How to Calculate and Solve for Energy Used in Comminution | Mineral Processing

Last Updated on October 4, 2021

The image above represents energy used in comminution.

To compute for energy used in comminution, three essential parameters are needed and these parameters are Constant (K_R), Surface Area of Product (A_p) and Surface Area of Feed (A_f).

The formula for calculating the energy used in comminution:

E = K_R(A_p – A_f)

Where:

E = Energy used in Comminution
K_R = Constant
A_p = Surface Area of Product
A_f = Surface Area of Feed

Let’s solve an example;
Find the energy used in comminution when the constant is 32, the surface area of product is 8 and the surface area of feed is 4.

This implies that;

K_R = Constant = 32
A_p = Surface Area of Product = 8
A_f = Surface Area of Feed = 4

E = K_R(A_p – A_f)
E = 32(8 – 4)
E = 32(4)
E = 128

Therefore, the energy used in comminution is 128 J.

Calculating the Constant when the Energy used in Comminution, the Surface Area of Product and the Surface Area of Feed is Given.

K_R = ^E / _{(Ap – Af)}

Where:

K_R = Constant
E = Energy used in Comminution
A_p = Surface Area of Product
A_f = Surface Area of Feed

Let’s solve an example;
Find the constant when the energy used in comminution is 24, the surface area of product is 15 and the surface area of feed is 7.

This implies that;

E = Energy used in Comminution = 24
A_p = Surface Area of Product = 15
A_f = Surface Area of Feed = 7

K_R = ^E / _{(Ap – Af)}
K_R = ²⁴ / _{(15 – 7)}
K_R = ²⁴ / ₈
K_R = 3

Therefore, the constant is 3.

Calculating the Surface Area of Product when the Energy used in Comminution, the Constant and the Surface Area of Feed is Given.

A_p = (^E / _KR) + A_f

Where:

A_p = Surface Area of Product
E = Energy used in Comminution
K_R = Constant
A_f = Surface Area of Feed

Let’s solve an example;
Find the surface area of product when the energy used in comminution is 32, the constant is 2 and the surface area of feed is 4.

This implies that;

E = Energy used in Comminution = 32
K_R = Constant = 2
A_f = Surface Area of Feed = 4

A_p = (^E / _KR) + A_f
A_p = (³² / ₂) + 4
A_p = 16 + 4
A_p = 20

Therefore, the surface area of product is 20.

Calculating the Surface Area of Feed when the Energy used in Comminution, the Constant and the Surface Area of Product is Given.

A_f = A_p – (^E / _KR)

Where:

A_f = Surface Area of Feed
E = Energy used in Comminution
K_R = Constant
A_p = Surface Area of Product

Let’s solve an example;
Find the surface area of feed when the energy used in comminution is 48, the constant is 8 and the surface area of product is 50.

This implies that;

E = Energy used in Comminution = 48
K_R = Constant = 8
A_p = Surface Area of Product = 50

A_f = A_p – (^E / _KR)
A_f = 50 – (⁴⁸ / ₈)
A_f = 50 – 6
A_f = 44

Therefore, the surface area of feed is 44.

Nickzom Calculator – The Calculator Encyclopedia is capable of calculating the energy used in comminution.

Now, Click on Mineral Processing under Materials and Metallurgical

Now, Click on Energy used in Comminution under Mineral Processing

The screenshot below displays the page or activity to enter your values, to get the answer for the energy used in comminution according to the respective parameter which is the Constant (K_R), Surface Area of Product (A_p) and Surface Area of Feed (A_f).

Now, enter the values appropriately and accordingly for the parameters as required by the Constant (K_R) is 32, Surface Area of Product (A_p) is 8 and Surface Area of Feed (A_f) is 4.

Finally, Click on Calculate

As you can see from the screenshot above, Nickzom Calculator– The Calculator Encyclopedia solves for the energy used in comminution and presents the formula, workings and steps too.