Analysis of nonlinear batch grinding in stirred media mills using self-similarity solution

Generally, particle breakage rate is considered to be independent of the grinding environment, and hence, the system is referred to as a linear time-invariant grinding system with first-order grinding kinetics. However, time-dependent breakage rate exists and perhaps, is more critical for fine grinding of particles. The time-dependent breakage rate also introduces nonlinearity in the grinding phenomena. In the present work, a self-similarity based approach is described to model the evolution of fine particle size distributions in a batch stirred media milling with an emphasis on the nonlinear breakage rate function by considering the breakage rate to be a function of the grind time. The present approach yields analytical expressions for cumulative weight percent finer distributions for the continuous-size continuous-time population balance equation. The breakage parameters in the analytical solution can be estimated for a given system from any three measured size distributions that show self-similarity and these parameters can be used to predict distributions evolving at higher grind times. Several sets of published data of stirred media milling are employed to validate the model. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.