Wet Ball Mill Media Replacement Using Fuzzy Power Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods do not effectively optimize grinding media replacement in wet ball mills, failing to use predictive models to determine the power required by the mills and the timing and quantity of media to be replaced during a work shift, which affects energy consumption and operational efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing a fuzzy controller and metaheuristic algorithm to estimate mill power based on operational data, determine grinding media replacement parameters, and automate the replacement process to maintain optimal filling levels, thereby optimizing energy efficiency and particle size control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If grinding media replacement is performed based on conventional methods without predictive models, then operational simplicity is maintained, but energy consumption increases and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by using predictive models to determine the optimal timing and quantity of grinding media replacement before it is actually needed. The metaheuristic algorithm calculates future media consumption patterns and schedules replacement in advance, preventing energy inefficiency before it occurs while maintaining operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring mill operational data and using it to update predictive models. The system compares actual media consumption with predicted consumption, adjusts replacement schedules accordingly, and optimizes future predictions based on observed deviations, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If grinding media replacement is optimized using predictive models and metaheuristic algorithms, then energy efficiency and particle size control improve, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves multi-functionality by integrating predictive modeling, metaheuristic optimization, and automated control into a single unified platform. This single system simultaneously performs media replacement optimization, energy consumption reduction, and particle size control, avoiding the need for multiple separate systems and reducing overall complexity despite the advanced capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service by enabling automated decision-making through the metaheuristic algorithm and predictive models. The system autonomously determines optimal replacement schedules and quantities without requiring constant human intervention, reducing operational complexity while maintaining high energy efficiency and particle size control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If predictive models are used to determine grinding media replacement timing and quantity, then mill filling level optimization improves, but computational requirements and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilling level optimizationVSAvoidcomputational processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary computational actions by pre-calculating optimal replacement schedules using the metaheuristic algorithm during periods when precise real-time control is less critical. These pre-computed solutions are stored and applied in real-time operations, achieving high filling level optimization without the computational overhead during critical control moments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements dynamic adjustment by adapting the level of computational optimization based on operational conditions. During stable operating conditions, the system uses pre-computed solutions with minimal processing. During transient conditions requiring precise filling level control, the system activates enhanced computational optimization, dynamically balancing precision requirements against processing time constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4706830A1Method and system for optimizing the replacement of grinding media in wet ball mills, and controller-readable medium
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 VALE SA
  • EP4706830A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4706830A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4706830A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for optimizing the replacement of mill grinding media comprising the steps of: determining, through a fuzzy controller (10), a required power value of each mill (M1, M2, ..., Mn); estimating, by a means for estimating mill power (20), a power of each mill (M1, M2, ..., Mn) based on its operational data (M1, M2, ..., Mn); determining, through a means for determining grinding media replacement (30), grinding media replacement parameters for the mill (M1, M2, ..., Mn); and automating, through a means for automating grinding media replacement (40), the replacement of grinding media based on the grinding media replacement parameters for the mill (M1, M2, ..., Mn). The present invention also provides a controller-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform steps of a method for optimizing the replacement of grinding media in mills. The present invention further provides a system for optimizing grinding media replacement in mills, comprising a grinding media replacement device; at least one mill (M1, M2, ..., Mn) connectable to the grinding media replacement device (50); and a controller-readable medium.