A model has been developed by for drum agglomeration which allows selection of geometry and power input. Specific aspects considered are: calculation of total operating volume, solids residence time based on drum geometry and operating parameters, selection of the drum aspect ratio, selection of proportion of critical speed, calculation of rotating power requirements._x000D_
The model uses solids total residence time to calculate the required operating volume. The burden density is calculated from the solids bulk density, agglomerate packing and the fluid density. Power is calculated using a modified Liddell and Moys correlation for burden position and shape, and the operating drum speed. A further power allowance is made to allow for accretion drop off during drum rotation._x000D_
Results from the model (especially power and per cent operating fill) have been verified from industrial installations of significant size._x000D_
Predicted and observed power draws are within five per cent when burden slip and bypassing are not significant. When these are significant (at fills above 15per cent) the actual power draw will be less than the model prediction._x000D_
Under these circumstances the quality of the agglomerates will be poor._x000D_
CITATION:Miller, G, 2010. Agglomeration drum selection and design, in Proceedings XXV International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) 2010, pp 193-202 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).