Predicting the flowability of alumina powder during batch grinding through the establishment of a grinding kinetic model

Abstract : Grinding is one of the main unit operation in industrial processes handling powders. The particle size reduction that takes place during grinding tests, usually results in a significant change in the flow behavior of the ground powder. Up to now, a model predicting the evolution of powder flowability with grinding time, according to the operating conditions is still missing. In this paper, a methodology combining a grinding kinetic model and a flowability model involving the population-dependent granular Bond number is developed. The methodology has been applied to an alumina powder, ground in a batch ball mill. The flow function coefficient of the ground samples is measured after various grinding times in a powder shear tester. The comparison between model predictions and experimental data shows that this method allows an accurate prediction of the powder flow behavior over the first sixteen minutes of grinding.