The rubber industry in Oman, like many regions globally, is in a constant pursuit of enhancing product performance and optimizing production costs. A key strategy lies in the effective use of fillers. Basalt, an abundant volcanic rock in Oman, has emerged as a promising, cost-effective, and high-performance mineral filler. When finely ground, basalt powder improves the tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and thermal stability of rubber compounds. However, the true value of basalt as a filler is unlocked only when processed to a precise and consistent fineness, typically targeting 325 mesh (approximately 45 microns). This requirement places immense importance on the selection of the right grinding technology.
Basalt is a hard, dense, and abrasive material. Transforming raw basalt rocks into a uniform 325-mesh powder suitable for rubber compounding presents significant technical challenges. Conventional grinding equipment often struggles with high energy consumption, rapid wear of grinding components, and inconsistent particle size distribution. An inefficient process leads to increased operational costs, frequent maintenance downtime, and a final product that may not meet the stringent quality standards required by rubber manufacturers. The ideal solution must offer high grinding efficiency, precise particle size control, robust construction to handle abrasive materials, and energy-saving operation to ensure economic viability.
To overcome these challenges, modern grinding mills designed for medium to hard, abrasive materials are essential. These mills must integrate several key functions: primary size reduction, fine grinding, internal classification, and often drying, into a streamlined system. The goal is to achieve a closed-circuit grinding process that ensures 100% of the output meets the 325-mesh specification without over-grinding, which wastes energy.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. has established itself as an excellent manufacturer of ore and industrial grinding equipment, with profound expertise in the field of ultra-fine powder processing. Specializing in the research, development, and production of advanced grinding mills, Zenith offers a portfolio of machines perfectly suited for transforming Omani basalt into high-value rubber filler. Among their extensive range, two series stand out for this specific application: the LM Vertical Grinding Mill and the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill.
For large-scale production of basalt powder, the LM Vertical Grinding Mill is an outstanding choice. Its unique design integrates crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and conveying into a single, compact unit. This integration significantly reduces the footprint of the plant and minimizes energy loss. The material bed grinding principle, where rollers crush the material against a rotating grinding table, is highly efficient for abrasive minerals like basalt and promotes lower wear rates compared to impact-based systems.
For the production of 325-mesh basalt filler, the LM Vertical Fine-powder Mill Series is particularly relevant. It is engineered to produce powders in the range of 325 to 600 mesh with high efficiency and stability.
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (D97) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130X-GX | 1300 | 4-12 | 325-600 mesh | 220 |
| LM220X-GX | 2200 | 15-30 | 325-600 mesh | 560 |
The built-in high-efficiency classifier ensures precise cut-point control, guaranteeing that the final product consistently meets the 325-mesh target. Its eco-friendly design with low noise and dust emission makes it a sustainable choice for modern industrial plants in Oman.
When the project requires a dedicated ultra-fine grinding system with exceptional flexibility and precision for fineness ranging from 325 to 2500 mesh, the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill is the ideal solution. This mill is a leader in superfine powder production and is perfectly capable of handling the grinding of basalt to 325 mesh and beyond.
Its design features a unique grinding chamber and an advanced air classifier. The multi-layer grinding ring and roller design creates multiple grinding zones, enhancing efficiency. The turbine classifier allows for instant and accurate adjustment of product fineness simply by changing its speed, offering unparalleled control over the final product’s particle size distribution—a critical factor for rubber filler performance.
| 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 mill is known for its reliable performance, low maintenance costs, and ability to produce powder with uniform shape and narrow size distribution. For Omani businesses looking to produce premium-grade basalt filler or diversify into other fine powder markets, the XZM series provides a future-proof platform.
Investing in advanced grinding technology from Zenith translates into tangible benefits for basalt processing plants in Oman:
The transformation of locally sourced Omani basalt into a high-performance, 325-mesh rubber filler represents a significant value-added opportunity for the nation’s industrial sector. The technical challenges of this process are effectively addressed by state-of-the-art grinding equipment. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., with its proven expertise in ultra-fine grinding, offers reliable and efficient solutions like the LM Vertical Grinding Mill and the XZM Ultrafine Grinding Mill. By adopting such technology, Omani enterprises can establish a competitive edge, producing superior basalt filler that meets global standards, optimizing their production costs, and contributing to the growth of a sophisticated downstream manufacturing industry.
