Laser Acoustic Rock Testing for Real-Time Comminution Energy Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for estimating comminution energy consumption in ore processing are time-consuming and unsuitable for real-time surveillance in mining, leading to potential under or over grinding, increased energy consumption, and reduced throughput in large mines with varying ore properties.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus utilizing laser-induced plasma shock waves to create an acoustic fingerprint of rock material, which is then used to estimate comminution energy consumption, incorporating a pulsed laser source, focusing lens system, microphone, and machine-learning algorithms for accurate and automated energy estimation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If standard physical tests (bond ball mill or point load test) are used to estimate comminution energy consumption, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomminution energy consumption estimation accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption for physical tests

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical physical tests (bond ball mill, point load test) with an optical-acoustic measurement system. A pulsed laser irradiates the rock material to generate plasma, and the acoustic signal from the plasma shock wave is captured by a microphone. This substitution of mechanical testing with optical-acoustic measurement achieves rapid estimation of comminution energy consumption without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from mechanical test results to acoustic signal characteristics. By analyzing the acoustic signal generated during laser-induced plasma formation, the system extracts features that correlate with comminution energy consumption. This parameter transformation enables fast, automated estimation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If automated estimation method is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time surveillance capabilityVSAvoidapparatus structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical testing equipment with a simpler optical-acoustic system consisting of a pulsed laser, focusing lens, and microphone. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enabling automated, real-time surveillance of comminution energy consumption across multiple ore locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If different locations of ore deposit are mined simultaneously, then quantity of substance is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to varying physical properties

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveore production volumeVSAvoidcomminution energy consumption estimation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal measurement method that works across different ore types and locations. The laser-induced plasma acoustic signal technique is applicable to various rock materials with different physical properties, enabling consistent comminution energy consumption estimation throughout the entire ore deposit while maintaining high production volume from multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for rapid and accurate estimation of comminution energy consumption, optimizing process parameters, reducing energy and wear costs, and improving operational efficiency in mining and aggregate processing.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed laser source for ablating rock material to generate laser-induced plasma shock waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

ablating rock material to generate laser-induced plasma shock waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma formation: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

generate laser-induced plasma shock waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock wave generation: Shock Wave

Implementation Method 4

a microphone for capturing the laser-induced plasma shock waves for estimating the comminution energy consumption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic signal detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS20230314381A1Estimation of comminution energy consumption for rock comminution

Publication Date: 2023.10.05 LUMO ANALYTICS LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for facilitating an estimation of comminution energy consumption for rock comminution. The apparatus comprises a pulsed laser source for ablating rock material to generate laser-induced plasma shock waves, a focusing lens system for focusing the pulsed lased source for ablating the rock material and a microphone for capturing the laser-induced plasma shock waves for estimating the comminution energy consumption for the rock material.