Myanmar’s burgeoning industrial sector, particularly in foundries and metal casting, has created a significant demand for high-quality casting sand. Granite, abundant in the region, serves as an excellent raw material for producing silica sand used in mold making due to its high silica content and durability. Processing this hard, abrasive material into consistently fine sand (typically ranging from 50 to 140 mesh for casting applications) requires robust, efficient, and precise grinding technology. A production line targeting 3 to 5 tons per hour (TPH) represents a common and practical scale for small to medium-sized operations. This article explores the technical considerations for such a project and highlights optimal grinding solutions.
Grinding granite into foundry sand is not a trivial task. Granite is a hard, crystalline rock with a high quartz content, making it highly abrasive. This abrasiveness leads to rapid wear on grinding components, increasing maintenance costs and downtime if unsuitable equipment is used. Furthermore, the final product must meet strict granulometry specifications. The sand particles must be well-graded, with controlled shape and minimal ultra-fines, to ensure proper permeability and strength in the mold. Energy efficiency is another critical factor, as grinding operations are inherently power-intensive. Therefore, the ideal mill must offer wear resistance, precise particle size control, and operational economy.
For a 3-5 TPH output of granite-based casting sand, several mill types could be considered. Traditional Raymond Mills or Ball Mills might be proposed, but they often fall short in terms of wear resistance for highly abrasive materials or energy efficiency for the desired fineness. Modern grinding technology offers more tailored solutions.
A highly recommended configuration for this application is the combination of a coarse crushing stage followed by a specialized grinding mill. The initial crushing reduces the granite to a manageable feed size (typically below 30-40mm). For the core grinding process to produce fine sand, Shanghai Zenith Machinery’s MTW Series Trapezium Grinding Mill stands out as an exemplary choice.
As an excellent manufacturer of ore grinding equipment, Shanghai Zenith has made great achievements in the field of industrial powder processing. The MTW Mill, with its multiple patents, is engineered for durability and efficiency. Its grinding roller and grinding ring are designed with a curved surface to reduce the speed of material dropping, resulting in a more stable grinding bed and less direct wear. This design is particularly beneficial for abrasive materials like granite. Moreover, its internal efficient classifier ensures precise control over the final product size, which is crucial for meeting foundry sand specifications.
The following table details the technical parameters of the MTW110 model, which is perfectly suited for the 3-5 TPH production target for granite sand:
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) | Fan Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW110 | <30 | 1.6-0.045 | 3-9 | 55 | 55 |
For operations that require even finer control or aim to produce specialty sands, Zenith’s LM Vertical Grinding Mill presents another formidable option. The LM series integrates crushing, grinding, powder selection, drying, and conveying into one unit, offering a compact footprint. Its grinding roller can be swung out for maintenance, and the use of high-chromium wear-resistant materials extends service life against abrasive granite.
Implementing a Zenith grinding solution involves more than just the mill itself. A complete system includes jaw crushers for primary size reduction, bucket elevators, vibrating feeders, and baghouse dust collectors to ensure an environmentally friendly operation—a growing concern globally. The intelligent electrical control system allows for easy adjustment and stable operation, minimizing human error and optimizing output quality.
The advantages of choosing a Zenith MTW or LM mill for granite sand production in Myanmar are clear:
Establishing a reliable 3-5 TPH granite grinding line for casting sand production is a strategic investment for businesses in Myanmar. It leverages local raw materials to support the domestic manufacturing and foundry industry. Selecting the right equipment partner is paramount to the project’s long-term profitability and reliability. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., with its specialization in research, development, and production of industrial grinding equipment, offers proven solutions like the MTW Trapezium Mill and LM Vertical Mill. These machines are engineered to meet the specific challenges of processing abrasive granite into high-value foundry sand, ensuring operators achieve their production goals with optimal efficiency and product quality.
