Diatomite, also known as diatomaceous earth, is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary rock composed of fossilized diatoms. It has an inherently low density, high porosity, and excellent thermal resistance. These properties make diatomite a valuable industrial mineral, widely utilized in filtration, insulation, and as a fluxing agent in metallurgy. In recent years, the demand for diatomite in metallurgical applications across the United States has grown steadily, primarily due to its ability to improve melt fluidity, absorption, and slag separation during metal refining.
A reliable diatomite grinding mill plays a key role in processing this soft, lightweight mineral into fine powders suitable for use as metallurgy flux. For industrial operations requiring a production capacity of 20–30 tons per hour (TPH), the selection of high-efficiency grinding equipment is critical to ensuring stable performance, consistent product fineness, and cost efficiency. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., as a leading Chinese manufacturer of ore and mineral grinding equipment, offers advanced solutions for this application.
In metallurgy, fluxes serve the purpose of combining with impurities and oxides to form a fluid slag that can be easily separated from the molten metal. Diatomite possesses a high silica content and an amorphous structure, making it an ideal material for blending with other fluxing compounds. The porous nature ensures rapid heat exchange and effective oxygenation during metallurgical processes, enhancing product quality and metal yield.
However, raw diatomite must undergo controlled grinding and classification before use. The target particle size typically falls in the range of 45 μm to 325 mesh depending on the flux formulation. Efficient grinding not only optimizes reactivity but also minimizes energy consumption and material waste.
The United States metallurgical industry imposes stringent requirements on raw material preparation. Grinding systems must achieve the following performance attributes:
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. meets these requirements through its range of advanced industrial grinding mills, such as the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and LM Vertical Grinding Mill.
The MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill from Shanghai Zenith is designed with cutting-edge European technology. Its trapezium working surface, adjustable spring pressure, and high-efficiency separators make it a preferred choice for medium-scale industrial applications, particularly those requiring high throughput with fine powder consistency.
For diatomite grinding aimed at 20–30 TPH production, the MTW175G model offers ideal specifications. It combines high efficiency with precise fineness control, allowing operators to produce fine diatomite powders for use as metallic flux with excellent energy saving characteristics.
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) | Fan Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW175G | <40 | 1.6–0.045 | 9.5–25 | 160 | 200 |
| MTW215G | <50 | 1.6–0.045 | 15–45 | 280 | 315 |
The MTW175G model is capable of maintaining stable operation under variable loads, which is ideal for diatomite, a soft mineral requiring gentle yet consistent grinding pressure. The sophisticated air blower and classifier design assures even distribution of fine particles and prevents excessive dust accumulation. This improves plant safety and reduces maintenance costs.
When a plant demands a more versatile setup that combines grinding, drying, and classification into one integrated system, the LM Vertical Grinding Mill serves as an excellent alternative. Especially in regions of the United States where humidity may affect raw diatomite storage, this model’s in-built drying feature offers a significant benefit, ensuring stable feeding and optimal efficiency.
Among the series, the LM190K model achieves a throughput of 23–68 tons per hour, making it suitable for large-scale diatomite-to-flux operations. The controlled fineness (170–40 μm) provides the flexibility necessary for different metallurgical 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 |
| LM190K | 1900 | 23–68 | 170–40 | <45 | 500 |
The vertical pumping and recirculating system within LM Vertical Mills ensures an efficient airflow path, reducing product contamination and heat build-up. Since diatomite particles are light and friable, the design minimizes over-grinding and maintains consistent product morphology, improving downstream processing in flux applications.
A complete 20–30 TPH diatomite grinding plant for metallurgical flux production typically includes:
Combining these performance metrics, Shanghai Zenith Machinery’s grinding solutions provide American metallurgical companies with tools to achieve high-quality diatomite flux powders, ensuring smoother smelting operations and reduced slag rework.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer specializing in the research, development, and production of industrial powder grinding equipment. The company has established a strong presence in global markets, offering products that incorporate advanced European and Asian engineering design principles. Zenith’s mills—ranging from trapezium to vertical and ultrafine models—have been widely used in metallurgy, chemical, cement, and mining applications worldwide.
With continuous investment in technological innovation and customer-focused design, Zenith ensures that its grinding systems deliver superior efficiency, operational reliability, and environmental sustainability.
The production of diatomite flux for metallurgical use in the United States demands precision, consistency, and efficiency. A well‑designed grinding plant operating in the 20–30 TPH range can significantly enhance material performance and reduce production costs. The MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and LM Vertical Grinding Mill offered by Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. both provide dependable, scalable, and energy-efficient solutions for this purpose. Through advanced design and automated control, these mills help producers achieve optimum product quality and operational profitability in metallurgical flux applications.
