POWDER PROCESSING CAPABILITIES
HAMMER MILLING
Depending on the material characteristics, this method of powder processing has the capability to effectively pulverize coarse grinding materials to Nominal 140 mesh to 5 mesh product size. This process is typically used in conjunction with a vibratory screening process.
JET MILLING
Depending on material characteristics, PTI can jet mill most materials to 125 microns and finer. If the feedstock is not very friable the material can be jet milled coarser.
The type of jet mill we use generates a distribution that is “stacked” towards the coarse end and does not create a large amount of, sometimes unwanted, fine material. If the fine particles generated are a concern, we can use a secondary air classification step to remove those particles. Many of our jet mills have internal classifiers, which allows for a precise cut point on the coarse end.
All our jet mills feature a ceramic alumina lining to prevent iron contamination during the jet milling process. Furthermore, our toll processing rooms operate under negative pressure to prevent cross contamination. As an added precaution our air compressors are humidity controlled to prevent adding heat or moisture to the powder processing process.
ROTARY CRUSHER
This machine is a great option for softer, friable materials in larger chunks needing to be reduced small enough to be fed into other processes. This option has the powder processing capability to work with friable resins and similar material.
AIR CLASSIFICATION
This toll processing option works well for defined cut points in product. We have machines with a variety of powder processing capabilities, producing efficient cut points from 3 microns to 45 microns. We also have the flexibility to add a cyclone to make an intermediate product. As an example: we have a customer where we produce three products from a single job. We are able to make a Nominal 0-3 micron product from the bag house fines, a Nominal 1-5 micron product from the Cyclone, and a Nominal 2 – 10 micron product on the coarse collection side. We can tailor specific targets on all three collection points based on how we set up the machine.
VIBRATORY SCREENING
Vibratory screening, involves separating particulate material into different grades based on particle size. This process utilizes gravity, motion, and mesh screens or sieves for separation. The screener undergoes controlled mechanical vibrations, causing particles to flow across the screen. Oversize particles are discharged through a spout, while smaller particles pass through the mesh screen(s) and continue spiraling until they are discharged. Multiple size classifications can be achieved in one pass by setting up a series of screens. This toll processing option works very well for flowable materials and is effective from 400 mesh to 5 mesh.
Ribbon Blenders
- This blender is ideal for dry or wet dry (spraying liquid onto dry powders during the blending process) campaigns needing to be homogeneously blended.
- These blenders are best for 1,000 pound to 4,000 pound batch sizes.
- This blender can produce similar, accurate batches consistently.
- This blender can produce simple or complex formulas.
- This blender is best for 50 pound to 600 pound batch sizes.
- This blender can produce similar, accurate batches consistently.
- This blender can produce simple or complex formulas.
Lab Blenders
- These blenders are best for research and development quantities as well as small batch sizes.
- The capacities for these blenders range from a few pounds up to two hundred pounds per batch depending on the blender utilized.
- These blenders can produce similar, accurate batches consistently.
- These blenders can produce simple or complex formulas.
TOLL PROCESSING MATERIALS
ABRASIVES / SUPER-ABRASIVES
Standard toll processing materials are refined and processed for specialty abrasive requirements and applications. Many processes such as micro-finishing, polishing, lapping and turbo-abrasive machining require or benefit from discrete particle size distributions of abrasive grains and powders. Toll processing materials such as diamond, cubic boron nitride, boron carbide, alumina, garnet, and zirconia are routinely processed to customer specifications.
MINERALS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ZIRCONIUM OXIDE)
Naturally occurring, synthetic, precipitated, fused, and surface/property modified minerals may require size reduction, size classification, or screening to improve material or application properties. Many minerals are used as carriers, substrates or catalysts during secondary processing.
CHEMICALS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, PIGMENTS)
Chemical processing is performed to maintain top size control, intermediate distribution requirements, fine particle control or removal, or combinations of any of these criteria. Hammer milling, jet milling, air classification and screening are typical processes utilized to obtain desired products.
CERAMICS
Engineered and specialty ceramic materials are processed with equipment lined with abrasion resistant materials and components in high wear areas, thus minimizing contamination. Narrow particle size distribution products can be obtained through utilization of air classification equipment.
CARBON / GRAPHITE
Carbon and graphite material applications are becoming more diverse with particle size typically a primary consideration for optimum application or product performance. Whether as a filtering aid or as a carrier/catalyst, fine or coarse particle removal from a broad band particle size distribution can provide desired surface area or other material properties.
PLASTICS / RESINS / COATINGS (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, POLYSTYRENE, POLYESTER, AND PVC)
Soft and heat sensitive toll processing materials are processed under ambient processing conditions to obtain desired products. Sub-micron to coarse particle size distributions may be obtained by utilization of selective multiple process equipment combinations and configurations.
TEST DUST
Powder Technology Inc. is the leading manufacturer and supplier of test dust for the filtration, automotive, heavy equipment industries, and military testing and operations. Arizona test dust is sold under a variety of names including Arizona Road Dust, Arizona Silica, AC Fine and AC Coarse Test Dusts, SAE Fine and Coarse Test Dusts, J726 Test Dusts, and most recently ISO Ultrafine, ISO Fine, ISO Medium and ISO Coarse Test Dusts. If you are interested in reading the history of Test Dust and PTI’s early involvement in establishing ISO standards with AC Spark Plug, a Division of General Motors, click on the following link.
