The oil and gas industry relies heavily on drilling mud, a specialized fluid essential for lubricating the drill bit, carrying cuttings to the surface, and maintaining hydrostatic pressure to prevent blowouts. A key component of high-density drilling mud is barite (barium sulfate), a mineral prized for its high specific gravity and chemical inertness. In regions like Syria, where the revival and maintenance of energy infrastructure are paramount, having a reliable, on-site source of processed barite is crucial for operational efficiency and cost control.
Granite, often a host rock for barite deposits, presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Processing granite to extract and grind barite to the required API specification (a minimum of 97% passing 75μm / 200 mesh) demands robust and efficient grinding technology. For a mid-capacity requirement of 10-20 tons per hour (TPH), selecting the right milling equipment is the cornerstone of a successful operation. This article explores the technical considerations and presents an optimal grinding solution from a leader in the field.
Grinding granite to liberate and refine barite is not a trivial task. The material’s hardness and abrasiveness can lead to excessive wear on grinding components, resulting in high maintenance costs and contamination of the final product with iron from worn parts. Furthermore, the process must be energy-efficient to be economically viable. The primary goals for the grinding circuit are:
Traditional grinding solutions like Raymond Mills or Ball Mills can struggle with this combination of hardness, required fineness, and capacity. Raymond Mills may face limitations on throughput at this fineness level, while Ball Mills, though capable, can be less energy-efficient and have a larger footprint.
For the 10-20 TPH granite-barite grinding application, Vertical Grinding Mills (VGMs) emerge as the superior technological choice. VGMs integrate multiple processes—drying, grinding, classification, and conveying—into a single, compact unit. Their working principle involves a grinding table and rollers that crush and grind the material under pressure. The ground material is then pneumatically conveyed to an integrated classifier, where oversized particles are separated and returned for further grinding.
This design offers distinct advantages for drilling mud barite production:
As an excellent manufacturer of ore grinding equipment, Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. has made significant achievements in the field of industrial powder grinding. For the specific demands of a 10-20 TPH granite-barite grinding project in Syria, Zenith’s LM Vertical Grinding Mill series provides a perfect match. Its robust construction, advanced process integration, and proven performance in mineral applications make it an ideal choice.
For this capacity range, the LM190K Vertical Mineral Mill is highly recommended. Its parameters align closely with the project requirements, offering headroom for peak production while maintaining efficiency.
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (μm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM190K | 1900 | 23-68 | 170-40 | <45 | 500 |
As the table illustrates, the LM190K’s capacity range of 23-68 TPH comfortably encompasses the 10-20 TPH target, ensuring reliable operation without pushing the equipment to its limits. Its ability to produce powder in the 40-170μm range (approximately 80-400 mesh) means it can effortlessly achieve the 75μm (200 mesh) specification. The large feed size allowance (<45mm) also simplifies the upstream crushing circuit.
For operations that prefer a more traditional roller mill layout with a proven track record, Zenith’s MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill is another formidable candidate. This mill features multiple national patents, a curved shovel blade for better feeding efficiency, and an internal bevel gear integral transmission system for smooth operation.
The MTW175G model is particularly suited for this application, offering a perfect balance of capacity and fineness control.
| Model | Max. Feed Size (mm) | Final Size (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW175G | <40 | 1.6-0.045 | 9.5-25 | 160 |
With a capacity of 9.5-25 TPH, the MTW175G hits the center of the project’s requirement. Its ability to grind down to 0.045mm (approximately 325 mesh) guarantees the 200-mesh product. It is also known for its environmental friendliness, with a pulse dust collector ensuring clean site operation.
Establishing a local 10-20 TPH granite-barite grinding facility in Syria is a strategic move towards energy independence and operational resilience. It reduces reliance on imported drilling mud materials, controls costs, and supports local industry. The success of such a project hinges on the selection of durable, efficient, and precise grinding equipment.
Shanghai Zenith’s grinding mills, particularly the LM190K Vertical Grinding Mill and the MTW175G Trapezium Grinding Mill, are engineered to meet these rigorous industrial demands. Their combination of high capacity, precise fineness control, and operational reliability makes them the cornerstone technology for producing high-quality, API-grade barite from granite ore, directly contributing to the efficiency and safety of drilling operations in the region.
