Investigating the Variations in Crushers’ Daily Production Using Imaging Technique

The crushing process has a major influence on generating the shape properties of mineral aggregates (form, angularity, and texture). It is vital to ensure that the crushing process produces aggregates with no significant variations in shape properties so that the quality and performance of building or pavement materials are not negatively altered. The main objective of this study is to investigate the variations in crushers’ daily production using an imaging technique. Samples from three different crusher sites were collected for 3 consecutive days. Aggregate Image Measurement System (AIMS) was used to analyze one size of coarse aggregate and one size of fine aggregate. The investigation was carried out by comparing the measured shape properties that AIMS quantify which include (sphericity, angularity, texture, and 2-D form). AIMS captured changes in coarse aggregate texture and sphericity, whereas no significant changes in angularity and 2-D form were detected. Variations in shape properties seem to be more apparent in the coarser sizes suggesting that testing of larger sizes might be more appropriate for investigating variations in crushers productions based on aggregate shape. Observed variations in texture and form between samples on a given day while angularity remained unchanged, is evidence that shape properties are independent of each other. These findings might prove the need to use imaging techniques to select the most efficient crushing practices to meet the desired aggregate shape. The authors recommend conducting similar studies using more aggregate sources and sizes, different crusher types, and longer study periods.