Transcritical CO2 Pulverization

Crushing and grinding rock is the largest consumer of energy at a mining operation. Breaking rock by expansion within is a lower energy process than crushing or impact from outside, since rock tensile strength is significantly lower than rock compressive strength. This research intends to explore and develop a novel method for rock comminution using a new form of explosive pulverization or shattering based on transcritical CO2 cycling rather than traditional compressive approaches. The intent of this project is to both reduce comminution energy as well as reduce equipment wear. Both result in reduced energy consumption with the associated social and environmental benefits that come from reducing energy usage.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bern Klein;Sanja Miskovic;Ryan Anderson

Student:

Pascuala Asetre

Partner:

Envisioning Labs

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of British Columbia