Development of the Bench Scale Isamill Signature Plot Test: Introducing the Eliason Test

There are currently a number of options in terms of plant feed comminution tests: Bond work index tests, JK drop weight and SMC tests, SPI, low impact crusher work index tests, to name a few. However, information regarding specific energy requirements for regrind mills is often requested, which can be difficult or very expensive when only a small mass of concentrate is produced from bench-scale flotation tests. This research was aimed at developing a test methodology that would produce a similar result as an IsaMill Signature Plot but require less sample mass allowing for preliminary estimates of regrinding power at a lower cost. Initially, the laboratory test methodology was completed on a single sample in comparison to the IsaMill Signature Plot for that sample. Results indicated a very good correlation between the laboratory tests and the IsaMill Signature Plot for this sample, though some parameters did impact laboratory regrind mill efficiency. The developed methodology is subsequently being applied to a range of concentrates, investigating a range of material particle sizes and material types, in comparison to a full IsaMill Signature Plot on the same sample. This new test procedure has been called ‘The Eliason Test’.