This case study highlights the technical application of the Epic Powder Jet Mill System in achieving a delicate balance between high fineness and consistent output for a Canadian minerals processor specializing in ultrafine talc grinding.
Project Background
Talc is a layered silicate mineral whose industrial value is highly dependent on its aspect ratio and particle size distribution (PSD). The client, based in Canada, aimed to produce high-end talc powder for plastic reinforcement and coating applications, requiring ultra-fine processing while preserving the material’s natural whiteness.
Core Project Parameters:
- Material: High-quality Canadian Talc
- Equipment: Epic Powder Jet Mill System
- Target Fineness: 1250 mesh (d97 ≤ 10μm)
- Production Capacity: 200 kg/h
Core Challenges & Solutions
1. Morphology Preservation (High Aspect Ratio)
The industrial utility of talc lies in its platy structure. Traditional ball mills or impact mills often destroy these “flakes,” reducing the material’s reinforcing properties.
- The Solution: The Epic Powder Jet Mill utilizes high-velocity airflow to cause particle-on-particle collisions. This method minimizes mechanical shearing against the machine walls, effectively preserving the original platy characteristics of the talc, which significantly enhances the tensile strength of the end-user’s plastic products.
2. Balancing Fineness with Throughput
Reaching a 1250-mesh threshold usually results in a drastic drop in capacity and a risk of “over-grinding” (producing too many ultra-fine particles that cause clumping).
- The Solution: The system is integrated with a high-precision vertical turbine classifier. By optimizing the rotation speed and the aerodynamic field, the system achieves a precise “top-cut,” ensuring the d97strictly meets the standard while maintaining a steady 200 kg/h output for this ultrafine talc grinding application.
3. Purity and Whiteness Control
High-end talc is extremely sensitive to iron contamination, which can gray the powder and lower its market value.
- The Solution: All contact parts are treated with ceramic linings (such as Alumina or Silicon Carbide) or high-polymer wear-resistant materials. This “metal-free” grinding environment ensures the final product maintains its premium whiteness and high purity.
Process Overview
- Automated Feeding: Pre-crushed talc (typically < 5mm) enters the system via a volumetric dosing feeder.
- Supersonic Grinding: Compressed air is accelerated through nozzles; particles collide at high speeds in the center of the grinding chamber.
- Precision Classification: The 1250-mesh particles pass through the classifying wheel, while oversized particles are returned to the grinding zone.
- High-Efficiency Collection: A pulse-jet bag filter with high-grade membranes collects the finished powder, achieving a collection efficiency of over 99.9%.
Performance Results
| Metric | Target Requirement | Actual Result |
| Fineness (d97) | ≤10 μm (1250 mesh) | 8.5 – 9.2 μm |
| Capacity | 200 kg/h | 215 kg/h |
| Material Loss | < 2% | < 0.5% |
| Automation | Fully integrated | PLC controlled, stable operation |