The right mill should be used in graphite grinding to make sure that the right particle size is achieved and that the process is a cost effective one. There are many factors to consider in choosing the right mill like the aspect ratio or the grain’s shape as well as the maximum level of impurity that can be handled by the machine. Here are some tips when milling graphite:
- Ball Mills. With this equipment, the grinding media used are ceramic, metal and many others. The graphite powder is placed inside a closed container which is then rotated with the help of vibration. In a span of short time, the graphite particles are then reduced into smaller particles. This method can be used in both dry and wet conditions.
- Air Jet Mills. Acceleration on the particles is supplied by the air jets and the particles are reduced because of the product of their collision or against a grinding medium.
- Mechanical Mills. This is also known as Hammer Mills. The energy that supplies the machine is provided by the rotor which is equipped with pins, blades and other moving medium at very high speed, usually around 100 meters per second. The grinding happens when the particles collide with the blades and with one another also with the inner jacket located inside the mill.
- Final PSD Control. This is used in case the desired result are very fine products since sieving is not one of the process used in industrial field. The final particles are classified and sorted with the help of air classifiers equipped with a wheel that rotates. This part is already embedded in other mills such as hammer and jet mills.
- Shape Surface Modification. If the particle shape needs to be modified or change then this technique should be employed. After the milling, an additional mechanical method is used to create the modification.