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Maximizing milling performance with air-assist systems and custom plenums

Maximizing milling performance with air-assist systems and custom plenums

Hammermill operations face common challenges: material blockage, inconsistent particle size, excessive heat generation, and high energy consumption. These inefficiencies not only reduce productivity, but also lead to equipment wear and dust explosion hazards. To improve hammermill performance and safety, Kice offers air-assist systems and custom plenum designs.

Applications of air-relief systems for hammermill operators

Air-assist systems deliver benefits in many industries. In recycling and waste management, efficient material processing improves sustainability across various waste streams. It also helps achieve precise particle size, which is essential for food ingredient production. Agricultural industries can leverage air-assisted systems to enhance grain milling and processing feedstuffs, creating better yields and nutrition.

How air-assist systems and plenums improve milling efficiency

Hammermills use rotating hammers to process material into smaller particle sizes based on the mill’s screen size. Without proper airflow, this material can build up inside the mill, resulting in process inefficiency and heat generation. Kice’s air-assist system introduces controlled airflow to keep particles moving and prevent blockages. This airflow also helps prevent friction and regulate temperature to maintain the integrity of heat-sensitive materials.

After hammermills have done their job, the material enters the plenum chamber and is routed downstream. Kice manufactures custom-designed plenums to enhance dust collection and throughput. Combined with air-assist systems, Kice’s plenums can significantly improve milling process efficiency and safety.

Six benefits of Kice’s air-assist system for hammermills

With Kice’s air-assist systems, hammermills deliver a host of benefits that drive productivity and profitability.

Improved milling efficiency

Better airflow ensures that particles exit the hammermill when they are properly sized. Hammermills experience less resistance, smoother operation, lower energy consumption, and greater throughput when supplied with the appropriate airflow.

Finer and more consistent particle size

Air-assist systems improve particle distribution, reducing over-grinding and contributing to a more uniform final product.

Reduced heat generation

By carrying heat away from the milling chamber, air-assist systems keep heat-sensitive materials cool and prevent product degradation.

Reduced risk of dust explosions

Air-assist systems minimize dust accumulation, improving work safety in milling operations.

Less wear and tear on milling equipment

Less friction and heat contribute to longer lifespans for hammers, screens, and other hammermill components.

Increased throughput

Air-assist systems provide the required air to move more product from point A to point B.

Six advantages of Kice’s hammermill plenum design

A well-designed plenum enhances the benefits of air-assist systems by optimizing airflow management and material discharge. Kice designs and builds plenums to provide the following key advantages.

Improved airflow and material discharge

Kice’s plenums reduce pressure drops to allow more throughput compared to non-assisted systems.

Increased efficiency

Enhanced airflow reduces the likelihood of clogs and helps hammermills convey material more quickly and reliably.

Reduced heat

Plenums allow air to be pulled through the mill and into a filtration system, reducing both heat and dust pollution.

Explosion-protection design

In addition to dust control, plenums are engineered to prevent backblasts and dust explosions.

Less maintenance required

Plenums work with filters such as baghouses to capture dust, which helps reduce maintenance over time. When maintenance is required, access is fast and easy.

Longer-distance conveying

A plenum allows material to be fed into a positive pressure conveying system, making it easier to transport product farther from the hammermill.

Discover how hammermill air-assist systems can enhance your operations

We offer more than 75 years of experience working with milling operations to improve their processes. Connect with a Kice sales representative to learn more.

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