Principle Diagram and Market Analysis of Lithium Carbonate Ultrafine Grinding Mills

Introduction

The demand for ultrafine lithium carbonate powder has surged in recent years, driven by its critical role in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Ultrafine grinding mills are essential for producing high-purity, fine-grained lithium carbonate with consistent particle size distribution. This article explores the working principles of ultrafine grinding mills, analyzes the market trends, and highlights advanced solutions for lithium carbonate processing.

Working Principle of Ultrafine Grinding Mills

Ultrafine grinding mills utilize mechanical force to reduce particle size through compression, shear, and impact. For lithium carbonate, which requires precise control over fineness (typically D97 ≤ 5μm), mills with high-precision classification systems are ideal. The process involves feeding raw lithium carbonate (≤20mm) into the grinding chamber, where rollers or grinding media apply pressure to crush the material. A built-in classifier then separates particles based on size, ensuring only ultrafine powder passes through for collection.

Key components include the grinding rollers, classification turbine, and dust collection system. The classifier’s rotational speed adjusts to control output fineness, while pulse dust collectors maintain environmental compliance by capturing over 99.9% of particles. This closed-loop system minimizes energy loss and ensures product uniformity.

Market Analysis for Lithium Carbonate Grinding

The global lithium carbonate market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% from 2023 to 2030, fueled by electric vehicle adoption. Ultrafine lithium carbonate (325–2500 mesh) is preferred for battery cathodes due to its high reactivity and uniform blending properties. Asia-Pacific dominates demand, with China accounting for 60% of production, followed by North America and Europe.

Challenges in grinding include lithium carbonate’s abrasiveness and tendency to agglomerate, requiring mills with wear-resistant materials and efficient dispersion mechanisms. Energy consumption is another critical factor, as grinding can account for 30–40% of processing costs. Mills with optimized designs, such as vertical roller mills or pendulum mills, reduce power usage by 20–30% compared to traditional ball mills.

Future trends include integration with digital controls for real-time monitoring and AI-driven adjustments to optimize particle size and throughput. Environmental regulations are also pushing mills toward lower noise (<75dB) and near-zero dust emissions.

Recommended Product: SCM Ultrafine Mill

For lithium carbonate processing, our SCM Ultrafine Mill series offers exceptional performance with output fineness ranging from 325 to 2500 mesh (D97 ≤ 5μm). Its vertical turbine classifier ensures precise粒度控制, eliminating coarse particles. With capacities from 0.5 to 25 t/h and energy savings of 30% versus jet mills, the SCM series is ideal for high-volume battery material production. Key models like the SCM1680 (25 t/h, 315 kW) provide robust handling of abrasive materials thanks to hardened grinding rollers and rings.

Additionally, the MTW Series Trapezium Mill is suitable for coarser requirements (30–325 mesh), offering high efficiency with capacities up to 45 t/h. Its curved air duct and wear-resistant shovel reduce maintenance costs, making it a cost-effective solution for preliminary grinding stages.

Conclusion

Ultrafine grinding mills are pivotal in meeting the quality demands of the lithium carbonate market. Advanced mills like the SCM and MTW series combine efficiency, precision, and sustainability, aligning with industry needs for lower costs and higher output. As demand grows, investing in these technologies will be crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.