JKM006

The JKMRC has developed a new impact breakage testing device for rapid characterisation of ore samples. The device, referred to as the JKMRC Rotary Breakage Tester (RBT), uses controlled kinetic energy to characterise ore particle breakage. The JKRBT has undergone extensive testing through a comprehensive validation study using an industrialised JKRBT, designed and fabricated by RME. Seven industrialised JKRBT units have been deployed at various locations around the world, including Australia, North America and South Africa. The key objectives of the validation study were to establish the reproducibility of the JKRBT, compare the results and time efficiency of JKRBT with Drop Weight tests (DWT) on the same ore samples, and identify any potential safety and operating issues and future design improvements. Investigations to date have shown that the JKRBT can generate statistically similar breakage parameters to the traditional DWT, despite the differences in breakage method, but with significant advantages over its predecessor. The impact energy in the JKRBT is determined through a single calibration constant, established using high speed camera analysis. Despite the related uncertainties in the impact energy and possible secondary breakage, the JKRBT reproducibility appears to be better than DWT. Feedback from operating sites has confirmed the JKRBTs excellent safety and fast turn-around. This bodes well for the JKRBT as a powerful tool for rapid breakage characterisation in the mining industry. One of the niche applications is in geometallurgical testing where the JKRBT device offers a rapid and consistent method for determining the hardness of drill core samples.