Array
(
    [0] => WP_Post Object
        (
            [ID] => 1061
            [post_author] => 2
            [post_date] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36
            [post_date_gmt] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36
            [post_content] => 

Mikro ACM® Air Classifying Mills were invented by HMPS in the late 1960’s and are one of the most versatile types of size reduction equipment available in the market. These units while being capable of producing fine, medium and coarse grinds for a wide variety of materials for Food, Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Mineral industries, require very little maintenance over their life span. The basic design of these mills is the impact size reduction that is coupled with an internal dynamic classifier which controls the outlet (product) particle size via recirculating the coarse particles back into the grinding zone.

There are seven main factors which determine particle size distribution for the Mikro ACM® Air Classifying Mill. When varied, the rotor type and speed combined with the liner and hammer count affects the production of fines. The separator type and speed affects the top size of the product. And lastly, the airflow governs the throughput as well as top size and fines generation. With the endless available options a machine can be configured to process just about any material that is below MOH’s hardness of 5.

[post_title] => Mikro ACM® Air Classifying Mill [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => mikro-acm-air-classifying-mill [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-07-29 11:28:37 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-07-29 15:28:37 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => [menu_order] => 4 [post_type] => hm-products [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [1] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1091 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_content] =>

The Nobilta is high performance powder processing machine used for particle design. It is capable of a wide range of fast mixing from macro mixing to micro mixing, particle composing, surface treatment and spheronization.

Typically with mixing / dispersion, the 3 mechanisms of convection, shear and diffusion are required, but in the case of composing of Nano-particles, an additional strong mill like mechanism (impact, compression, attrition) is required to overcome the strong agglomeration force of the Nano-particles. Typical mixers are biased towards one of the 3 mechanisms of mixing and either do not have the capability of composing requiring an additional composing machine, or do not have the ability to disperse Nano-particles resulting in agglomerates in the product. This resulted in no being able to achieve the target particle.

With the Nobilta, the combinations of compression, shear and impact forces are applied to the particle resulting in Nano-particles being composed efficiently without binder. The world leading composing performance of the Nobilta is in use in a wide range of industrial fields.

The Nobilta consists of a horizontal cylindrical vessel with a specially designed rotor rotating at a high speed of 30m/s. The rotor configuration has been designed to exert impact, compression and shear forces on each individual particle equally. Adjusting the rotor speed and run time controls the amount of processing (mixing, surface treatment) to the Nano-particles. The vessel is jacketed to prevent heat buildup when processing heat sensitive materials at high energy levels, preventing sticking and degradation. For processing of abrasive materials, optional hard surfaced or ceramic models are available. There are 6 different sized models from small laboratory scale (NOB-MINI) to large production sizes (NOB-1000).

[post_title] => Micron Nobilta High Intensity Mixer [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => micron-nobilta-high-intensity-mixer [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-10-28 12:41:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-28 16:41:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => hm-products [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [2] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1092 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_content] => [post_title] => Micron Mechanofusion [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => micron-mechanofusion [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-05-22 02:38:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-05-22 06:38:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => hm-products [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [3] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1077 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_content] =>

The machinery is able to classify particles by balancing the centrifugal force of the rotor and the centripetal force of the air. Material to be separated is pulled through by the fan into the inlet duct and up to the rotor, where the two opposing forces classify it. Finer particles are more susceptible to centripetal forces whereas coarse particles are more prone to centrifugal force. These forces flow coarse materials down the inside wall of the machine, emptying out the materials in the coarse particle discharge, while finer particles travel through the air current into the rotor and then discharged through the upper outlet duct. There are 12 motor options to suit all classification needs. The Micron Separator Air Classifier are perfect for applications in the food, chemical, and cosmetic industries. 

Due to heavy market demands for multipurpose technology, the Micron Separator is unsurpassed with its broad applications range, boosted productivity when paired with a grinding unit, and precise classifications of even the finest particles.

