Grinding Mill Liner Segments with Radial Vanes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mineral ore grinding mills face challenges in separating larger ore particles and grinding media from the slurry, requiring expensive construction and operation of slurry return systems like sieves and magnetic separation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating vanes on the frusto-conical liner segments of the mill, which protrude inwardly and are angled to deflect unground ore particles and grinding media back into the mill while allowing slurry to exit, eliminating the need for external return systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a slurry return system with sieves and magnetic separation is used to separate larger ore particles and grinding media from slurry, then separation effectiveness is improved, but construction and operation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from the external slurry return system and integrates it directly into the mill liner structure. The collars with flanges are built into the liner segments at the mill discharge end, creating internal barriers that separate grinding media and large particles from slurry without requiring external sieves or magnetic separation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the separation function with the mill liner structure itself. The collars and flanges are integrated components of the liner segments, combining the structural support function of the liner with the separation function that previously required separate equipment. This eliminates the need for external separation systems.
2Reliability
If external slurry return systems with multiple separation components are used, then particle separation is achieved, but system complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mill liner segments with integrated collars and flanges perform the separation function automatically as slurry flows through the mill. The structure self-regulates particle separation without requiring external control systems, operators, or complex mechanical separation equipment. The liners simply need to be in place and maintain their structural integrity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different liners are used for entry and exit ends of the mill, then functional requirements are met, but inventory management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention designs the collars and flanges to be universal components that can be installed at either the entry end or exit end of the mill. The collar assembly is symmetrical or adaptable in design, allowing the same liner segments to serve both ends of the mill regardless of their orientation, thus meeting different functional requirements while maintaining a single inventory type.
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 solution prevents the exit of unground ore particles and grinding media, reducing the need for costly slurry return systems and simplifying inventory management by using identical collars for both entry and exit ends.
Implementation Method 1
said segment having a vane located thereon extending radially outwardly of said part first cylindrical surface and projecting into the interior of said mill, said vane impeding the exit from said mill of unground ore particles and grinding media
Implementation Method 2
the vane lies substantially in a first plane making an acute angle with a second plane which is radial to the mill axis... said vane impeding the exit from said mill of unground ore particles and grinding media and permitting the exit of said slurry
Data Source
AI summary
A liner segment (10) for a rotary ore grinding mill (1) is disclosed. The mill has a horizontal mill axis (25), and an interior having a cylindrical liner (6) with a frusto-conical end (8) from which ground ore slurry exits the mill. Each segment includes a part collar (12) which protrudes inwardly into the interior. The collar has a first generally cylindrical surface (13) co-axial with the mill axis and a second flange surface forming a substantially annular flange (14) of greater radius than the cylindrical surface, surrounding an interior end of the cylindrical surface, and being connected to the cylindrical surface. Each segment has a vane (21) extending radially outwardly of the first cylindrical surface and projecting into the interior. The vane impedes the exit from said mill of unground ore particles and grinding media, and permits the exit of the slurry. A method is also disclosed.