Energy-Saving Advantages of Vertical Roller Mill for Mineral Powder Processing

Energy-Saving Advantages of Vertical Roller Mill for Mineral Powder Processing

In the mineral processing industry, energy efficiency has become a critical factor in equipment selection. Vertical roller mills (VRMs) have emerged as the preferred solution due to their superior energy-saving performance compared to traditional ball mills. This article explores the technical mechanisms behind VRM’s energy efficiency and highlights two exemplary products from our portfolio that embody these advantages.

Energy-Saving Mechanisms of VRM Technology

1. Material Bed Grinding Principle

Unlike ball mills that use impact and attrition between grinding media, VRMs employ a more efficient material bed compression method. The concentrated pressure applied by rotating rollers onto a thin material layer reduces energy waste through:

• 50-70% lower specific energy consumption compared to ball mills
• Elimination of ball-to-ball collision energy losses
• Reduced over-grinding through controlled pressure application

2. Integrated Grinding & Classification

VRMs combine multiple processing stages into a single compact unit:

• Simultaneous drying with hot gas (up to 15% moisture content)
• Inbuilt dynamic classifiers eliminate separate air separator needs
• Pneumatic material transport reduces conveyor energy

Recommended Energy-Efficient Solutions

1. SCM Ultrafine Mill (45-5μm)

Our SCM Ultrafine Mill represents the pinnacle of energy-efficient fine grinding technology:

• 30% lower energy consumption compared to conventional jet mills
• Smart control system automatically adjusts grinding pressure based on real-time particle size analysis
• Vertical turbine classifier achieves D97≤5μm with 20% less power than mechanical classifiers

2. LM-Y Vertical Pre-grinding Roller Mill

For large-scale operations, the LM-Y series delivers unmatched energy savings:

• 40-50% power reduction versus conventional pre-grinding systems
• Hydraulic roller system maintains constant grinding pressure with minimal energy input
• Integrated PLC optimizes energy use across varying feed conditions

Case Study: Energy Savings in Feldspar Processing

A Chinese mineral processor achieved:

• Annual energy reduction of 2.8 million kWh (42% decrease)
• Specific energy consumption dropped from 38 to 22 kWh/t
• Payback period of 1.8 years through energy savings alone

Conclusion

Vertical roller mill technology represents the future of energy-efficient mineral powder processing. Our SCM Ultrafine Mill and LM-Y series exemplify how advanced engineering can deliver substantial energy savings while maintaining product quality. For operations seeking to reduce both carbon footprint and operating costs, these solutions provide compelling technical and economic advantages.