Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Learning Outcomes
Intended At the end of week one, Students should be able to meet the following intended
Learning learning outcomes:
Outcomes Identify the different processes in industrial and manufacturing plants,
particularly in the size reductions of solids.
Enumerate and describe the equipment utilized in the size reduction processes
of solids.
Identify the methods in performing size reductions of solids.
Targets/ At the end of week one, Students should be able to meet the following intended
Objectives learning outcomes:
Discuss the different processes in industrial and manufacturing plants,
particularly in the size reductions of solids.
Enumerate and describe the equipment utilized in the size reduction processes
of solids.
Discuss the methods for performing size reductions of solids.
1. Crushing involves applying force to materials to break them into smaller pieces. It is
commonly used for hard materials like minerals, ores, and rocks.
a) Jaw Crushers These machines use compressive force to break down materials into
smaller particles by applying pressure between two plates.
b) Impact Crusher uses impact or striking motions to reduce the size of material. They
utilize high-speed rotating hammers or bars to impact the material and break it into
smaller pieces.
2. Grinding is a process that involves reducing the size of materials through mechanical forces
by means of grinding mills or pulverizers.
a) Ball Mills In a ball mill, grinding media like balls or rods are rotated inside a container
to grind materials as they tumble.
b) Hammer Mills, Hammer mills use rotating hammers to impact and pulverize materials.
c) Jet Mills, Jet mills use high-speed jets of air or steam to impact particles and reduce
their size.
d) Pin Mills, Pin mills use rotating pins or discs to grind materials by impact.
3. Milling, Milling is a process that involves cutting, shearing, and crushing solid materials using
milling machines.
a) Ball Milling, In ball milling, solid materials are placed inside a mill and subjected to
high-energy collisions using balls as grinding media.
b) Cutter Mills, Cutter mills use rotating blades to cut materials into smaller pieces.
4. Cryogenic Size Reduction, This process involves reducing the size of materials by cooling
them to very low temperatures. The brittleness of materials increases at low temperatures,
making them more susceptible to size reduction.
5. Attrition Milling, In attrition milling, particles are ground down through rubbing and friction
between moving parts. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpxmp82WKfA)
6. Roller Mills, Roller mills use a pair of rollers to crush and grind materials, often used in the
food processing industry.
7. Cutting and Shredding, Cutting and shredding methods involve using sharp blades or other
cutting tools to reduce materials to the desired size.
8. Fluid Energy Milling, Fluid energy mills use high-speed jets of gas to impact particles and
reduce their size.
9. Ultrasonic Milling, Ultrasonic waves are used to create high-frequency vibrations that break
down particles.
10. Sifting and Screening, Sifting and screening involve passing materials through sieves or
screens with specific mesh sizes to separate particles based on size.
11. Comminution, Comminution is a general term that includes various size reduction methods,
such as crushing, grinding, and milling.
12. Agglomeration and Compaction, While not strictly size reduction, these processes involve
creating larger particles by agglomerating smaller ones through pressure or bonding agents.
When choosing a size reduction method, factors like the nature of the material, desired
particle size distribution, required throughput, energy efficiency, and equipment cost need to
be considered. It's also important to ensure that the chosen method doesn't negatively impact
the material's properties or introduce contamination.
A jaw crusher is a primary crushing machine used in industrial and mining processes to
break down large chunks of materials into smaller particles. It operates by applying a
compressive force to the material, gradually reducing its size. Here's how a jaw crusher works,
its key components and the materials typically used:
2. Fixed Jaw One of the jaws is fixed in place, usually at the top of the crusher frame. This jaw
remains stationary and acts as a support for the moving jaw.
3. Movable Jaw The other jaw is movable and reciprocates (moves back and forth). It applies
pressure to the material and crushes it against the fixed jaw.
4. Toggle Plate The movable jaw is attached to the toggle plate, which acts as a pivot point. The
toggle plate helps to transmit the compressive force from the eccentric shaft to the rest of the
crusher structure.
5. Eccentric Shaft, the eccentric shaft is a crucial component that drives the movement of the
movable jaw. It is rotated by a motor, causing the movable jaw to move up and down.
