More Questions from Mechanical Operations

Producing fine talc powder from granules: which mill is commonly used to achieve the required fine size?

Chemical Engineering Mechanical Operations Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    roller crusher
  • B
    ball mill
  • C
    jaw crusher
  • D
    gyratory crusher

Answer

Correct Answer: ball mill

Explanation

Introduction / Context:Talc is a soft mineral used in fillers and paints, needing fine particle sizes (often below 100 micrometres). Crushers produce coarse to medium sizes; mills are used for fine grinding.

Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Starting form: talc granules.
  • Target: fine powder suitable for industrial applications.

Concept / Approach:Ball mills provide impact and attrition grinding in a rotating shell partially filled with grinding media. Talc, being soft and flaky, breaks down effectively in such mills to produce a controlled fine size with classification.

Step-by-Step Solution:Eliminate primary crushers (jaw, gyratory) and roller crusher that give coarse products.Select a fine grinding device capable of sub-100 μm sizes → ball mill.Therefore, choose “ball mill.”

Verification / Alternative check:Industrial talc circuits commonly use ball mills or vertical roller mills with downstream classifiers to meet product specs.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:Crushers: designed for coarse reduction, not fine powder.

Common Pitfalls:Overgrinding leading to excessive fines and energy use; neglecting closed-circuit classification.

Final Answer:ball mill

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