An introduction to cryogenic grinding
Cryogenic grinding permits heat-sensitive, thermoplastic, and elastic materials to be economically ground to very small particle sizes. The cryogenic process actually embrittles a material prior to size reduction and controls heat buildup in the grinding equipment. The result is high product quality and system productivity. This article discusses the use of cryogens in grinding operations and looks at cryogenic technology. Examples of how cryogenic grinding has solved several real industrial problems are also presented.
Cryogenic grinding can be used to tackle a variety of grinding process problems. For instance, suppose you're dry grinding a heat-sensitive chemical in a hammermill and need a much finer particle size. Or, perhaps you've achieved the necessary particle size, but it represents only a 10 percent cut from the powder, making your total range of particle size too broad.