liner segments.

17. The modification process according to claim 16, characterized in that: Each of the second plurality of liner segments includes an axially aft flange axially spaced from an axially forward flange.

18. The modification process according to claim 17, characterized in that: Each of the second plurality of liner segments includes a radially inner wall extending from the axially forward flange to the axially rearward flange.

19. The modification process according to claim 16, characterized in that: Also included is configuring the inlet of the drum to reduce a cross-sectional area of ​​the inlet of the drum.

20. The modification process according to claim 16, characterized in that: Also included is configuring an inlet of a drum assembly to modify an outer radius of a feed nozzle to be between 95% and 100% of an inner radius of an inlet liner of the drum, wherein the drum assembly includes the drum and the inlet liner.

Images