Pilot study on the influence of the eccentric speed on cone crusher production and operation

Mining Engineering , 2013, Vol. 65, No. 12, pp. 50-56

Jacobson, D.; Lamminmaki, N.

There are many different machine design parameters and variables that affect the production of cone crushers in a mineral processing plant. One of these variables is the speed at which the cone gyrates. In June 2012, pilot tests were conducted to determine the production and operating conditions over a wide spectrum of speeds. Mining operations will have variations in the ore characteristics and feed rates that result in nonoptimal use of the crushing energy and inconsistent process control. This study documents the measured variation in production and energy efficiency with two operating modes. Overall, the results match the theory, and the capacity and power fluctuated by 25% and 17%, respectively, when operated at full capacity, with an overall trend of slightly coarser discharge size distribution as the speed decreased. Using a fixed feed rate, the crushers had 4-14% higher production when operating at the optimal speed. Secondary analysis showed that the power draw consistency and magnitude of power spikes could also be improved by optimizing the cone speed. Varying the speed of the crusher can be used to tune the crusher during commissioning, adapt to changing ore conditions over long periods of time or be used as a dynamic input into an advanced control system. Each action above would serve to make the crusher(s) more productive, more energy efficient, improve process control and would also have mechanical benefits for the machine.