Quenching simulation of steel grinding balls

Abstract

ABSTRACT:The phase transformations of high carbon steel during quenching and equalizing were modelled using commercial computer packages based on the finite element method and the kinetic transformation of steel. The model was used to predict the temperature and microstructural changes taking place within balls of two different sizes that are used for grinding mineral ores. A good correlation between the temperatures measured by inserted thermocouples and those predicted by the model was obtained after modifying the thermal conductivity of the steel within the temperature domain at which mixed phases are present. The phase transformations predicted were confirmed by metallographic analyses. RESUMEN:Simulación del temple en bolas de desgaste de acero. Las transformaciones de fase en aceros de alto carbono durante su temple y un posterior periodo de estabilización fueron modelizadas por medio del uso de paquetes computacionales basados en el método del elemento finito y de la transformación cinética de los aceros. El modelo se usó para predecir los cambios de temperatura y microestructura que se presentan en bolas de dos diferentes tamaños empleadas en estaciones de molienda de minerales. Se encontró una buena correlación entre las temperaturas medidas mediante la inserción de termopares y aquellas predichas por el modelo una vez que se modificó la conductividad térmica del acero en el intervalo mixto de fases. La predicción de las transformaciones de fase se confirmó a través del análisis metalográfico.

Numerical simulation and experimental verification of the quenching temperature field of grinding balls

“…The finite-difference method was used to replace the temperature field as shown in Equations (7)- (8).…”

“…[4][5][6] Temperature changes cannot be observed and measured directly during the quenching process of a grinding ball, which affects the improvement of the quality and seriously restricts the formulation of the quenching process. [7][8] Hence, it is difficult for the materials to exert their optimum performance.…”

Improving Grinding Ball Lifespan and Efficiency Through Hardenability Modelling and Optimization

“…The morphology and characteristics of the carbides can also vary depending on these factors [5,[6][7][8][9][10][11][12]. These carbides can have different crystal structures, sizes, and distributions within the matrix, and can affect properties such as hardness, wear resistance, and toughness [11,13,14]. Quenching is a heat treatment process that involves rapid cooling of a material from a high temperature to a lower temperature, usually in a liquid or gas medium such as water, oil, or air.…”