Calculation of Grinding Balls Surface Area and Volume

Quite often, there is a need for a quick and correct calculation of a grinding ball surface area and volume. Necessity of such calculations may arise when choosing a container for reloading grinding media into a ball mill;when selecting the optimum characteristics of grinding ballsto suit specific grinding requirements, etc. Most peoplecould say that this task refers to a fifth-grade math course. However, in the current pace of life,we have no time for recalling these simple mathematical formulas. Therefore, we decided to make a little crib sheet.

The sphere area (the surface area of a grinding ball), S is a value thatdetermines the area of the ball. Below, you can see the calculation formula:

S=4*π*R², where:

S — the surface area of the ball;

π — PIconstant, a mathematical constant that is equal to the ratio of the circle’s circumference to its diameter. 3.14 isa commonly used value for PI;

R- the radius of the ball.

The volume of a grinding ball is determined by the formula:

V=4/3*π*R³, where:

V- the volume of the ball

π — PI constant, a mathematical constant that is equal to the ratio of the circle’s circumference to its diameter. 3.14 is a commonly used value for PI;

R- the radius of the ball.

Earlier, we have mentioned one of the grinding media characteristics which is defined by the ratio of the surface area to the volume of the grinding ball (link to the article). As smaller the ratio value,as thinner (the better) grinding process will be.

We hope this information will save your time for searching a seemingly simple formula.