Asaad Shemshadi - Arak University of Technology, Arak, Iran
Mohammad Reza Khojaste - Arak University of Technology, Arak, Iran

One type of electrical breakdown in solid insulation is electromechanical failure. In mineral processing, crushing rocks is energy intensive. Rock crushing using high voltage has many advantages, including high stone breaking efficiency, and is a new and efficient way to break stone. The shape of the electrode, the amount of applied voltage, and the selection of drilling process parameters are the main obstacles to using this method. In this study, based on the equivalent circuit of high voltage electro pulse failure, a mathematical model of high voltage electro pulse discharge in rock has been developed. Then, a high-voltage simulation model is developed based on the coaxial cylindrical electrode structure. This paper investigates the use of electromechanical failure phenomena for crushing minerals. High voltage pulses are used to crush the rock, then by simulating the relevant circuit, the necessary voltage for crushing three minerals is obtained and the feasibility of using this method is discussed. Finally, using the simulation and the obtained results, the possibility of using this method for crushing minerals has been investigated. This study provides a scientific basis for quantifying and predicting rock crushing using high-voltage technology in order to improve drilling efficiency and reduce energy loss.

Electromechanical failure, crushing rocks, electrical breakdown in solids