6. Pitman, the pitman is another important component that connects the eccentric shaft to the
movable jaw. It helps to transfer the motion and force generated by the eccentric shaft to the
jaw.
7. Flywheel, the flywheel is a heavy wheel connected to the eccentric shaft. It helps to smooth
out the operation of the crusher and store energy for the crushing process.
8. Adjustment Mechanism, Many jaw crushers have an adjustment mechanism that allows
users to adjust the size of the output material. This can be achieved by changing the distance
between the two jaws.
MATERIALS USED
The components of a jaw crusher are typically made from durable materials to
withstand the high stresses and abrasion encountered during the crushing process. Common
materials used for different parts of a jaw crusher include:
Frame, The frame is usually made of cast iron or steel. It provides structural support and holds
the other components in place.
Jaws, The jaws are typically made of manganese steel, a material known for its wear resistance.
This ensures that the jaws can withstand the abrasive forces involved in crushing hard
materials.
Toggle Plate, The toggle plate is often made of cast iron or steel, providing strength and
durability.
Eccentric Shaft, The eccentric shaft is usually made of high-grade forged steel. It needs to
withstand the forces generated by the motor and the crushing operation.
Pitman, The pitman is typically made of cast steel and is designed to withstand bending and
compressive forces.
Flywheel, The flywheel is often made of cast iron or cast steel. It not only helps with the smooth
operation of the crusher but also stores energy to assist in crushing tougher materials.
Overall, the design and materials used in a jaw crusher are selected to ensure efficient
crushing performance, durability, and reliability in various industrial applications.
BALL MILL
A ball mill is a cylindrical device used to grind or mix materials like ores, chemicals,
ceramic raw materials, and paints. It works by rotating a cylinder filled with grinding media such
as balls, causing the material to be ground and reduced in size. Here's how a ball mill works, its
key components, and the materials typically used:
MATERIALS USED
The components of a ball mill are made from materials that can withstand the forces
and abrasion involved in the grinding process. Here are the common materials used for
different parts of a ball mill:
1) Cylinder: The cylinder is usually made of steel, stainless steel, or ceramic materials. The
choice of material depends on factors like the type of material being processed and the
corrosiveness of the environment.
2) Grinding Media: The grinding media, which are the balls used to grind the material, are
usually made of steel or ceramics. Steel balls are commonly used for general grinding
purposes, while ceramic balls are preferred for grinding delicate materials or those that
shouldn't be contaminated by metal particles.
3) Liners: Liners inside the cylinder can be made of various materials depending on factors
like abrasion resistance and application. Common materials include rubber, steel, and
ceramic.
4) Drive System: The motor and gearbox are typically made from durable materials such as
steel to handle the mechanical stresses and power requirements of rotating the heavy
cylinder.
Ball mills come in various sizes and designs, each optimized for specific applications and
material types. They are used in a wide range of industries including mining, pharmaceuticals,
ceramics, and more, to grind, blend, and mix materials efficiently.
CRYOGENIC SIZE REDUCTION
Cryogenic size reduction is a method of reducing the size of materials by subjecting
them to extremely low temperatures, typically below -150°C (-238°F), using the properties of
cryogenic gases like liquid nitrogen. This process makes materials more brittle and susceptible
to fracture, allowing for efficient size reduction. Here's how cryogenic size reduction works and
some of its applications:
2. Food Industry: This method is employed to reduce the size of food products like spices,
herbs, and even certain types of fats. It helps maintain the flavor and quality of the products
while achieving the desired particle size.
3. Plastics and Polymers: Cryogenic size reduction is used to grind plastics, rubber, and
polymers into smaller particles for recycling or further processing. It helps maintain the
material's properties and reduces the risk of degradation.
4. Chemical Industry: In chemical manufacturing, cryogenic size reduction can be used for
materials that are difficult to grind at ambient temperatures, such as certain resins, pigments,
and reactive chemicals.
5. Metal Powders: Cryogenic milling can be used to produce fine metal powders for applications
in additive manufacturing (3D printing), electronics, and metallurgy.
6. Minerals and Ores: Some minerals and ores can be difficult to grind due to their toughness or
heat sensitivity. Cryogenic size reduction can improve the efficiency of grinding in these cases.
