Le Roux, Johan DerikCraig, Ian KeithHulbert, D.GHinde, A.L2014-04-252014-04-252013Le Roux, JD, Craig, IK, Hulbert, DG & Hinde, AL 2013, 'Analysis and validation of a run-of-mine ore grinding mill circuit model for process control', Minerals Engineering, vol. 43-44, no. 4, pp. 121-134 SI.0892-6875 (print)1872-9444 (online)10.1016/j.mineng.2012.10.009http://hdl.handle.net/2263/39683A simple and novel non-linear model of a run-of-mine ore grinding mill circuit, developed for process control and estimation purposes, is validated. The model makes use of the minimum number of states and parameters necessary to produce responses that are qualitatively accurate. It consists of separate feeder, mill, sump and hydrocyclone modules that can be connected to model different circuit configurations. The model uses five states: rocks, solids, fines, water and steel balls. Rocks are defined as too large to be discharged from the mill, whereas solids, defined as particles small enough to leave the mill, consist of out-of-specification coarse ore and in-specification fine ore fractions. The model incorporates a unique prediction of the rheology of the slurry within the mill. A new hydrocyclone model is also presented. The model parameters are fitted to an existing plant’s sampling campaign data and a step-wise procedure is given to fit the model to steady-state data. Simulation test results of the model are compared to sampling campaign data of the same plant at different steady-state conditions. The model shows promise in estimating important process variables such as mill power and product particle size and is deemed suitable for process control studies.fr© 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Minerals Engineering. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Minerals Engineering, vol. 43-44, no. 4, pp. 121-134 SI, 2013. doi : 10.1016/j.mineng.2012.10.009ComminutionGrindingSAG millingOre-dressingProcess controlMilling machineryPostprint Article