The aim of the research is to understand how crushing plants can be operated as effectively as possible under given conditions. Several machine and material properties which affect the process change continuously, e.g. due to wear and rock material quality. This means that the optimal setpoints of the parameters are changing too. Based on the on-line adjustable parameters, an algorithm which selects the setpoint of the different parameters in real-time is developed. In order to achieve this, also sensor technology and computer systems for the aggregates industry are developed. The goal is to increase the yield with 5-10 %.

The Ph.D.-project started in September 2005. A licentiate Engineering degree was achieved in 2008. The doctorial dissertation is planned to the end of 2010. The project is funded by Swedish Mineral Processing Research Association (MinFo), and the Development Fund of the Swedish Construction Industry (SBUF).

Erik Hulthén, PhD student