Case study No.2: Connecting the screw feeder to a pin mill

Case Study: Screw Feeder Connected to a Pin Mill

– Powder feeding system for stable pulverizing with pin mill –

In powder processing industries, pulverizing is one of the most critical steps. Especially in fields such as chemicals, food production, and battery materials, achieving a fine and uniform particle size greatly improves product quality and downstream handling. One of the most commonly used devices for such fine grinding is the pin mill.

A pin mill pulverizes material by using high-speed rotating and stationary pins to create impact and shear forces. However, in order to ensure stable performance of the pin mill, it is essential that the feed rate of the powder remains consistent. Irregular feeding can lead to uneven pulverization, clogging inside the mill, or overfeeding, all of which reduce processing efficiency.

This is where the screw feeder plays a vital role.

A screw feeder continuously delivers powder from a hopper using a rotating screw, and it can handle a wide range of powder materials—from fine particles to granular materials. The feed rate can be precisely controlled by adjusting the motor speed or screw design, making it an ideal partner for pin mills.

In the case shown here, we custom-designed a screw feeder to match the inlet dimensions and height of the customer’s pin mill. The outlet flange, shape, and mounting angle were tailored to perfectly connect with the pin mill, ensuring smooth transfer of the powder with minimal leakage. This precise alignment contributes to a clean and safe process environment.

The screw feeder is also equipped with a speed controller, allowing fine adjustment of the feed rate. This makes it possible to optimize the feeding process based on the characteristics of the powder and the pin mill’s capacity. Operators can change the screw rotation speed according to production conditions, enabling stable and efficient pulverizing.

After installation, the customer reported that the screw feeder helped eliminate inconsistencies in feeding that previously occurred with manual loading from a hopper, leading to more stable pulverizing quality.

Stable powder feeding is the first step to maximizing the performance of a pin mill. In any production setting, the compatibility and precision of connection between devices greatly affect overall results, making proper screw feeder design essential.

At Seiwa Giken, we have delivered many screw feeders customized for pin mills and other types of pulverizers. We will continue to provide powder feeding systems tailored to your equipment and processing needs.