Chapter
Aug 11, 2016
Rock Crushing Using Microwave Pre-Treatment
Publication: Geo-Chicago 2016
Abstract
Crushing and grinding are primary contributors to a high energy demand in the mining industry, yet, both are surprisingly inefficient processes, often with efficiencies as low as 1%. We analyze size reductions during crushing and grinding operations and explore the potential of multiplying internal weaknesses in rock materials by non-mechanical means. In particular, when rock blocks (wet or even dry if polycrystalline) are exposed to microwaves, internal cracks can develop along grain boundaries via differential thermal expansion between grains and volumetric thermal expansion of water in pores. Brazilian tests conducted on granite and cement mortar specimens show that the tensile strength decreases proportional to the duration of microwave treatment. Thermal changes, excessive fluid pressure buildup and induced stresses are analyzed in the context of hydro-thermo-mechanically coupled processes. Results confirm that both differential thermal expansion of mineral grains and volumetric thermal expansion of water can generate cracks upon microwave exposure. Optimal conditions are suggested to lower the combined consumption of electric and mechanical energy.
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Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Aug 11, 2016
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ASCE Technical Topics:
- Continuum mechanics
- Cracking
- Dynamics (solid mechanics)
- Engineering mechanics
- Fracture mechanics
- Geology
- Geotechnical engineering
- Grain (material)
- Gravels
- Hydration
- Infrastructure
- Laminating
- Material mechanics
- Material properties
- Materials engineering
- Materials processing
- Microwaves
- Pavements
- Rocks
- Solid mechanics
- Strength of materials
- Tensile strength
- Thermal properties
- Thermodynamics
- Transportation engineering
- Waves (mechanics)
Authors
Affiliations
Seunghee Kim, A.M.ASCE
Assistant Professor, Western New England Univ., 1215 Wilbraham Rd., Springfield, MA 01119-2684.
J. Carlos Santamarina, M.ASCE
Professor, King Abdullah Univ. of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia 23955-6900.
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Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.