In the arid climate of Iraq, where water resources are precious and often contaminated, effective water treatment is not just an industrial process but a national imperative. Among the various materials used in purification and desalination processes, barite (barium sulfate) plays a pivotal role. Its high density and chemical inertness make it an excellent weighting agent in drilling muds for oil and gas, but its finely ground form is increasingly vital for advanced filtration media and as a coagulant aid in removing heavy metals and suspended solids. To unlock its full potential in these sensitive applications, the barite must be processed to an ultra-fine consistency, typically reaching 600 mesh (approximately 25 microns). This stringent requirement places immense demand on grinding technology, where efficiency, precision, and reliability are paramount.

Grinding barite to a consistent 600 mesh fineness presents several technical challenges. Barite is a medium-hard mineral (3-3.5 on the Mohs scale), requiring significant energy input for size reduction. The process must not only achieve the target particle size but also maintain a narrow particle size distribution to ensure optimal performance in filtration beds. Over-grinding can lead to excessive energy consumption and unwanted ultra-fines, while under-grinding fails to meet the specification. Furthermore, in Iraq’s demanding industrial environment, equipment must be robust, easy to maintain, and capable of stable, continuous operation to support critical infrastructure projects.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. has established itself as a leading force in the field of industrial comminution and ultra-fine powder processing. With decades of specialized research, development, and manufacturing experience, Zenith provides tailored grinding solutions that meet the exacting standards of modern industries, including water treatment. Our expertise lies in designing mills that deliver precise particle size control, high throughput, and exceptional energy efficiency—key factors for the economic processing of barite for the Iraqi market.
For the specific application of grinding barite to 600 mesh for water treatment in Iraq, two of our advanced grinding mills stand out as ideal solutions: the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill and the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill.
The XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill is engineered specifically for producing superfine powders in the range of 325-2500 mesh. Its innovative design features a high-efficiency classifier that ensures precise particle size cuts, making it perfect for achieving the consistent 600 mesh fineness required for barite in filtration applications. The mill’s grinding chamber and roller system are optimized for medium-hard materials like barite, providing high yield with relatively low energy consumption.
| Model | Working Diameter (mm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mesh) | Output (kg/h) | Main Motor Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XZM221 | Φ800 | ≤20 | 325-2500 | 500-4500 | 75 |
| XZM268 | Φ1680 | ≤20 | 325-2500 | 5000-25000 | 315 |
The XZM series is particularly suitable for projects with moderate to large-scale production needs, offering a reliable and straightforward solution for achieving 600 mesh barite powder.

For operators seeking the most advanced, integrated, and energy-efficient system, the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill represents the pinnacle of Zenith’s grinding technology. It integrates grinding, drying, classifying, and conveying into a single, space-saving unit. Its most significant advantage for producing 600 mesh barite is the highly efficient and stable classifying system, which guarantees a product with a high content of end-fines and a sharp particle size distribution. The intelligent control system allows for easy adjustment and stable operation, crucial for maintaining consistent product quality in Iraq’s water treatment facilities.
| Model | Main Machine Power (kW) | Capacity (t/h) | Size Distribution D97 (μm) | Approx. Equivalent Mesh* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LUM1525 | 220-250 | 1.6-11.5 | 5-30 | 600 – 1800 mesh |
| LUM1632 | 280-315 | 2.0-13.5 | 5-30 | 600 – 1800 mesh |
*Note: A D97 of 25μm corresponds to approximately 600 mesh. The LUM mill can easily and efficiently achieve this target.
The selection of grinding equipment for critical infrastructure must be based on more than just specifications. For Iraqi partners, the benefits of choosing Zenith include:

The journey to effective water treatment in Iraq is complex, but the path to producing one of its key materials—high-purity, 600 mesh barite powder—is clear. By leveraging advanced grinding technology from Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., Iraqi industries can establish reliable, efficient, and high-quality production lines. Whether through the precision of the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill or the integrated intelligence of the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill, Zenith offers the technological partnership necessary to meet this critical challenge. Investing in the right grinding solution is not merely an equipment purchase; it is an investment in the foundation of cleaner water and a more sustainable future for Iraq.