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Particle classification is a strategic process control mechanism that significantly impacts the efficiency, economics, and product quality of mineral grinding operations. Instead of just grinding material down until everything is small enough, classification sorts the particles produced by a grinding mill into two main streams:
This creates a "closed-circuit grinding" system that optimizes efficiency and reduces energy consumption by preventing over-grinding and maximizing throughput. Without classification, a mill would continue to grind particles that are already fine enough, wasting energy, adding wear on internal mill components and grinding media, and even creating undesirable ultra-fine particles (that can be difficult to process in subsequent steps). By quickly removing already-fine particles, classification ensures that the mill's energy is focused on grinding only the coarser material, thus increasing throughput of the circuit.
Mineral processing plants often require a very specific particle size range for optimal recovery of valuable minerals in downstream processes (e.g., flotation, gravity separation, leaching). For ceramics, however, the focus is generally on achieving a target percentage of particles under a specific size, this directly impacts the product's performance and market value (e.g., specific grades of talc, calcium carbonate, silica, clay). Classification is key to meeting these quality standards.
How Does Particle Classification Work?
Classification primarily relies on differences in how particles behave in a fluid medium (air or water), based on their size, density, and shape. Common classification technologies include:
Glossary |
Powder Processing
An entire industry is dedicated to the science, materials and equipment associated with the creation, processing and handling of powders. |
URLs |
https://airclassifier.com/index.html
N.N. Zoubov Engineers (SMCE) - since 1925 Belgian manufacturer of air classifiers. |
URLs |
Hosokawa Mikro ACM
Hosokawa Mikro ACM American company that designs and manufactures size reduction systems and powder processing equipment. |
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