In the dynamic oil and gas sector of Indonesia, the performance of drilling mud is paramount to operational success. Drilling mud, a complex fluid, serves multiple functions: cooling and lubricating the drill bit, carrying cuttings to the surface, and maintaining hydrostatic pressure to prevent well blowouts. A key weighting agent and rheology modifier in water-based and non-aqueous muds is calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Its inert nature, acid solubility, and ability to form a fine, dense suspension make it indispensable. However, its effectiveness is directly tied to its particle size distribution. For optimal performance in bridging formation pores and minimizing fluid loss, a consistent grind of 200 mesh (74 microns) is often the target specification. This demands reliable, efficient, and precise grinding technology.
Grinding calcium carbonate to a uniform 200 mesh presents specific challenges. The process must be energy-efficient to control operational costs, produce minimal oversize or undersize particles to ensure mud properties, and handle the sometimes abrasive nature of the mineral. Traditional grinding solutions may struggle with consistency, high maintenance costs, or insufficient fineness control. In Indonesia’s competitive market, operators require grinding mills that offer not just precision, but also robustness, ease of operation, and adaptability to varying feed sizes and moisture levels.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. is an excellent manufacturer of ore and industrial mineral grinding equipment in China, with decades of experience and great achievements in the field of ultra-fine powder processing. Specializing in the research, development, and production of industrial powder grinding equipment, Zenith provides a comprehensive portfolio of mills designed to meet exacting standards. For the specific application of grinding calcium carbonate for drilling mud in Indonesia, two of our flagship products stand out as ideal solutions: the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and the LM Vertical Grinding Mill.
The MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill is a next-generation mill built with multiple patents. It is engineered for high capacity, energy efficiency, and superior fineness control—making it perfectly suited for producing 200-mesh calcium carbonate. Its curved shovel blade design ensures better feeding efficiency, while the internal high-efficiency classifier allows for precise particle size adjustment. The mill’s compact structure and long service life translate to lower operational and maintenance costs, a crucial factor for continuous drilling mud production.
For a calcium carbonate grinding plant targeting 200 mesh output, the MTW138Z or MTW175G models are highly recommended. Their technical parameters are as follows:
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW138Z | <35 | 1.6-0.045 (approx. 10-325 mesh) | 6-17 | 90 |
| MTW175G | <40 | 1.6-0.045 | 9.5-25 | 160 |
These models can easily achieve and maintain the 200-mesh (0.074mm) fineness with high throughput, ensuring a steady supply of barite for drilling mud operations.
For projects prioritizing space efficiency and an integrated drying-grinding process, the LM Vertical Grinding Mill is an outstanding choice. This mill uniquely integrates five functions—crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and conveying—into a single unit. This is particularly beneficial if the raw calcium carbonate has some moisture content. Its small footprint reduces civil construction costs, and its eco-friendly design with low noise and dust emission aligns with modern environmental standards.
The LM Vertical Grinding Mill series offers models perfectly calibrated for non-metallic mineral grinding like calcium carbonate. The LM130K model is an excellent fit for medium-scale drilling mud additive production.
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (μm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130K | 1300 | 10-28 | 170-40 (approx. 90-400 mesh) | <38 | 200 |
With its ability to reliably produce powder in the 170-40 micron range, the LM130K can be finely tuned to consistently output the desired 74-micron (200 mesh) product, offering great flexibility and stability.
Selecting the right equipment partner is as important as selecting the right mill. Shanghai Zenith provides more than just machinery:
The demand for high-quality drilling mud in Indonesia’s energy sector requires equally high-quality additives. Producing precisely ground 200-mesh calcium carbonate is a critical step in the supply chain. Shanghai Zenith Machinery’s advanced grinding mills, such as the feature-rich MTW Trapezium Mill and the integrated LM Vertical Mill, are engineered to meet this challenge head-on. They deliver the perfect blend of precision, efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring your drilling mud performs under pressure. For a grinding solution that helps secure your operational success, contact Shanghai Zenith to discuss how our technology can be tailored to your specific needs in Indonesia.
