The course provides the possibility to acquire the knowledge to conduct simpler computer-assisted simulations of processes for particulate media. After completion the student should be able to:
• Identify situations when simulation techniques might provide a contribution to the understanding of the process,
• Establish the required input data for simulation of mineral processes,
• Construct and confine flowsheets for simulations,
• Report results from simulations,
• Judge if the simulation results are relevant,
• Interpret the result in process technology terms,
• Formulate hypothesis on changes to the process as a result of the simulation.

Dry processes
* Models for comminution of hard, crystalline materials
* Models for screening
* Simulation of crusher circuit

Wet comminution
* Models for comminution in mills with manufactured or autogenous grinding bodies
* Classification models
* Simulation of grinding circuit

Separation by density
* Models for density separation with manufactured or autogenous media
* Simulation of wet gravity circuit

Separation by surface properties (flotation)
* Simple and advanced models for flotation
* Simulation of flotation circuit

Separation processes based on other physical characteristics
* Simple models for magnetic separation
* Models for thickeners and filters
* Simulation of soil remediation plant

The entire course is conducted with IT support (LMS and/or static Web-pages) and a text book with attached simulation program. There is only one compulsory gathering in Luleå. The instruction consists of introductory lectures/reading notes, quizzes, exercises and assignments, all of them delivered by the LMS. The reading notes aim to, for each part of the course, to get across the material in the text book with references to the program and to provide the possibility for the students to describe model structures and explain theoretical concepts. The quizzes are used to give the students a possibility to test their factual knowledge. The exercises are used to train the use of models and to introduce process technology concepts. The assignments are solved in groups with the help of the text book and its simulation program. They aim to train the students to work in groups to formulate the requirements for, conduct, evaluate, interpret, and report simulation results.

Control of acquired skill levels with quizzes and graded assignments for each part. These have to be submitted on time, or there will be an automatic deduction of attainable points for the part. The total points production determines the grand grade of the course, and it is given on the scale 3 4 5. For grade 3, the student must be able to list and produce input data, conduct a simulation and show the results. For grade 4, the student must be able to evaluate whether the result is relevant, to interpret it in process technology terms and report the results. For grade 5, the student must be able to formulate and motivate suggestions for change to processes and to report and present the results.

Compulsory attendance at the first gathering.

Bertil Pålsson

The course M7001K is equal to KGM005

•King, R. P.: Modelling and Simulation of Mineral Processing Systems, 2nd Ed. Eds. C.L. Schneider and E.A. King. Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration. Inc., Eaglewood, CO, USA, 2012. ISBN: 978-0-87335-345-8•

Extra literature provided by Division of Mineral Processing.

Search books in the library »

Department of Civil, Environmental and Natural Resources Engineering

Course plan approved by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Geosciences 2007-02-28.

by Eva Gunneriusson 11 Feb 2014