Märkäjauhaminen

Märkäjauhaminen, or wet grinding, is a milling process used to reduce the particle size of solid materials in the presence of a liquid. Unlike dry grinding, where material is reduced in a gas or vacuum, wet grinding involves suspending the material in a liquid medium, such as water, oil, or a specific solvent. This liquid serves multiple purposes: it aids in the comminution process by lubricating the grinding media and particles, helps to prevent particle agglomeration, and facilitates the removal of heat generated during grinding.

The process typically takes place in specialized equipment like stirred mills, ball mills, or attritors. Grinding media, often made of ceramic, steel, or glass, are used to impact and abrade the solid particles, breaking them down into smaller sizes. The choice of liquid medium depends on the material being ground and its intended application. For instance, water is commonly used for mineral processing, while organic solvents might be employed in the pharmaceutical or chemical industries.

Märkäjauhaminen offers several advantages. The presence of liquid can lead to finer particle sizes and a more uniform particle distribution compared to dry grinding. It also helps to control dust and prevent explosions when dealing with flammable materials. However, the process requires subsequent separation of the solid particles from the liquid, often through filtration or centrifugation, which adds complexity and cost. Märkäjauhaminen is widely used in industries such as paints and coatings, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.