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A media consumption figure is useful only when its measurement basis is clear. Before comparing quotations or trial reports, check what was measured, over which period and under which operating conditions. A low number without that context is not a reliable purchasing specification.
Clarify the reported measurement
Ask whether a report refers to media additions, measured mass loss in a test, broken media or another measure. Record the unit and the calculation method. These measurements answer different questions and should not be compared as though they are interchangeable.
Account for the media inventory
Media added during a period may include an intentional increase in charge. A simple additions-to-throughput ratio can therefore be misleading when the starting and ending inventories differ. Document charge changes, withdrawals and the scope of the comparison before calculating a plant consumption figure.
Keep a consistent production basis
Confirm whether tonnage refers to feed, finished product or another process stream, and whether the basis is dry or wet mass. Record the operating period, downtime and any excluded events. Use the same definitions for the baseline and candidate media.
Record changes in operating conditions
Include feed characteristics, throughput, product-size measurements, mill settings and media size additions in the trial record. If conditions changed substantially, explain those changes with the result. Do not attribute every difference in a plant trial to the media alone.
Use the report in a purchasing decision
Review consumption together with breakage observations, product quality, operational performance and delivered media cost. Request the test procedure and underlying records for a supplier’s quoted result. Discuss your application through our technical solutions page or send an enquiry with your existing media specification and operating data.