Selection criteria for SAG mill drive systems

The various options available for large-horsepower semiautogenous grinding (SAG) mill drive systems are examined, together with their impacts on mill design and relative capital and operational costs. A brief history of large-mill drive systems is given. State-of-the-art mill design and mechanical design considerations are also discussed. A design for fixed-speed or variable-speed operation is presented, and the capital and operational cost factors that influence design are considered. The choice of a drive system is independent on the size of the mill, its critical speed, and the horsepower required. Several areas of concern are outlined for each drive-system design. A criterion for selecting the best design for large mills is developed