As a by-product of non-ferrous metal smelting, copper slag requires efficient grinding for effective resource recovery and reuse. To meet the requirements of a 500 kg/h processing capacity and a discharge particle size of 50–100 microns (approximately 150–300 mesh), equipment selection must balance capacity alignment, grinding efficiency, and material characteristics.

Regarding parameter configuration, this application falls under the category of small-to-medium-scale continuous production. The ideal total internal volume for the ball mill shell ranges from 800 to 1,000 liters, with a grinding media charge of approximately 1.7 to 2.2 tons to ensure sufficient kinetic energy. Feed particle size should be strictly controlled to under 25 mm to maintain grinding efficiency. The drive system should feature a high-efficiency motor (15–22 kW) paired with a hardened-gear reducer to maintain an optimal shell rotation speed of 30–38 rpm. This configuration accommodates a broad capacity range (0.5–2 tons/h) while preventing energy waste caused by equipment oversizing.

In terms of model selection, a continuous horizontal ball mill with specifications ranging from 900×1800 mm to 900×3000 mm is recommended. These units typically utilize a two-chamber grate-discharge design—where material undergoes coarse grinding in the first chamber before fine grinding in the second—and incorporate wear-resistant liners to withstand the abrasive nature of copper slag. To achieve the target discharge size of 50–100 microns, the ball mill should be integrated into a closed-circuit system with an air classifier; utilizing negative-pressure conveying and precise classification ensures uniform product particle size and prevents over-grinding, thereby maximizing the comprehensive utilization value of the copper slag.