AbstractA laboratory method has been developed which involves the use of three new rigs simulating the grinding action in the majority of existing types of mills. All three rigs combine abrasion and erosion with comminution processes. The object of this investigation was to develop a test procedure that would be suitable for general use in estimating the abrasiveness of particular minerals, and to study abrasive wear in various grinding systems. Three separate industrial problems involving coal grinding have been investigated by means of the novel apparatus.The results from the relatively simple laboratory procedures, designed and operated according to the principles of similarity, may be used to predict the service life of grinding machine elements.The tribo‐testing procedure and apparatus can be used to evaluate the abrasiveness of any granular mineral, and for testing the wear resistance of any material in abrasive or erosive action. A second paper (see p. 257) publishes results obtained using the apparatu