[post_title] => Micron Separator Air Classifier [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => micron-separator-air-classifier [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-10-28 12:40:08 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-10-28 16:40:08 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => hm-products [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [4] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1058 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_content] => The Mikro Pulverizer® consists of a high speed rotor assembly fitted with hammers. The grinding chamber is fitted with a cover containing a multiple deflector liner and a retaining screen at the point of mill discharge. A screw mechanism is often used to introduce feed material into the grinding chamber. The grinding process is affected by three basic variables: the type of hammers, the rotor speed, and the size and shape of the screen opening. There are two types of hammers: the “stirrup,” recommended where a fine particle size is desired; and the “bar,” which generates a coarser grind with a minimum of fines. Both types are tipped at the wearing edge with various abrasion resistant alloys. Rotor speed affects the fineness of the grind as follows: low speeds result in a coarse grind and high speeds produce a fine grind. Size and shape of the retaining screen openings also affect the product. In general, a finer screen opening will result in a finer grind. The retaining screen does not function as a sifting screen, except in coarse granulations.
Controlled Particle Size
Optimum particle size reduction can greatly affect chemical reaction speeds, solubility, weight, color, volume, appearance and strength of ground products. Mikro-Pulverizers® provide accuracy in particle size control because the grinding action is entirely mechanical. Once a mill is set to deliver a certain product, it will continue to produce exactly the same result without adjustment.
Grind, Blend and Disperse
Mikro Pulverizers® grind, blend and disperse in a single operation. Intensive action thoroughly mixes dissimilar ingredients into a finished product. Heat sensitive materials are handled by adjustment of mill speed, hammers, screen and discharge air relief, as well as with pneumatic conveying. Conditioned air may be bled into a grinding chamber, or the feed may be pre-conditioned or chilled. The Mikro Pulverizers® comes in many model sizes from small pilot scale to massive production models. [post_title] => Mikro Pulverizer® Hammer & Screen Mill [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => mikro-pulverizer-hammer-and-screen-mill [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-01-24 09:13:15 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-01-24 14:13:15 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => [menu_order] => 5 [post_type] => hm-products [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [5] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 1049 [post_author] => 2 [post_date] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_date_gmt] => 2015-01-06 10:52:36 [post_content] => [post_title] => Alpine RO Rotoplex Granulator [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => alpine-ro-rotoplex-granulator [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-05-22 02:39:05 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-05-22 06:39:05 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => hm-products [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) )
LIB Anode, Graphite

Active Materials for Secondary Batteries are first mixed with binders and/or solutions and are then applied to the aluminum foil (cathode) or copper foil (anode) of the electrical current collector. After the drying process, the materials are processed to increase bulk density and finally become electrodes. In this passage, the production process of an anode active material (materials which takes in lithium ions during charging and releases electrons during electric discharge) specifically graphite materials will be introduced. Graphite Materials can be separated into two classifications, Natural Graphite, and artificially synthesized Artificial Graphite.

Compared to artificial graphite, natural graphite is cheaper and has a higher graphitization degree. This allows natural graphite to store more lithium ions, becoming beneficial for increasing battery capacity. However, since most natural graphite has a flaky structure and low bulk density, the low electrode density characteristic makes it difficult to actually increase the battery capacity. Additionally, natural graphite has a tendency to become a planar structure on the electrical current collector, making it have low wettability characteristics. If these demerits of natural graphite can be solved, its merits of lower raw material cost compared to artificial graphite and possibility of increasing lithium ion battery capacities can be advantageous for the automobile industry.

For solutions of these problems, spheroidizing the particles and surface treatment can enhance electron density as well as wettability respectively. On the other hand, the large production energy that is required for the manufacturing of artificial graphite makes the material very expensive. Also, the graphitization rate is lower compared to natural graphite. However, artificial graphite has the merit of being able to control composition (such as dispersing areas with different graphitization rates within the particle) and particle shape as well as inhibiting the decomposition of electrolytic solutions due to its low graphitization rate. From these features, the utilization of artificial graphite can increase the electron density, leading to large capacity batteries. In the artificial graphite process, a high-level of powder processing technology is needed in the processing stage before and after graphitization. In order to increase performance of active materials, the process for controlling the crystallization of the particle’s surface is essential. Since graphite has extremely bad wettability with water, organic solvents must be used to produce slurries for coating onto electric current collectors. While options of substituting the liquid with water-based solvents are possible, the mixing process is difficult. Therefore, processes to increase the water wettability of graphite particles are the norm.

