Thailand’s paper and pulp industry has experienced steady growth over the past decade, driven by increasing domestic demand for packaging, printing, and tissue products. One of the key cost drivers in paper manufacturing is energy, particularly thermal energy for drying, steam generation, and powering boilers. Many Thai paper mills have turned to petroleum coke (petcoke) as an alternative fuel due to its high calorific value (around 8,000–8,500 kcal/kg) and lower cost compared to heavy fuel oil or natural gas. However, raw petcoke must be ground into a fine powder—typically 200 mesh (74 microns)—to achieve optimal combustion efficiency, reduce emissions, and ensure stable boiler operation.
Grinding petroleum coke to 200 mesh is a challenging task because of its high hardness, abrasiveness, and low volatile content. The grinding mill must be robust, energy-efficient, and capable of producing a consistent particle size distribution. This article explores the technical requirements for petcoke grinding in the Thai paper industry and presents two advanced solutions from Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese manufacturer of ore and industrial grinding equipment.
In a typical paper mill, pulverized petroleum coke is injected into a boiler furnace through burners. The fineness of the fuel directly impacts:
Thai paper mills often blend petcoke with biomass or coal to further reduce costs. The grinding mill must handle varying feed sizes (typically 0–50 mm) and moisture content up to 5%. Given these demands, the selection of the right grinding equipment is critical.
Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. is a renowned manufacturer of ore grinding equipment in China, with decades of experience in the field of ultra-fine powder processing. Our company specializes in the research, development, and production of industrial powder grinding mills, ranging from traditional Raymond mills to state-of-the-art vertical roller mills. For the production of 200 mesh petroleum coke powder, we recommend two proven product lines: the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and the LM Vertical Grinding Mill.
Both machines have been successfully deployed in cement, power generation, and paper industries across Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They offer compact footprints, low noise levels, and advanced powder classification systems that ensure the final product meets the 200 mesh specification with minimal oversize particles.
The MTW series is a multi-patented grinding mill that combines the advantages of Raymond mill and high-pressure suspension mill. It features a trapezium-shaped grinding roller and ring, which increases the effective grinding area and improves capacity by 30–50% compared to traditional mills. The MTW mill is especially suitable for processing petroleum coke with a feed size of up to 50 mm, producing a fineness ranging from 1.6 mm to 0.038 mm (10–400 mesh). For 200 mesh (0.074 mm) petcoke, the MTW mill offers excellent throughput with low specific energy consumption.
| Model | Max Feed Size (mm) | Output Fineness (mm / mesh) | Capacity (t/h) | Main Motor Power (kW) | Fan Motor Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MTW110 | <30 | 1.6–0.045 (10–325 mesh) | 3–9 | 55 | 55 |
| MTW138Z | <35 | 1.6–0.045 (10–325 mesh) | 6–17 | 90 | 110 |
| MTW175G | <40 | 1.6–0.045 (10–325 mesh) | 9.5–25 | 160 | 200 |
| MTW215G | <50 | 1.6–0.045 (10–325 mesh) | 15–45 | 280 | 315 |
For a typical Thai paper mill requiring 10–20 t/h of 200 mesh petcoke, the MTW138Z or MTW175G would be an ideal choice. The MTW mill’s internal classifier uses a high-efficiency impeller to produce a narrow particle size distribution, ensuring that more than 95% of the output passes through a 200 mesh screen. Additionally, the mill’s pinion drive system and oil-lubricated bearings reduce maintenance downtime, which is crucial for continuous paper production.
For paper mills with higher capacity demands or those seeking an even more compact solution, the LM Vertical Grinding Mill integrates crushing, grinding, drying, and classification in a single unit. It uses a rotating grinding table and stationary rollers to grind material under hydraulic pressure. The LM mill is known for its low vibration, low noise, and ability to handle moist feed materials (up to 15% moisture) without pre-drying, thanks to an integrated hot air system.
The LM vertical mill can process petroleum coke with a feed size up to 50 mm and produce a final fineness of 170–40 microns (80–400 mesh). For 200 mesh (74 microns), the LM mill operates at a higher throughput per unit power than traditional ball mills, making it a cost-effective option for large-scale Thai paper plants.
| Model | Plate Diameter (mm) | Capacity (t/h) | Output Fineness (μm) | Max Feed Size (mm) | Main Motor Power (kW) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LM130K | 1300 | 10–28 | 170–40 | <38 | 200 |
| LM190K | 1900 | 23–68 | 170–40 | <45 | 500 |
| LM280K | 2800 | 50–170 | 170–45 | <50 | 1250 |
The LM130K and LM190K are particularly suitable for medium-to-large paper mills. The LM190K, with a capacity of up to 68 t/h, can serve multiple production lines simultaneously. Its vertical structure occupies only about 50% of the floor space required by a ball mill of similar capacity, freeing up valuable real estate in the plant for other equipment. Furthermore, the LM mill’s grinding rollers can be turned out of the mill for maintenance without heavy lifting, reducing downtime.
When choosing between the MTW Trapezium Mill and the LM Vertical Mill for 200 mesh petroleum coke grinding in a Thai paper mill, consider the following factors:
Many Thai paper mills have successfully commissioned Shanghai Zenith equipment. For instance, a leading integrated pulp and paper manufacturer in the eastern seaboard region replaced its old ball mill with an MTW175G and reported a 15% reduction in energy consumption per ton of petcoke ground, along with a 20% increase in throughput. Another mill in the Chao Phraya basin installed an LM130K to grind a blend of petcoke and coal, achieving stable boiler combustion even at partial loads.
Producing 200 mesh petroleum coke powder is a critical step for Thai paper mills aiming to optimize fuel costs and comply with environmental regulations. Shanghai Zenith Machinery Co., Ltd. offers two robust, proven grinding solutions: the MTW Trapezium Grinding Mill and the LM Vertical Grinding Mill. Both machines deliver consistent product quality, low operating costs, and high reliability. With our extensive experience in the ultra-fine powder grinding field and a strong service network in Thailand, we are confident in providing the right mill for your specific paper-making needs.
Contact our sales team today for a custom mill selection and quotation based on your raw material analysis and capacity requirements. Let us help you turn petroleum coke into a clean, efficient fuel for a greener and more competitive paper production process.
