Research on Optimization of Lifter of an SAG Mill Based on DEM Simulation and Orthogonal Tests and Applications

The unreasonable parameters of mill liner lifter bars will not only decrease the operating rate of the mill and increase electricity consumption but, also, seriously restrict the production capacity of the mill. Therefore, optimizing the parameters of liner lifter bars is helpful to save energy, improve its production capacity, and increase benefits for enterprises. Given the unreasonable parameters of the lifter bars of the semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) mill in a beneficiation plant in Yunnan (China), the distinct element method (DEM) with orthogonal tests was used to conduct simulation, the simulation results demonstrating that the three parameters all had significant effects on the performance metrics of the mill. The findings indicate that by adjusting the lifter parameters, it is possible to achieve a more efficient and productive milling operation, ultimately leading to cost savings and enhanced operational efficacy in industrial applications.