The history of specific energy models

Speaker

Mr Alex Doll

Abstract

Specific energy models remain the core grinding mill sizing technique used by the industry in spite of years spent developing more complicated mathematical frameworks to model grinding. This seminar will discuss the origins and motivations of the early specific energy models, describe how SAG milling challenged the core assumptions of the technique, and celebrate the global wave of innovation happening around new and old specific energy models of comminution. This big picture will offer a rigorous framework to understand the most common specific energy model involving the Bond Work Index in a form that challenges (and improves upon) the conventional narrative taught to undergraduates.

Bio

Alex Doll runs a one-man multinational consulting company focused on conceptual design and optimisation of mineral grinding circuits. A disciple of Derek Barratt, Alex has presented extensively on grinding topics in conferences and on his YouTube channel that “narrowcasts” highly focused content related to mineral grinding. He is involved with SAG Conference Foundation in Canada, was the comminution session editor of the IMPC 2014 in Chile, and has presented short courses on grinding circuit operation and design. Alex was awarded the 2023 Art MacPherson award at the SAG Conference in Vancouver for significant contributions to comminution.