Question 1 [34 marks]

(a) Describe the meaning of selection function (2 marks)

(b) For a particular sample the batch milling fractions changed with time as in the table below. Use this
information to estimate the selection function for the classes (10 marks)

Time class 1 class 2

0 1.00 1.00
0.5 0.75 0.66
1 0.57 0.43
2 0.32 0.19
4 0.10 0.04

(c) The figure below shows the Feed flowrate and the size distribution in the 3 classes. The mill is closed
by a screen that returns all the class 1 product back to the mill. Assuming perfect mixing conditions and
that the ore weight in the mill to be 5 tons and selection function for all the class sizes to be the same
and b31 to be 0.25. (i) Calculate the residence time in the mill (2 marks). (ii) Calculate the size distribution
of the mill discharge that is going to the screen (6 marks) (iii) Calculate S1 and S2 (14 marks).

R 2tph

F
8tph D
1.0
0.0
0.0 0.0
0.6
0.4 P

2. Briefly discuss the Bond Work Index is determined (8)

b) Discuss why the Bond method is widely adopted for sizing mill and also explain why the selection and
breakage function approach is preferable (8)
Question 2 [ 34 Marks]

(a) Briefly discuss how the Bond Work Index is determined (8 marks)
b) Discuss why the Bond Index approach has been widely adopted for mill sizing and also
explain why the selection and breakage function approach is preferable (8 marks)
(c) A mill with its length equal to its diameter is operated at a mill filling of 40% and a mill speed
of 70%. A 1:10 size reduction ratio is achieved when the mill throughput is 200tph, but when
the throughput is only 180tph the reduction is 1:12. The feed size distribution is given by the
equation. If needed, you may use any relevant assumptions to answer the following equations.
(i) Calculate the work index (8 marks)
(ii) Calculate the mill diameter (10 marks)