Size reduction equipment classification

Characteristics of the main common types of size reduction equipment are listed in Table 12.3, including size of feed, size of product, capacity, power consumption, and average reduction ratio. Coarse comminuters perform with reduction ratios less than 10, fine ones with ratios of 100 or more. From very large to very fine may require several operations in series, as in the flowsketch of Figure 12.4(b), where three stages of crushing and two of classification are shown. 

Figure 4-2 is an application chart for size-reduction equipment, showing classification of types and characteristics of several examples in each type. Figure 6-25 lists prices for typical size-reduction equipment. 

Introduction and classification. Size-reduction equipment may be classified according to the way the forces are applied as follows between two surfaces, as in crushing and shearing at one solid surface, as in impact and by action of the surrounding medium, as in a colloid mill. A more practical classification is to divide the equipment into crushers, grinders, fine grinders, and cutters. 

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