Mining

Everything You
Need to Know

• What are the advantages and disadvantages of using lower density ceramic media versus higher density media in fine grinding stirred milling applications?

  Lower density media consume less energy, provide finer grinding with reduced wear on mill components, and are suitable for soft materials. However, they are less effective for hard materials, require longer grinding times, and may reduce milling capacity. Higher density media offer efficient grinding for harder materials and faster results but increase wear, energy costs, and contamination risks in sensitive applications.

• What size and type of ceramic media is used in ISAmills fine grinding applications?

  ISAmills use ceramic media ranging from 1 mm to 3.5 mm, with sizes selected based on the desired particle size. Common types include zirconium silicate (durable and moderately dense), yttria-stabilized zirconia (high density for ultra-fine grinding), and alumina (lower density for less aggressive grinding).

• How does the density of the media used in stirred mill applications affect the performance of the grinding process?

  Higher density media improve grinding efficiency and throughput for hard materials but increase power consumption and wear on mill components. Lower density media are more energy-efficient for soft materials, provide better control for ultra-fine grinding, and reduce wear but may slow the grinding process for harder materials.

• What is the preference for media type for fine grinding in various stirred mills in grinding processes in the industrial minerals and ores?

  Preferences depend on the mill type and application. Ceramic media, such as zirconium silicate and yttria-stabilized zirconia, are preferred for fine and ultra-fine grinding due to their wear resistance and energy efficiency. Steel balls are used in coarser grinding applications, while alumina is cost-effective for less aggressive grinding.

• What size media is used in different stirred mills?

  FLS stirred mill: 2–6 mm ceramic media like zirconium silicate and yttria-stabilized zirconia.
  Outotec stirred mill: 1–6 mm ceramic media, often zirconium silicate or yttria-stabilized zirconia.
  Metso SAM mill: 1–12 mm ceramic or steel media, depending on application.
  Union Process mill: 0.25–3 mm for fine grinding and up to 10 mm for coarser grinding, using various ceramic or steel media.
  ISAmill: 1–3.5 mm ceramic media, typically zirconium silicate or yttria-stabilized zirconia.