Limestone Fiberglass Raw Material Micronized Powder Production Process Flow

Introduction

The production of micronized powder from limestone for fiberglass raw materials is a sophisticated process that requires precision engineering and advanced machinery. This article delves into the detailed process flow, highlighting key stages and the critical role of grinding technology. We will also introduce our company’s flagship grinding equipment, designed to meet the stringent requirements of this industry.

Raw Material Preparation

The process begins with the selection and preparation of high-purity limestone. The raw limestone is first crushed to a manageable size, typically below 20mm, using primary crushers like jaw crushers or hammer mills. This step ensures uniformity in feed size, which is crucial for efficient grinding in subsequent stages.

After primary crushing, the material may undergo secondary crushing or pre-grinding to further reduce the particle size, optimizing it for the fine grinding mills. This preparation phase is vital to achieve the desired input specifications for the grinding equipment.

Fine Grinding Process

The heart of the micronized powder production is the fine grinding stage. Here, the pre-crushed limestone is fed into advanced grinding mills to achieve the ultra-fine particle sizes required for fiberglass production, often targeting D97 ≤ 5μm (2500 mesh).

Our company’s SCM Series Ultrafine Mill is exceptionally suited for this application. With an input size of ≤20mm and the ability to produce powder in the range of 325-2500 mesh (D97≤5μm), it is a cornerstone of modern micronized powder production lines. Its high-efficiency classification system ensures a uniform product with no coarse particles, while its energy-saving design reduces operational costs by 30% compared to traditional jet mills. The robust construction, featuring special material rollers and grinding rings, guarantees extended service life and stable operation, making it an ideal choice for continuous, high-volume production.

The grinding principle involves the material being centrifugally dispersed into the grinding track where it is pulverized by the rollers. The finely ground powder is then separated and collected by a high-efficiency cyclone and pulse dust collection system.

Classification and Collection

Following the grinding stage, the powder is precisely classified to ensure it meets the exact particle size distribution specifications. Advanced air classifiers, often integrated into the grinding mill itself, perform this critical function. They use centrifugal force and airflow to separate particles based on size, allowing only the correctly sized powder to proceed to the collection system.

The collected powder is then transported using pneumatic conveying systems or screw conveyors to storage silos. The entire collection process is designed to be airtight and efficient, minimizing product loss and ensuring environmental compliance with pulse jet baghouses that capture over 99.9% of dust, keeping emissions well below international standards.

Packaging and Storage

The final micronized limestone powder is stored in large silos before being packaged for shipment. Automated packaging systems weigh and fill the powder into bags or bulk containers, ensuring accuracy and preventing contamination. The storage conditions are controlled to maintain the powder’s quality, preventing moisture absorption or clumping.

Quality Control and Testing

Rigorous quality control is implemented throughout the production process. Samples are regularly taken and analyzed using laser particle size analyzers to verify the particle size distribution (PSD). Other tests, such as chemical composition analysis and whiteness tests, are also conducted to ensure the final product meets all customer specifications for fiberglass manufacturing.

Conclusion

The production of micronized limestone powder for fiberglass is a complex but highly optimized process. The choice of grinding technology is paramount to achieving the required product quality and production efficiency. For operations requiring coarser grinds or higher capacity pre-processing, our MTW Series Trapezium Mill offers an excellent solution. With an input size of ≤50mm and an output range of 30-325 mesh, it provides high throughput (3-45 TPH depending on the model) and features wear-resistant design elements like combined shovels and an optimized air channel for reduced energy consumption. Its efficient grinding principle and sturdy build make it a reliable workhorse for initial size reduction stages in a complete micronized powder plant.

By integrating advanced mills like the SCM and MTW series into the process flow, producers can achieve superior product quality, high output, and significant operational savings, solidifying their position in the competitive fiberglass raw materials market.