State-of-the-art of energy-efficient grinding systems

This paper provides system descriptions and operating data of energy efficient grinding circuits. Included are semi-integral or combination grinding systems and integral grinding systems for cement and blast furnace slag. Semi-integral grinding systems are characterized by a high pressure grinding roll circuit or a roller mill operating in combination with a ball mill. These systems show specific power consumptions of approx. 55-70 % of the power consumption of a ball mill system. It is also shown that the addition of a high pressure grinding roll circuit to an existing ball mill allows capacity upgrades to 250 % combined with respective energy savings. This ability makes the high pressure grinding roll the preferred process for mill system upgrades. Integral grinding systems include a roller mill or a high pressure grinding roll circuit. These systems require only 45 to 60 % of the specific power consumption. of a ball mill circuit. As it can be shown these energy Efficient systems can produce cement which meds or exceeds market and quality requirements. Also for grinding of blast furnace slag semi-integral and integral grinding operating data show the energy efficiency of these systems.