8. High-Value Materials: When dealing with high-value materials, cryogenic size reduction can
minimize losses and ensure efficient particle size reduction without introducing contamination.
Cryogenic size reduction offers advantages such as maintaining product quality,
reducing heat-related degradation, and achieving finer particle sizes. However, it requires
specialized equipment and handling procedures due to the use of extremely low temperatures
and cryogenic gases, which can be potentially hazardous.
Attrition milling is a size-reduction process that involves the breakdown of solid
materials by rubbing or friction between particles. It is commonly used to achieve fine and
uniform particle sizes in various industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and
minerals. Attrition milling relies on the collision and rubbing of particles against each other
within a grinding chamber. Here's how attrition milling works:
Attrition milling offers a flexible and efficient way to achieve controlled particle size
reduction through the controlled interaction of particles and grinding media. However, the
selection of appropriate grinding media, the design of the mill, and the optimization of milling
conditions are important factors to ensure desired outcomes.
MATERIALS USED
The materials used for fluid energy milling equipment and components should be
durable and resistant to wear and abrasion. Common materials include:
1) Milling Chamber: The milling chamber is usually made of stainless steel or other
materials that can withstand mechanical stresses and abrasion from particle collisions.
2) Nozzles or Jets: These components are typically made of hard materials like ceramics or
carbides to withstand the erosive effects of high-velocity gas streams.
3) Classifiers: Classifiers are often constructed from materials that have good wear
resistance and can handle the flow of particles and gas streams.
Fluid energy milling is effective for producing fine and uniform powders with controlled
particle size distributions. However, the selection of gas flow rates, nozzle design, and other
operating parameters are critical for achieving desired outcomes in terms of particle size and
yield.
SIFTING AND SCREENING
Sifting and screening are processes used to separate and classify particles based on their
size. These processes are commonly used in various industries such as agriculture, food
processing, pharmaceuticals, and mining. The primary goal is to separate particles into different
size fractions or to remove oversized or undersized particles from a material. Here's how sifting
and screening work, the materials used, and the key components involved:
WORKING PRINCIPLE OF SIFTING AND SCREENING
1. Introduction of Material: The material to be sifted or screened is fed onto a vibrating or
rotating sieve or screen.
3. Particle Separation: The particles pass through the openings (apertures) in the sieve
according to their size. Larger particles cannot pass through the openings and are separated
from the smaller particles.
4. Multiple Sieve Layers: In some cases, multiple sieve layers with different aperture sizes can
be used to achieve multiple size classifications in a single operation.
5. Oversized and Undersized Removal: Depending on the desired outcome, the oversized
particles may be collected separately or discharged from the sieve, while the desired size
fraction is collected from the sieve's outlet.
MATERIALS USED
The materials used for sifting and screening equipment should be sturdy, durable, and resistant
to wear, especially in industries where abrasive or corrosive materials are processed. Common
materials include:
Sieve/Screen Mesh: The sieve or screen itself is usually made of woven wire mesh,
perforated plates, or synthetic materials. The choice of material and aperture size
depends on the properties of the material being processed.
Frame and Support Structure: The frame that holds the sieve or screen is typically made
of steel or other metals. The support structure needs to be strong enough to handle the
mechanical stresses and vibrations.
2. Frame and Housing: The frame and housing provide structural support for the sieve or screen
and the components associated with the vibration or rotation mechanism.
4. Outlet and Discharge: Depending on the design, the outlet of the sieve or screen allows the
separated particles to exit. Oversized particles may be discharged separately or collected for
further processing.
Sifting and screening are essential processes for industries that require particle size
control and separation. The choice of equipment, sieve aperture size, and vibration/rotation
parameters can significantly influence the efficiency and accuracy of these processes.
COMMINUTION
Comminution is a general term used to describe the process of reducing the size of solid
materials through mechanical means. It includes various methods such as crushing, grinding,
and milling, which are used to break down large particles into smaller ones. Comminution is a
crucial step in many industrial processes, including mining, minerals processing,
pharmaceuticals, and more. Here's how comminution works, its key components, and the
materials used:
3. Particle Breakage: The applied mechanical forces cause the material to break down into
smaller particles. The larger particles are subjected to stress and fractures, resulting in the
creation of smaller fragments.
