Abstract： A kind of spent activated carbon was derived from a drinking water treatment plant, and then was grinded in planetary ball mill with or and dry methods. The index of particle size distribution d₅₀ of grinding products were valuated by laser particle analyzer. The effects of grinding methods and rotational speed on d₅₀ and energy consumptions of grinding products were investigated based on Rosin-Rammler distribution model. The energy consumption models were established, and then were verified by experimental values. The results show that the values of d₅₀ and size modulus reduce first and then stable in a certain value with the increase of energy consumption during dry or wet grinding. Comparing with dry grinding in the rang of 200 to 300 r/min rotational speed, a wet grinding at 40% solid mass concentration is conducive to obtain the grinding product with smaller d₅₀ and narrower size distribution in lower energy consumption. The energy consumptions of grinding spent activated carbon are highly affected by rotational speeds and grinding methods including wet or dry. The established energy consumption models which are based on Rosin-Rammler distribution model can be applied in the grinding process of spent activated carbon with planetary ball mill.

Keywords: drinking water treatment; spent activated carbon; planetary ball mill; grinding energy consumption