HPGR effect on the particle size and shape of iron ore pellet feed using response surface methodology

Abstract

In this study the effect of HPGR operational parameters on the dimensional properties of pellet feed was examined and optimized using factorial methodology. The operational parameters considered include feed moisture, specific pressure and roll speed. For this study, size and shape of particles with Blaine number in the range 1800–2200 cm² g⁻¹ was thoroughly investigated. It was deduced that increasing the specific pressure and decreasing the roll speed would result in reduction of D₈₀ but would increase the Blaine number. The circularity, aspect ratio and roughness descriptors of the particles were measured by SEM micrographs and image analysis software. It was observed that particles tended to be angular, with elongated shape due to the inter-particle and compression breakage mechanism in the HPGR.