Size reduction of fibrous materials: which equipment is most suitable for breaking fibrous feed?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Squirrel-cage disintegrator

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Material breakage behavior depends on structure. Fibrous materials (e.g., dehydrated plant matter, textiles) resist compressive fracture but can be effectively torn, sheared, and impacted using devices designed for such morphology.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Fibrous feed stock with high aspect ratio fibres or mats.
  • Need for tearing/shearing rather than pure compressive crushing.
  • Comparison among common comminution devices.



Concept / Approach:
Squirrel-cage disintegrators employ high-speed rotating beaters/cages that impart shear and impact, well-suited to ripping fibres apart. Roll crushers are best for friable, coarse size reduction by compression. Ball and tube mills grind brittle, granular solids by impact/attrition and are inefficient for fibrous tearing.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Match fibrous behavior to shearing/impact mechanisms.Select squirrel-cage disintegrator as the appropriate device.Eliminate compression-centric or attrition-centric mills for fibrous stock.



Verification / Alternative check:
Industrial practice uses hammer mills, cutter mills, and disintegrators for fibrous biomass; the squirrel-cage disintegrator is a classical example.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Roll crusher: compressive; Ball/Tube mill: suited to brittle granular feed, not fibrous tearing.



Common Pitfalls:
Assuming higher energy in ball mills guarantees efficiency regardless of material morphology; mechanism–material matching is crucial.



Final Answer:
Squirrel-cage disintegrator

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