Milling: 

For artificial graphite production, a grinding process is often required to retrieve fine particles. In this case, the Rotoplex Granulator or Mikro Hammer and Screen Mill will first, coarse grind the material, then a system consisting of the Mikro ACM Air Classifying Mill and Micron Separator will reduce the particle size to an average of a few ten microns.

Spheroidizing particles for increasing electron density:

There are two methods to increase the packing ratio to enhance battery capacity. One method normally used for natural graphite is to spheroidize the particle by shaving off the edges and classifying the fine particles. Another method is to coat the surface of the graphite particle with soft carbon based materials such as pitch, then graphitizing the particles. When mentioning the process of spheroidizing graphite, generally this is referring to the first method.

Shaving and fine particle separation for spheroidizing = increase packed bulk density (usually for natural graphite): 

The surface of natural graphite particles is made up of uneven bumps. A unit that removes these bumps and spheroidizes particles to increase packing ratio is known as the Faculty. The unit consists of a high-speed rotating hammer, which applies energy to the particles in the dispersing chamber and a forceful spiral current type classifier for fine particle removal. There is a discharge outlet located at the central portion of the casing wall to discharge the coarse products. The fine particles pass through the classifying rotor and are collected by a bag filter, while the coarse particles that have been continuously impacted by the hammer for a certain set time are discharged from the central outlet and collected as products. Milled graphite having packed bulk density of 0.5g/cc can be densified to 1.0g/cc by Faculty-S.

Spheroidizing and surface coating = increase packed bulk density (usually for artificial graphite and a section of spheroidized natural graphite):

While it is possible to spheroidize artificial graphite, due to its high costs compared to natural graphite, there is a need to minimize generation of fine material. From these restraints, a process is performed in which compression and shearing forces are applied mechanically. Spheroidization of such materials is done through either solidifying ultra-fine graphite particles onto particle surfaces through shearing force generated between particles, or by plastic deformation of the particle. The Mechanofusion or Nobilta are utilized for this process. In the Mechanofusion, the raw material fed into the rotating vessel is fixated to the inner wall of the vessel by centrifugal force. The inner piece then continuously applies a strong compressing and shearing force to the particles. In the circulation type mechanofusion, there is a slit in the wall of the rotating rotor, which the materials exit through. Once the material exits to the outside of the rotor, the circulation blade forces the material to the upper portion of the rotor where it flows back into the interior of the rotor and is applied force by the inner piece once again. In the case of Nobilta, a rotor with a unique design rotates at peripheral speeds of over 30m/s in the horizontally set mixing vessel. The structure is designed to uniformly apply impact, compaction, and shearing forces to each individual particle. Both units have integrated cooling jackets, allowing them to control increases in material temperature and apply high levels of energy to heat-sensitive materials.

Surface Treatment: 

Coating for Controlling Crystallization:

A coating process is utilized for enhancement of natural graphite and artificial graphite. Graphite particles that have been ground have a higher surface reactivity. To control the reactivity, materials such as pitch, other carbons, or carbon sources are coated onto the surface. This process utilizes the Mechanofusion and/or Nobilta.

Hydrophilization for application of water based solvents:

Graphite has a hydrophilic characteristic, making water unusable for producing slurries when coating onto electric current collectors. Organic solvents can be used to produce slurries but are faced with the problem of handling and collection. Therefore, often times water dispersion based SBR materials are used for hydrophilization of graphite particles. Another method for hydrophilization is changing the chemical state of the graphite’s surface. For example, by applying mechanical energy and creating a mechanochemical reaction to the graphite particle surface using the Nobilta, it can bestow hydrophilic characteristics. For certain circumstances, the hydrophilization can be increased by coating nano-particles with hydrophilic properties such as silica or titania onto the surface using these units. For analysis of hydrophilization degrees, the wettability-analyzing unit Peneto Analyzer can be used.

For other surface treatment references, these units can coat nano-particles to graphite particles to enhance charge/discharge capacities and/or irreversible capacity ratios, as well as applying PVDF based binder particles to the graphite particle to increase the adhesion strength between particles or to electric current collectors to maintain the electric capacity variation dependent to the electric discharge rate.