Double Wheel Crusher Prototype.

Author:

Janne Torvela

February 2020

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Thesis submitted for the Master's Degree Program of Mechanical Engineering.

Supervisors:

Dr. Marcos de Paiva Bueno and Prof. Simon Michaux

Abstract:

Double Wheel Crusher prototype

University of Oulu, Degree Program of Mechanical Engineering

Master’s thesis 2020, 70 pp. + 2 Appendixes

Supervisor(s) at the university: Dr. Toni Liedes, Dr. Marcos de Paiva Bueno

This thesis presents a proof of concept for a new testing device. The prototype device was commissioned as a part of a project to develop a fast, low-cost, and reliable breakage characterization test for geometallurgical modelling. One of the key processes involved in minerals extraction is comminution: mineral ores are broken down with crushing and grinding machinery. Comminution testing can be used for the purposes of optimizing these processes. Various testing methods used in the industry subject rock particles to varying levels of crushing impact to measure the amount of fine materials liberated relative to the input energy. The role of mechatronic engineering in this context is to design and develop intelligent machines that ease the work of the researchers and technicians performing these tests. The structure of the new device was proposed as a variation of an instrumented roll crusher with an adjustable gap. The trial operation of the prototype was done using rocks from different mine sites around Finland. The test set resulted in data with a clearly identifiable correspondence of energy to the amount of breakage, proving the plausibility of the device. Some issues were found with the accuracy of energy measurements. The programming error behind the fault was corrected and the improved device was found to produce a standard deviation of measurement of 1.07 Joules. Means to further improve the accuracy of the energy and force measurements are discussed, with recommendations and suggestions for other improvements to the device in the future.

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