Inner Workings of a Turbo Mill
Are you wondering how a turbo mill actually works? Are you curious about what the inside looks like and how it functions the way it does?
If so, you have arrived at the right place. In this article, we are going to explain how a turbo mill works, inside and out. By the end, you will be able to decide if adding one can benefit your processing efforts, now or in the future.
Understanding the Turbo Mill
The turbo mill features a clamshell construction. The machine operates under a vacuum created by a large blower. When the system is sealed, the vacuum forces the material into the mill through an entry pipe. As the material moves through the chamber, it forms a bed that is continuously renewed as fresh material enters. Unlike granulators that rely on blades cutting against each other, the turbo mill relies on centrifugal force and paddles to break down materials efficiently.
How It Works
Inside the turbo mill, material enters and is spun violently against itself. This process effectively removes insulation from copper wire without excessive heat buildup, a common issue with granulators. The rotating blades do not cut directly against a fixed surface; instead, they propel material outward, creating friction that strips away insulation. This method reduces wear and tear on the machine while increasing throughput.
Adjusting the machine’s speed affects particle size. A higher rotor speed increases centrifugal force, keeping material in the chamber longer and breaking it down further. Slowing down the rotor allows material to pass through more quickly. The wear plates lining the interior are designed for durability and are reversible to maximize longevity. Additionally, a replaceable wear plate at the material entry point ensures the system remains robust over time.
Cooling Considerations
Some turbo mills are equipped with a water jacket for cooling. It is recommended for operations in extremely hot environments. The cooling system circulates a specialized fluid that maintains a temperature just below freezing without solidifying. While we do not use it in our Connecticut facility specifically, it is beneficial in locations with higher temperatures and less ventilation.
Turbo Mill vs Granulator Processing
To highlight the advantages of the turbo mill, let’s compare the output of a granulator versus a turbo mill when processing Cat 5 wire.
- Granulator Processing: Achieves clean copper output but requires multiple passes through three separate granulators and a screening system to ensure insulation is fully removed. Even with this intensive process, some small pieces of plastic remain attached to the copper.
- Turbo Mill Processing: Uses a single granulator with a larger screen before feeding into the turbo mill. The turbo mill’s rolling action strips the insulation more effectively, producing small, dense copper balls with minimal contamination. This densification improves separation efficiency on an air table, preventing lightweight strands from floating back into the system.
Conclusion
The turbo mill is a powerful tool for wire processing, offering greater efficiency and lower maintenance requirements compared to traditional granulators. By utilizing centrifugal force instead of direct cutting, it minimizes heat buildup and wear while maximizing throughput. If you are looking for a superior solution for processing insulated wire, especially thin wire, a turbo mill is worth considering.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us through the Let’s Chat button below and we will be in touch soon!
