The animal feed industry in the United States is a sophisticated and highly regulated sector, constantly seeking innovative and cost-effective ingredients to enhance nutritional value and livestock performance. Among these, processed mineral additives play a crucial role. Cement clinker, a nodular material produced during the cement kiln stage, is gaining attention as a potential mineral supplement due to its content of essential elements like calcium, silicon, and trace minerals. However, its effective utilization hinges on one critical process: ultra-fine grinding. Transforming hard, granular clinker into a consistent, digestible powder suitable for homogeneous feed mixing requires specialized milling technology. For mid-scale operations targeting a production rate of 5 to 10 tons per hour (TPH), selecting the right grinding mill is paramount for achieving product quality, operational efficiency, and economic viability.
While primarily the intermediate product in cement manufacturing, certain types of cement clinker, when processed correctly, can serve as a valuable calcium and mineral source in animal diets. The key benefits include providing bioavailable calcium for bone development and eggshell quality in poultry, acting as a rumen buffer in dairy cattle, and supplying silica and other trace elements. The nutritional efficacy is directly linked to particle size. Coarse particles are poorly absorbed and can segregate in feed, while excessively fine dust can pose handling challenges. The optimal target for feed-grade mineral additives typically falls within a specific micron range, demanding precise grinding control.
Cement clinker presents unique grinding challenges. It is an abrasive and hard material (typically 3-4 on the Mohs scale), which leads to high wear on grinding components. The process must be energy-efficient to keep operational costs low. Furthermore, the mill must produce a tightly controlled particle size distribution (PSD) without generating excessive heat, which could alter the material’s properties. For a 5-10 TPH output, the system must balance robust construction for durability with the precision needed for fine powder production. Dust control and system cleanliness are also critical to meet the stringent hygiene standards of the feed industry.
Several grinding mill technologies could be considered for this application. Traditional ball mills, while robust, often lack energy efficiency and precise PSD control for ultra-fine outputs. Raymond mills are suitable for medium-fine grinding but may struggle with the hardness of clinker at the desired fineness and capacity. The ideal solution for producing a high-quality feed additive from cement clinker lies in advanced, integrated grinding systems designed for efficiency and fineness control.
For a 5-10 TPH production line grinding cement clinker to feed-grade fineness, the LM Vertical Grinding Mill from Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. stands out as an exemplary choice. Zenith, an excellent manufacturer of ore and industrial grinding equipment, has engineered the LM series to integrate crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and conveying into a single, compact unit. This integration is particularly advantageous for the feed industry, where space and system simplicity are valued.
The LM Vertical Mill operates on the principle of bed grinding, where material is crushed between the grinding rollers and the rotating table. This method is significantly more energy-efficient than impact-based or ball-and-tube milling, especially for hard materials. Its built-in high-efficiency classifier ensures a sharp particle cut, allowing operators to precisely target the fineness required for optimal animal digestibility (typically between 170-40 microns or finer). The mill’s ability to handle a slight moisture content and its integrated drying function with hot air provide additional process flexibility.
For the specified 5-10 TPH capacity, the LM130K model is perfectly suited. Its technical parameters align closely with the project requirements:
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (μm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130K | 1300 | 10-28 | 170-40 | <38 | 200 |
This model reliably covers the upper end of the 5-10 TPH range with room for capacity adjustment, ensures the necessary fine product quality, and handles the abrasive clinker with durable construction. Its vertical design also results in a smaller footprint, making it easier to integrate into existing feed mill facilities.
For operations aiming at the very fine end of the spectrum or seeking to produce a premium, highly bioavailable additive, Zenith’s LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill presents a cutting-edge alternative. This mill represents Zenith’s great achievements in ultra-fine powder grinding. It builds upon the vertical mill concept with advanced roller technology and a more sophisticated classifying system.
The LUM series is designed for higher fineness levels with stable product quality. Its intelligent control system allows for precise adjustment and monitoring of the grinding process, which is crucial for consistent feed additive production. While its capacity range for very fine products (D97: 5-30μm) is slightly different, models like the LUM1525 can be configured to meet the 5-10 TPH output for a slightly coarser, feed-suitable fineness with exceptional energy efficiency and product uniformity.
Implementing a Zenith LM or LUM mill for this application goes beyond the mill itself. The system includes a comprehensive package: jaw crusher for primary size reduction, elevator, dosing feeder, the main mill, pulse dust collector, fan, and control cabinet. This turnkey approach ensures compatibility and optimized performance. Key operational benefits for the feed producer include:
Establishing a 5-10 TPH production line for cement clinker-based animal feed additive in the U.S. market is a technically sound venture with the right equipment. The process demands a mill that combines durability against abrasive materials with the finesse to produce a nutritionally optimal powder. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., with its specialization in industrial powder grinding, offers ideal solutions. The LM130K Vertical Grinding Mill provides a robust, efficient, and precisely controllable core for this application, ensuring reliable production of a high-quality feed ingredient. For producers targeting superior product fineness and advanced process control, the LUM Ultrafine Vertical Mill series offers a future-ready alternative. By partnering with a knowledgeable equipment provider like Zenith, feed additive manufacturers can confidently navigate the technical challenges and unlock the value of mineral co-products in the dynamic animal nutrition industry.
