EN
Intu LabUnderstanding through experience
All courses
Metallurgy · Understanding manipulation

Ore crushing

Understanding primary fragmentation and the choice of a crusher.

Reading · approximately 4 min2 relationships explainedquiz · 3 questions
01 · The scientific principle

What is happening?

Crushing reduces blocks by compression, impact or other mechanical stresses. Jaw, gyratory and cone crushers do not act exactly the same way.

The output setting influences the particle size and capacity, but the product has a size distribution. Reducing the aperture guarantees neither a one-size-fits-all nor unlimited flow improvement.

02 · Relationships to know

The formulas, with their conditions.

r = F₈₀ / P₈₀

F₈₀ and P₈₀: sizes at 80% passing, in the same unit.

Use when: Reduction ratio defined from distributions, not just the largest block.

Qmassique = m / Δt

m: t; Δt: h ; Q: t/h.

Use when: Measure the mass actually processed over a defined interval.

03 · From laboratory to industry

Where is this principle used?

Ore preparation plant

Reduce the blocks before grinding and concentration.

Aggregates quarry

Prepare size classes for construction and roads.

What to observe in the experiment

Modify the discharge opening and compare P₈₀ and flow rate, keeping the same feed ore.

To learn more

References and readings

This sheet explains the principles and their assumptions. Educational simulation can simplify the process; an industrial model requires suitable data and validation.

04 · Your turn

Have you understood the essentials?

Only one correct answer per question. Answer all three questions, then view the answer key.

1. P₈₀ designates…
2. Does crushing produce only one grain size?
3. If F₈₀ = 100 mm and P₈₀ = 20 mm, r is…
Intu Lab · Understanding sheet · Kimba Christian