Determination of Comminution Work Index and Physical Properties of Ebiti Phosphate Rock in Ogun State Southwestern Nigeria

Abstract

The study determined the physical properties and comminution work index of Ebiti phosphate rock and analysed its particle size and mineralogical properties. These were with a view to generating data baseline for further advanced characterisation of the rock for use in some industrial engineering applications. The phosphate rocks were sourced from Ebiti Village, Ifo Local Government Area, Ogun State. The rocks were crushed and ground with Pascal Engineering crusher and ball mill, respectively. Textural forms, colour, water absorption capacity, specific gravity, Moh hardness tests were performed to determine their physical properties. Comminution work index was also caried out to determine the energy required to reduce the phosphate rock samples to a specific particle size. Thereafter, petrographic analysis was performed to determine their mineralogical and textural features. The study showed that Ebiti phosphate rock occurs as nodular and versicular form with dead white or creamy colour. It has 5.0 hardness on the Moh’s Scale, which indicates a medium resistance to abrasion and crushing. Its apparent specific gravity was 2.65 and water absorption capacity was 12.74%. Particle size analysis showed that percentage of cumulative weight retained increases down the sieve series. Thin Section Microscopy revealed nodules, vesicles with dark spots. The study concluded that Ebiti phosphate rock is sedimentary and has comminution work index of 16.97 Kwh/tons.