Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• Breakdown delay time (Td) is a more suitable indicator than breakdown strength (Eb) for characterizing ore particle susceptibility to electrical breakdown in HVP breakage. • A probabilistic model based on the Weibull distribution effectively describes the relationship between breakdown probability and Td. • Regression analyses reveal significant influences of operating parameters and particle properties on Td and size reduction degree in HVP breakage. • The developed models show potential for predicting metallic mineral content and HVP breakage degree from operational and material parameters.
Abstract
The susceptibility of ore particles to electrical breakdown plays a critical role for high voltage pulse (HVP) breakage, yet its quantitative characterization still lacks deep understanding. Two indicators, namely breakdown delay time (Td) and breakdown strength (Eb) were compared, based on analysis on the two breakdown modes namely wavefront mode and post-wave mode. It was found that Td is more suitable to characterize the susceptibility of ore particles to electrical breakdown in HVP breakage than Eb. A probabilistic model based on the Weibull distribution is developed to describe the relation of breakdown probability to Td. Regression analyses were conducted to investigate how operating parameters and particle properties influence Td and size reduction degree of ore particles in HVP breakage. The regressed models demonstrate potential capability to predict metallic minerals content and HVP breakage degree based on operating parameters and particle properties.
1. Introduction
High voltage pulse (HVP) breakage has emerged as a promising method for ore comminution, offering distinct advantages over traditional mechanical approaches. Conventional crushing techniques rely on external mechanical forces, making selective fragmentation difficult to achieve leading to inefficiencies in energy usage and excessive wear on equipment [1,2]. By contrast, HVP technology applies electrical discharges to generate selective breakage along mineral boundaries, thereby significantly enhancing mineral liberation [3]. The controllable and selective nature of HVP breakage can improve separation effect, minimize overgrinding, and decrease equipment degradation [4]. Despite these advantages, however, as research on HVP technology deepens and its application expands, the mechanism underlying its fragmentation remains incompletely elucidated.
The breakage mechanism of ore particles subjected to HVP processing is based on the phenomenon of dielectric breakdown. When a high voltage pulse is discharged to ore, the electrical energy is initially deposited in weak regions, such as grain boundaries or pre-existing cracks. This leads to localized dielectric breakdown, producing rapid pressure increase that generate mechanical stress waves throughout the material. The propagation and interaction of these stress waves lead to the expansion and connection of microcracks inside ore particle, which eventually leads to fracture [5,6]. In addition, the physical properties of the ore (such as hardness, density, fracture distribution, etc.) and pulse parameters (such as voltage amplitude, pulse width, repetition frequency, etc.) will have significant impacts on the breakage effect [7–9]. These parameters have a significant influence on the electrical breakdown process, determining the susceptibility and consequence of electrical breakdown.
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Rui Sun, Yang Hong, Daqian Wang, Liang Si, Jianguo Yang, Wei Huang, Liefeng Huang, Weiran Zuo (2025). Characterization of the susceptibility of ore particles to breakdown in high voltage pulse breakage and the influencing factors. SinoTechIntel Verified Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmst.2025.11.004
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of the study on high voltage pulse breakage?
The study found that breakdown delay time (Td) is a more suitable indicator than breakdown strength (Eb) for characterizing ore particle susceptibility to electrical breakdown in HVP breakage.
How is the breakdown probability modeled in the paper?
A probabilistic model based on the Weibull distribution is developed to describe the relationship between breakdown probability and breakdown delay time (Td).
What factors influence the breakdown delay time and size reduction in HVP breakage?
Operating parameters (such as voltage amplitude, pulse width, repetition frequency) and particle properties (such as hardness, density, fracture distribution) significantly influence Td and size reduction degree.
What are the practical applications of the regression models developed in the study?
The regression models demonstrate potential capability to predict metallic minerals content and HVP breakage degree based on operating parameters and particle properties.
Why is HVP breakage considered advantageous over conventional crushing?
HVP breakage offers selective fragmentation along mineral boundaries, enhancing mineral liberation, improving separation efficiency, minimizing overgrinding, and reducing equipment degradation compared to conventional mechanical methods.
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