Size does matter - From lump breaking to milling - size matters, writes Eddie McGee, technical manager at Ajax Equipment as he explains the methods of size reduction in bulk handling

摘要

Size reduction is a common feature of the chemical, pharmaceutical food and mining/quarrying industries. For some ingredients, size reduction may be little more than breaking down lumps to prevent damage to mixer paddles and blocked hoppers and feed chutes. It also increases the surface area of the material and produces a better and consistent particle size that within the broad parameters of the lump breaker, allows greater control/predictability of reaction rates. Size reduction is achieved using one or more methods such as: impact, compression and shear. The technique(s) used will depend on the materials. A lump breaker, for example, uses impact and shear to crush brittle products that require breaking down without the generation of excessive dust and fines.