Analysis of the Influence of the Outlet Slot on the Distribution of the Product as a Method of Assessing the Quality of Jaw Crusher Operation

Producers of aggregates must prove that their products meet required standards. Effective decision-making in crushing processes requires analyzing how crusher operation affects component wear, particularly crushing plates. Their deterioration alters the crusher's geometry, increasing the closed side setting (CSS) and influencing the final product's granulation. Monitoring these changes is difficult but essential for ensuring product quality. This study presents a measurement system designed to assess wear in jaw crusher plates and its impact on the crushed material. Since aggregates and crushers vary widely, operational parameters such as wear rate, power consumption, and crushing force also differ, affecting product composition. Therefore, reliable measurement methods are crucial for accurate process evaluation and decision-making. In the analysis of the results, the Lorentzian distribution was used as a flexible tool to mathematically describe changes in the particle size distribution of the ground product. The proposed approach combines granulometric analysis of the crushed product with a Lorentzian model to predict crushing performance. Laboratory experiments confirmed the method's effectiveness, demonstrating its ability to monitor plate wear and predict resulting product characteristics. In particular, it was observed that a relatively small increase in the CSS (approximately 9.23%) did not result in significant changes in the particle size distribution, indicating the presence of a "non-sensitive" operating range. The results show that systematic wear assessment can improve control over crushing operations and enhance product quality verification.