CONSTRUCTION OF A SIMPLE SIZE REDUCTION MACHINE

Thesis Overview

1.1                   INTRODUCTIONSize reduction in any industry is a very important operation because it involves the breaking down of larges particles by means of mechanical method into smaller and finer size. It is a major process in some industries like food processing industries, plastic industries, paint and drug industries, ceramic industries, cement industries and groundnut processing industries for effective and efficient and production.Size reduction which is a unit operation can be defined as an operation whereby bulky solid particles are reduced or broken down into smaller sizes.Size reduction is also known as comminution (genetic name). There are different types of size reduction equipment example are crushers and grinders. Some factors are considered in the selection of these equipment. The factors are nature of material being handed, feed or particle size, cost of material and construction, size of the product and small power input per unit of product.In size reduction, different methods are commonly used in breaking down of solids, but only four are commonly used; compression, impact, attrition or rubbing and cutting.So, for proper involvement of the equipment in the process (its operational capability), care and maintenance is very essential. Also, safety measures or precautions should be taken when using this equipment.1.2                   OBJECTIVE / SCOPE OF SIZE REDUCTION EQUIPMENTIts main objective is to increase the surface area of a given weight of solid. Other objectives include; increase in reactivity (chemical) of solid, improvement of solvent efficiency, easy handling of materials, for free flow of materials process equipment, permits separation of impurities by mechanical methods and increase the number (numerical strength) of the material.