Colloid Mill Working Principle
A colloid mill is a high-efficiency equipment that uses an electric motor to drive a rotating rotor (or rotor) and a stationary stator (or stator) at high speeds. In operation, one part rotates while the other remains stationary. The material being processed is pressurized either by its own weight or external pressure (typically generated by a pump) and is forced downward through the gap between the rotor and stator. The gap between the rotor and stator is adjustable. During this process, the material is subjected to a combination of shear forces, friction, high-frequency vibrations, and high-speed vortexes, which effectively emulsify, disperse, homogenize, and grind the material, achieving ultra-fine pulverization and emulsification.
Applications of the Colloid Mill
Colloid mills are widely used across various industries, especially for materials that require fine processing, homogenization, and emulsification. The key application areas include:
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Food Industry:
- Aloe vera, pineapple, sesame, fruit tea, ice cream, mooncake fillings, butter, fruit jams, fruit juices, soybeans, bean paste, peanut butter, protein milk, soy milk, dairy products, malted milk, flavorings, and various beverages.
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Chemical Industry:
- Paints, pigments, dyes, coatings, lubricating oils, lubricants, diesel, petroleum catalysts, emulsified asphalt, adhesives, detergents, plastics, fiberglass, leather, emulsions, and more.
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Daily Chemicals:
- Toothpaste, detergents, shampoos, shoe polish, high-end cosmetics, bath gels, soap, balms, and more.
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Pharmaceutical Industry:
- Various syrups, nutritional solutions, traditional Chinese medicine, ointments, biological products, cod liver oil, pollen, royal jelly, vaccines, various ointments, oral liquids, injections, and infusions.
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Construction Industry:
- Various coatings, including interior and exterior wall paints, anticorrosion waterproof coatings, cold porcelain coatings, multi-color paints, ceramic glazes, and more.
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Other Industries:
- Plastics, textiles, paper-making, coal flotation agents, nanomaterials, and other environmentally friendly production needs.
Advantages of the Colloid Mill
Compared to pressure homogenizers, the colloid mill is a centrifugal-type device with the following advantages:
- Simple Structure: The design is simple, making the equipment easy to maintain and operate.
- Suitable for High-Viscosity Materials: It works well with high-viscosity and coarse particles, offering greater versatility.
- Efficient Fine Grinding: The combination of shear, friction, and centrifugal forces achieves efficient material fine grinding and homogenization.
However, the colloid mill also has some drawbacks:
- Variable Flow Rate: Due to the centrifugal motion, the flow rate of the colloid mill is not constant, and it can vary significantly with materials of different viscosities. For instance, the flow rate can differ by a factor of 10 when processing thick paint and thin milk-like liquids with the same equipment.
- Heat Generation: The high-speed friction between the rotor and stator generates heat, which may cause denaturation of heat-sensitive materials.
- Wear and Tear: The surfaces of the rotor and stator are subject to wear, and once worn, the fine grinding effect significantly diminishes. Regular maintenance and part replacement are necessary.
Colloid Mill Technical Specifications
The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the colloid mill parameters across different power ranges, helping you select the most suitable equipment based on your production needs:
| Power | Motor Power | Speed | Particle Size (Fineness) | Capacity | Grinding Disc Diameter | Cooling Water Pipe Diameter | Outlet Diameter | Inlet Diameter | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 kW | 1.5 kW | 2800 rpm | 5-30 microns | 20-50 L/h | 100 mm | 20 mm | 25 mm | 30 mm | 500 x 300 x 700 mm | 50 kg |
| 2.2 kW | 2.2 kW | 2800 rpm | 2-30 microns | 50-100 L/h | 120 mm | 25 mm | 30 mm | 35 mm | 600 x 350 x 800 mm | 80 kg |
| 3 kW | 3 kW | 2800 rpm | 2-25 microns | 100-150 L/h | 130 mm | 30 mm | 35 mm | 40 mm | 650 x 400 x 900 mm | 100 kg |
| 4 kW | 4 kW | 2800 rpm | 2-20 microns | 150-200 L/h | 150 mm | 35 mm | 40 mm | 45 mm | 700 x 450 x 1000 mm | 120 kg |
| 5.5 kW | 5.5 kW | 2800 rpm | 2-15 microns | 200-250 L/h | 160 mm | 40 mm | 45 mm | 50 mm | 800 x 500 x 1200 mm | 160 kg |
| 7.5 kW | 7.5 kW | 2800 rpm | 1-10 microns | 250-350 L/h | 180 mm | 45 mm | 50 mm | 55 mm | 900 x 550 x 1300 mm | 180 kg |
| 11 kW | 11 kW | 2800 rpm | 1-8 microns | 350-500 L/h | 200 mm | 50 mm | 55 mm | 60 mm | 1000 x 600 x 1400 mm | 220 kg |
| 15 kW | 15 kW | 2800 rpm | 1-5 microns | 500-700 L/h | 250 mm | 60 mm | 70 mm | 80 mm | 1200 x 700 x 1500 mm | 250 kg |
Summary
The colloid mill is a highly efficient device used for fine grinding, homogenizing, and emulsifying a wide range of materials. Its robust design and versatile applications make it ideal for industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and more. By employing centrifugal forces, shear, friction, and high-speed vortex effects, the colloid mill ensures that materials are finely ground, emulsified, and homogenized efficiently.
With various power options available, you can select the most suitable colloid mill based on your production requirements. Whether you need to process high-viscosity liquids, coarse particles, or heat-sensitive materials, the colloid mill provides an optimal solution for your manufacturing needs.