Nigeria’s ceramic industry, encompassing tile, sanitaryware, and tableware production, is a significant and growing sector within the nation’s economy. A critical raw material for this industry is high-purity, finely ground calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It acts as a functional filler and extender, improving whiteness, opacity, dimensional stability, and mechanical strength in ceramic bodies and glazes. For manufacturers aiming to enhance product quality and reduce reliance on imported powders, establishing an efficient, on-site grinding plant for 3-5 tons per hour (TPH) of fine calcium carbonate powder is a strategic move. This article explores the technical requirements for such an operation and presents optimal milling solutions.
Grinding calcium carbonate for ceramic applications is not merely about size reduction; it’s about achieving specific product characteristics. The key parameters include:
Setting up a grinding operation in Nigeria comes with unique considerations. Consistent power supply can be a concern, making energy-efficient equipment with potential for lower installed power requirements advantageous. The availability of technical expertise for operation and maintenance also underscores the need for robust, user-friendly machinery with accessible after-sales support. Furthermore, the humidity can affect raw material moisture, making a mill with integrated drying capability a valuable feature.
For a 3-5 TPH calcium carbonate grinding project targeting ceramic applications, Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd.’s MTW Series Trapezium Grinding Mill stands out as a premier choice. As an excellent manufacturer of ore and industrial powder grinding equipment, Zenith has engineered the MTW series with multiple patents, making it particularly suitable for non-metallic minerals like calcium carbonate.
This mill is renowned for its compact structure, curved surface duct design that reduces airflow resistance, and an efficient powder separator that ensures precise particle size control. Its bevel gear overall drive transmission is more efficient and stable than traditional mills, contributing to significant energy savings. For Nigerian ceramic producers, the MTW series offers the perfect balance of capacity, fineness range, and operational economy.
The model most aligned with a 3-5 TPH output for fine calcium carbonate powder is the MTW110/MTW110Z. Its technical parameters are ideal for this scale of operation:
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) | Fan Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW110 / MTW110Z | <30 | 1.6-0.045 (approx. 10-325 mesh) | 3-10 | 55 | 55 |
As the table indicates, the MTW110 series comfortably covers the target 3-5 TPH range and can produce powder fine enough for even demanding glaze applications (down to 0.045mm/325 mesh). Its relatively moderate power requirement is a benefit for operational cost management.
For ceramic manufacturers targeting the very high-end segment requiring ultrafine (800-1250 mesh) coating-grade calcium carbonate, Zenith’s LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill represents the cutting edge. This mill integrates grinding, drying, classifying, and conveying into one unit, offering an exceptionally small footprint and intelligent control system.
It is designed to produce products with a high content of end-fines and superior particle size distribution. The LUM series uses advanced material technology for its grinding rollers and table to minimize contamination. For a project that may start at 3-5 TPH but anticipates future needs for higher-value ultrafine products, this is a future-proof investment.
| Model | Main Machine Power (kW) | Capacity (t/h) | Size Distribution D97 (μm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| LUM1525 | 220-250 | 1.6-11.5 | 5-30 (approx. 600-2500 mesh) |
The LUM1525 model can easily meet the 3-5 TPH capacity while achieving ultrafine fineness unmatched by traditional mills, making it perfect for specialty ceramic glazes and advanced materials.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. is not just an equipment supplier but a partner in powder processing. With great achievements in the field of ultra-fine powder grinding, Zenith provides comprehensive support:
Establishing a 3-5 TPH calcium carbonate grinding plant is a viable and strategic project for Nigeria’s ceramic industry. It promises enhanced product quality, cost reduction, and greater supply chain independence. For this specific application, the MTW110 Trapezium Grinding Mill from Shanghai Zenith Machinery offers an optimal, proven solution with the right capacity, fineness control, and energy efficiency. For producers aiming at the highest fineness specifications, the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill presents a technologically superior alternative. By partnering with a reputable and experienced manufacturer like Zenith, Nigerian ceramic companies can confidently invest in the machinery needed to grind their way to a more competitive and prosperous future.