4. Particle Size Reduction: The goal of comminution is to achieve the desired particle size
distribution. The level of particle size reduction depends on factors such as the material's
properties, the type of equipment used, and the operating conditions.
5. Controlled Sizing: Depending on the specific process and equipment used, the comminution
process can be controlled to achieve uniform particle sizes or specific size distribution.
1. Hopper or Feeder: The hopper or feeder is used to introduce the material into the
comminution equipment.
2. Crushing/Grinding/Milling Chamber: This is where the material is subjected to mechanical
forces that cause size reduction. The chamber is designed to accommodate the specific process,
whether it's crushing, grinding, or milling.
3. Crushing/Grinding/Milling Media: Depending on the process, this can include grinding balls,
rods, or other media that aid in particle size reduction.
4. Drive Mechanism: The drive mechanism provides the energy needed to apply the mechanical
forces for comminution. This can be a motor, gearbox, or other power source.
5. Screens or Classifiers: In some cases, screens or classifiers are used to separate particles
based on size after comminution.
MATERIALS USED
The materials used for comminution equipment need to be strong, durable, and able to
withstand the mechanical stresses involved in breaking down solid materials. Common
materials include:
Crushing Surfaces: The surfaces that directly come into contact with the material being
comminuted are typically made of durable materials like hardened steel.
Grinding/Milling Media: Grinding media such as steel balls or ceramic beads are used to
aid in particle size reduction during grinding and milling processes.
Comminution plays a vital role in various industries by making materials more suitable
for further processing, enhancing product properties, and enabling efficient separation of
valuable components. The choice of comminution method, equipment, and materials depends
on factors such as the nature of the material, required particle size, and the specific application.
Agglomeration and compaction are processes used to create larger particles or
aggregates from smaller particles. These processes involve bringing particles together through
various mechanisms to form cohesive structures. Agglomeration involves the formation of
larger particles by bonding or coalescence, while compaction involves applying pressure to
smaller particles to reduce void spaces and increase particle density. Both processes are
commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, agriculture, and mineral
processing.
2. Bonding Mechanism: Various mechanisms can be used to bond the particles together:
Moisture or Liquid Addition: Adding a liquid binder or water to the particles to create a
cohesive paste that binds them together.
Pressure: Applying pressure to the particles causes them to bond together through
mechanical interlocking.
Heat: Applying heat can cause particles to soften and adhere to each other.
Chemical Binders: Adding chemicals that promote bonding between particles.
Formation of Agglomerates: The bonding mechanism causes the particles to adhere to
each other, forming larger agglomerates.
2. Binder/Addition System: If a liquid binder is used, a system for introducing and distributing
the binder evenly among the particles is needed.
3. Pressure or Heating Mechanism: Depending on the method of agglomeration, equipment for
applying pressure or heat may be required.
COMPACTION
Compaction involves applying pressure to particles to reduce void spaces between
them, increasing the particle density and creating more cohesive structures. Compacted
particles are often referred to as "compacts" or "tablets."
2. Pressure Application: Pressure is applied to the particles through the use of mechanical
presses, rollers, or hydraulic systems.
3. Particle Deformation: The particles are compressed, and the void spaces between them are
reduced. The applied pressure causes plastic deformation or interlocking between particles.
4. Formation of Compacts: The compacted particles hold their new arrangement, resulting in
denser and more cohesive structures.
2. Pressure Mechanism: This can be a mechanical press, hydraulic system, or roller compactor,
depending on the equipment used.
MATERIALS USED
The materials used for agglomeration and compaction equipment should be durable,
resistant to wear, and capable of withstanding the pressures and forces involved. Common
materials include:
Agglomeration and Compaction Chamber: Steel or other sturdy materials are often used
for the chambers to withstand mechanical stresses and pressures.
Agglomeration and compaction processes are essential for improving the properties of
materials, enhancing their flowability, reducing dustiness, and creating more uniform and
manageable particles for further processing or end-use applications. The choice of process,
equipment, and materials depends on the desired outcome and the characteristics of the
material being processed.