Iron Ore Processing Improvements through Process Modeling and Computer Simulation - 2003
2003-09-05
Loading...
View/Download File
Persistent link to this item
Statistics
View StatisticsJournal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Title
Iron Ore Processing Improvements through Process Modeling and Computer Simulation - 2003
Authors
Published Date
2003-09-05
Publisher
University of Minnesota Duluth
Type
Technical Report
Abstract
When the Concentrator Modeling Center was established in 1998, its first
task was to define the prevailing conditions in terms of taconite plant
simulation. Capabilities of existing software and unit operations needing
improved models were defined. Preliminary simulations were carried out to
determine how accurately the existing models could simulate taconite plant
operations. Plant data was analyzed to determine how taconite plant
operation could be simulated and to define the common problems and
bottlenecks. It also provided some insight in terms of model development.
This work indicated that there was a need for improved model development
for the unit operations commonly used in taconite processing. Therefore,
the Center's task was defined as "to develop advanced models, while
providing simulation based assistance to the taconite plant operators using
available simulation capabilities. n
On the model development side, the specific objective was to develop
improved models for magnetic separators, hydroseparators, fine screens
and mineral liberation. Despite unsuccessful attempts to obtain federal
funding for this type of work due to unwillingness of federal sources to fund
projects that would benefit only a smaller section of the mining industry, the
Center managed to improve the very simple models available for these unit
operations using its plant database and limited funding for specific projects,
Now it has the capability of simulating taconite processing more
realistically. This was achieved . by analyzing available plant data and
developing theoretical understanding of how these unit operations function,
and along with pilot scale testing in the case of fine screen modeling.
The Center's task was not only to develop these models, but also to
incorporate them into the existing software, Usim Pac. Models for magnetic
separators and hydroseparators were converted to the programming
language of the software. The liberation model is expected to be
incorporated soon.
The Center's simulation efforts were concentrated on case studies
involving the Evtac and lspat Inland plants. While replacing hydrocyclones in a ball mill grinding circuit with fine screens was the focus of study in the
former plant, improving overall plant performance was the aim in the latter,
which is still an on-going project funded by the DOE. Another simulation
study was carried out to determine benefits of ore segregation in one of the
taconite plants.
Description
Related to
Replaces
License
Collections
Series/Report Number
Funding information
University of Minnesota Duluth, Natural Resources Research Institute, 5013 Miller Trunk Highway, Duluth, MN 55811-1442; Coleraine Minerals Research Laboratory, One Gayley Avenue, Box 188, Coleraine, MN 55722
Isbn identifier
Doi identifier
Previously Published Citation
Suggested citation
Ersayin, Salih. (2003). Iron Ore Processing Improvements through Process Modeling and Computer Simulation - 2003. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/188323.
Content distributed via the University Digital Conservancy may be subject to additional license and use restrictions applied by the depositor. By using these files, users agree to the Terms of Use. Materials in the UDC may contain content that is disturbing and/or harmful. For more information, please see our statement on harmful content in digital repositories.