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

Difficulty: Easy

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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