Ball Mill Drum Inlet Liner to Prevent Backflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ball mill systems suffer from inefficiencies in material throughput and backflow during the grinding process, particularly due to undefined drum inlets and outlets, which affect the optimal feed rate and overall efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a drum assembly with a defined inlet liner and outlet segments, coupled with a frame and feed spout extensions, to prevent backflow and enhance material flow directionality, along with the use of segmented liners for ease of maintenance and improved wear resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional ball mill system operates without a defined inlet liner, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but material backflow occurs and throughput efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial throughput capacityVSAvoidinlet liner structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet liner is divided into multiple segments that can be assembled together to form the complete liner structure. This segmentation allows for easier installation, maintenance, and replacement while providing a defined inlet structure that prevents material backflow and improves throughput efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the feed spout is extended to improve material flow directionality, then backflow is reduced and efficiency increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinput/output efficiencyVSAvoidfeed spout extension

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The feed spout extension is designed to nest within or connect to the existing feed chute structure. This nested configuration allows the extension to be integrated into the existing system without requiring complete redesign, thereby improving material flow directionality and reducing backflow while minimizing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If segmented liners are used to improve wear resistance and ease of maintenance, then the liner durability increases, but the assembly and disassembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliner wear resistanceVSAvoidsegmented liner assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is constructed from multiple replaceable segments that can be individually removed and replaced. This segmentation provides several benefits: improved wear resistance through distributed wear across segments, easier maintenance by replacing only worn segments rather than the entire liner, and simplified installation. The segments are designed with simple joining mechanisms that minimize assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20260001082A1Systems, devices and methods for improved efficiency of ball mills

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 FREEPORT MCMORAN INC

AI summary

A drum assembly for a ball mill system may comprise: a drum having a first flange extending axially forward from a first radial wall, a second flange extending axially aft from a second radial wall, and a cylinder 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 comprising a plurality of inlet segments disposed circumferentially adjacent to each other, the inlet liner defining an inlet radius for the drum assembly.