journal article·2024-03-20Open access

Optimizing Retention Bunkers in Copper Mines with Numerical Methods and Gradient Descent

Piotr Bortnowski, Robert Król, Natalia Suchorab-Matuszewska, Maksymilian Ozdoba, Mateusz Szczerbakowicz

Applied Sciences· Volume 14· Issue 6

Abstract

This study examines the optimization of ore receiving bins in underground copper mines, targeting the reduction of rapid wear and tear on bin components. The investigation identifies the primary wear contributors as the force exerted by the accumulated ore and the velocity at which ore particles move. By altering design and operational parameters, the objective is to decrease wear at key points such as transfer areas, thereby improving the efficiency and service life of retention bunkers. A Discrete Element Method (DEM) model of the bin was created and validated against actual mining conditions to study the impact of material flow on wear. The optimization approach used a constrained gradient descent algorithm to minimize factors like particle velocity and pressure force, while maintaining the efficiency of the bin. The findings provide valuable insights for the future design enhancements, potentially improving the operational performance of retention bunkers in the mining industry.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Mineral Processing and Grinding · Belt Conveyor Systems Engineering · Mining Techniques and Economics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Mining, Faculty of Geoengineering, Mining and Geology, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, ul. Na Grobli 15, 50-421 Wroclaw, Poland

KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., Rudna Mine, ul. Henryka Dąbrowskiego 50, 59-100 Polkowice, Poland

Funding

Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education

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