A Kinetic Study of Limestone Dry Micronization in an Ultra-Centrifugal Mill with Peripheral Comminuting Path

Abstract

Because of its physico-mechanical and physico-chemical characteristics, fine-ground (i.e. micronized) limestone is widely applied in the production of new materials. Limestone can be used as a filler, coating and/or powder in ceramic composites. The effect of its fine micronization depends on the type of equipment used and on the disintegration process. In this study, the emphasis was placed on investigation of the kinetics of the dry micronization milling of limestone in a state-of-the-art ultra-centrifugal mill with a peripheral comminuting path. The efficiency of the ultra-centrifugal mill with a peripheral comminuting path was determined based on a detailed investigation of the limestone dry micronization, which satisfied all the requirements for technological parameters as well as for micronized product parameters. On the basis of the investigation of these parameters and theory of dry micronization conducted in a state-of-the-art mill with use of advanced instrumental techniques for determination and observation of the most significant physical and chemical characteristics, a kinetics model was developed to serve as the basis for quick and effective determination of micronization quality and efficiency. In this paper, the results of grinding in a Retsch ZM-1 ultra-centrifugal mill were analyzed in order to optimize and automate the process of ultrafine micronization.