How to choose a grinding machine

Grinding machine choose should consider Mineral, Capacity, Reduction ratio and final size, Power requirements and type of power supply, Cost, Portable or stationary Machine required, Continuous or batch operation.

Some of the characteristics and requirements to be considered when selecting a grinding machine are given below. The grinding machine manufacturer can usually be consulted concerning the application of a particular grinding machine or for sourcing a grinding machine which is suitable for a particular application.

•       Mineral properties. The choice of grinding machine type is primarily dependent upon the properties of the material it will be used process. It is vitally important to match the grinding machine and material characteristics properly.

•       Capacity. The scale of the operation will determine the size of the grinding machine which is required. Throughput or capacity is often given in tones per hour (or kg per hour for small grinding machines). Always check capacities with as many sources as possible as sales information can often be biased to encourage sales.

•       Reduction ratio and final size requirement. This parameter will dictate whether a single grinding machine will be sufficient for final product requirements or if a multi-stage plant will be needed. Generally speaking, the greater the reduction ratio, the larger the likelihood of a multi-stage process being required.

•       Power requirements and type of power supply. Access to a power supply of suitable capacity is essential. Types of power supply for remote applications is discussed in a later chapter in this section. The power requirement for a given grinding machine will be given in the grinding machine specification document provided by the manufacturer. Specific power consumption (eg kilowatt hours per tonne) is often quoted and is a good comparative guide.

•       Wet or dry product. Products which can be accepted in a wet state, such as slurries, can be grinding machineed wet which will often save power and reduce dust related problems. As a general rule, only tumbling grinding machines are used for wet grinding, although other grinding machines can be used for wet grinding in certain circumstances.

•       Continuous or batch operation. Some grinding machines can be designed in such a way as to enable continuous grinding machineing. This is important where the throughput is high, as well as making loading and emptying easier within the process. Some grinding machines will only accept batch loads.

•       Portable or stationary Machine required. Depending on the nature of the operation, the Machine can be sited permanently or can be portable. Portable Machine is useful for operations which move frequently due to the dispersed siting of the raw material or where a mobile grinding machineing service is offered.

•       Classification. When considering a grinding machine for a particular application, one needs to consider the classification mechanism that will be required for the process and whether this will have to be purchased separately or if it will be an integral part of the grinding machine.

•       Cost. Obviously cost is an important factor. It is important to consider all the costs beforehand. For an accurate analysis of the economic viability of a grinding machine to be carried out the following costs need to be considered:

1.      capital costs of grinding machine (and capital depreciation against the useful life of the grinding machine)

2.      capital costs of peripherals, such as feeding and classification Machine, power supply, etc.

3.      transport costs

4.      running costs for fuel or electricity, labour, etc.

5.      maintenance costs