• Toivakka, Martti
• Sand, Anders
• Rosenkranz, Jan

Abstract

A 3-dimensional modified Stokesian dynamics-based technique forsimulating mineral particle suspensions is presented. Stokesian dynamicsis a mesh free particle approach, which resembles the discrete elementmethod. It includes hydrodynamic interactions and other interparticleforces.Expressions for the hydrodynamic interactions were modified based onresults from finite element (FE) calculation. The modifications allowfor broader particle size distributions than captured by traditionalanalytical expressions describing hydrodynamic interactions. Inaddition, models are presented for colloidal interactions, stericrepulsion caused by polymer adsorbed onto mineral particles and theBrownian motion. These models expand the applicability down to mu m andnm size particles. Comparison between governing forces can be made bygeneration of dimensionless expressions such as the particle Reynoldsand Peclet numbers.Numerical simulations performed using this technique enable thestudy of microscopic scale mechanisms and the characterisation ofparticle systems. This allows for appreciation of microstructuredevelopment in time and the prediction of macroscopic level propertiesof particle suspensions and consolidating systems.This paper reports on both model development and results utilisingthe above-described approach. In conclusion, the method is put intocontext by discussion of the applicability of the method in variouswet-state mineral processing applications.

Topics

• impedance spectroscopy
• microstructure
• mineral
• polymer
• simulation
• discrete element method