HIPECS - High-performence computation of comminution in large particle systems

Purpose and goal:

The aim with the pre-study HIPECS has been to develop a numerical framework for simulating comminution of minerals. The framework connects physics-based models for fragmentation of the material with a large-scale simulation of the comminution process. An overall aim with this research has been to enable optimization of this very energy-consuming process based on machine learning and AI technology.

The main focus has been development of the included models which now are validated, and the next logical step is to connect them to a modelling framework. Expected results and effects:

One obvious result of the pre-study HIPES is that comminution accurately can be simulated over different scales to connect the properties of the material with efficiency of the milling process in the industry. This provide a stable foundation for a modelling framework to simulate and optimize the milling process.

The next step, which is the aim for future projects, is to optimize the design and service of industrial mills for increasing the efficiency in the milling process. Approach and implementation:

The project has been carried out at Luleå Tekniska Universitet (LTU) and Fraunhofer-Chalmers Centre (FCC) in Gothenburg with support from Boliden Mineral AB. The research at LTU has focused on developing a detailed fragmentation model for the material to be milled and FCC has developed and validated the particle model used to model the milling process.

Boliden Mineral AB has contributed industrial know-how and ensured industrial relevance in the research. This consortium proved to be very strong with different expertise among the partners to carry out the project.