Method of and system for operating a vertical grinding mill

US12201989B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• ANGLO AMERICAN INVESTIMENTOS-MINÉRIO DE FERRO LTDA · BR

Inventors

• Kellson Takenaka Menezes · Patrimônio, BR
• Mario Arruda · São Paulo, BR
• Marlon Fábio Marques Lino · Patrimônio, BR
• Mauro Rossi · Patrimônio, BR
• Ricardo Coutinho · Arraial do Cabo, BR

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 21, 2022
• Grant date: Jan 21, 2025
• Expiry date: Jun 21, 2042

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B02C2210/01
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of predicting a level of wear of a wear component of a vertical mill, whereby the vertical mill is used for grinding feed material. The method includes, while the mill is in operation, (i) capturing/obtaining a thermal profile of the mill from outside a grinding chamber of the mill, and (ii) determining an indication as to a level of wear of at least one wear component of the mill which is located inside the grinding chamber, based on the thermal profile of the mill. The step of capturing/obtaining a thermal profile may include performing a thermographic analysis of the mill from outside the grinding chamber of the mill. The determining step may include determining whether the wear component requires changing/replacement based on the thermographic analysis of the mill.