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Chemical Engineering · Q61

Mechanical Operations

Engineering and GATE · Chemical Engineering · question 61

Q61

In closed circuit grinding as compared to open circuit grinding, the

A.
Specific surface of product is more
Answer
B.
Product has lesser size uniformity
C.
Production rate at a given limiting size is lower
D.
Operation is economical

Answer: Option A

Solution

Answer: Option A
Solution:
The correct answer is Option A: Specific surface of product is more.
Here's why:
Closed circuit grinding involves a classifier (like a sieve or cyclone) that separates the ground material.
Only the material *larger* than the desired size is sent back for further grinding.
Open circuit grinding, on the other hand, grinds everything in one go without separation.
Think of it like this:
In closed circuit:
Only the coarser particles are re-ground.
This continuous re-grinding of coarse particles ensures a finer product.
Finer product means more surface area per unit mass (specific surface). So, the specific surface is higher.
In open circuit:
Everything is ground together, leading to a wider range of particle sizes.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
Option B: Product has lesser size uniformity: Closed circuit gives *better* size uniformity because oversized particles are re-ground.
Option C: Production rate at a given limiting size is lower: Closed circuit often has a *higher* production rate at a specific size because it efficiently processes only oversized particles.
Option D: Operation is economical: While the initial investment might be higher, closed-circuit grinding can be more economical in the long run due to *increased efficiency and reduced over-grinding* but it's not the primary benefit directly related to the grinding process itself. The increased specific surface area is the most direct result.