Cryogenic grinding is an advanced technology for reducing the size of difficult-to-process materials, especially those that are heat-sensitive or have thermolabile characteristics. This process is used when traditional grinding at room temperature is critical due to overheating of the product or because it alters product quality. The key element is cooling the material with liquid nitrogen, which lowers the temperature to very low values, making the material more brittle and easier to grind.
This technique is now widely used in various industries because it provides great efficiency, more precise particle size distribution and higher quality of the final product. For example, in the plastics-rubber and food industries, cryogenic grinding makes it possible to obtain very small particles.
Why choose cryogenic grinding?
Imagine having to process materials that heat up easily or become rubbery when subjected to high-speed grinding. In these cases, the cryogenic grinding process can be the ideal solution, because cooling with liquid nitrogen keeps the temperature constant and prevents the product from softening and infecting the grinding process. It is perfect for plastics, elastomers, spices, oil seeds, pigments and many other raw materials that require cooling.
Cryogenic grinding also makes it possible to process sticky or fragile materials that are difficult to handle with traditional methods. In addition, due to thermal control, losses and contamination are reduced, resulting in a purer and higher quality end product.
The cryogenic mill: the heart of the system
The key player in this process is the cryogenic mill, designed to work at low temperatures by continuous cooling with liquid nitrogen. The material thus becomes more brittle and breaks down easily, allowing for very effective size reduction.
If you would like to learn more, please ask us about the Contrarotor C30 double peg rotor pulverizer that we designed and made.
Key advantages of cryogenic grinding
Cryogenic grinding offers several concrete advantages. First, it allows more precise control of the process than grinding at room temperature, thus avoiding the risk of overheating and degradation of the material. This means less waste and greater efficiency. In addition, an optimal particle size distribution is achieved with smaller and more homogeneous particles, which is essential for many production sectors.
Typical applications of cryogenic grinding
This technology is successfully used in many areas, particularly for grinding:
- Heat-sensitive plastics
- Elastomers, polyurethanes and technical rubbers
- Pigments and dyes
- Oilseeds
- Heat-sensitive or sticky materials
Its scope of application is very wide because it can be adapted to different needs due to its installation flexibility.
Customized plants for cryogenic grinding
CIMMA Morandotti SPA is engaged in the design and manufacture of complete, customized cryogenic grinding plants designed to ensure maximum efficiency and quality. Plants include:
- Tanks for the storage of liquid nitrogen
- Automatic dosing and cooling systems
- Continuous temperature control to keep the system stable
- Cryogenic MILL
- Collection unit with filters and cyclones to separate particles
- Advanced safety devices to protect the plant and operators
Efficiency, savings and quality
This system is particularly suitable for those seeking a reliable, high-performance solution capable of dealing with even the most difficult materials, ensuring smaller, uniform, quality particles.
In summary, cryogenic grinding is a winning choice for all companies that need to process heat-sensitive and/or oily or fatty materials and require precise grinding. The combined use of Contrarotor C30 mill with liquid nitrogen cooling technologies enables high-level results, increasing production efficiency and final quality.
If you want to improve your production process, contact us to find out what solutions best suit your needs and discover how cryogenic grinding can improve your production with a modern and reliable system.
