Application of Three-Parameter Distribution to Approximate the Particle Size Distribution Function of Comminution Products of Dolomitic Type of Copper Ore

Abstract The paper presents the results of analyze the particle size distribution function of comminution products of dolomitic type of copper ore. The breakage tests for single irregular particles were performed with using a hydraulic press device. The authors prepared five particle size fractions of each material, within ranges: 16-18 mm, 18-20 mm, 20-25 mm, 25-31,5 mm and 31-45 mm. The particle size distribution function of single-particle breakage test was calculated separately for each size fraction. In addition, the cumulative particle size distribution function for five particle size fractions was presented. In theoretical part the study of applied functions of particle size distribution for comminution a set of particles and models of crushing single particles was performed. In that paper the curves of the particle size distribution were approximated by the three-parameter function, which parameters depend on the particle strength and material type. For conformity assessment the model distribution function to the empirical distribution function a residual deviation and non-linear correlation coefficient were calculated. The three-parameter function approximating agrees well with the particle size distribution obtained from experimental data. The dependence of the parameters of a particle size distribution function on the dolomite particle strength was presented. The results indicate the identity of single particle grinding mechanism by slow compression of irregular particles of dolomitic type of copper ore, regardless of the initial particle size.