Use and Maintenance of Zirconium Beads for Bead Mill

Zirconium beads have a wide range of applications in grinding and dispersion. Because of their high hardness and corrosion resistance, they are commonly used as grinding media in bead mills. The correct use and maintenance of zirconium beads are essential to ensuring the performance of the bead mill and extending service life both in beads and the mill.

1. Selection of zirconium beads

When using zirconium beads in the bead mill, the appropriate material and size of the zirconium beads based on the specific grinding requirement is important. Zirconium beads of various sizes are suitable for diverse grinding and dispersing equipment. Generally, the diameters of zirconium beads used in bead mills range from 0.03 mm to 2 mm. Other factors such as density, hardness, and chemical stability should also be considered when selecting zirconium beads.

2. Correct filling method

Before adding the zirconium beads, the grinding chamber of the bead mill should be clean. Then slowly pour or add the zirconium beads into the grinding chamber according to the calculated amount. Avoid pouring too many zirconium beads at once. Otherwise, it may cause blockage or damage to the equipment. At the same time, pay attention to the uniform distribution of zirconium beads to avoid accumulation.

3. Regular inspection and replenishment

During usage, it is essential to regularly check the wear of zirconium beads since the worn zirconium beads will reduce grinding efficiency and may even damage the bead mill. The wear and quantity of zirconium beads should be checked regularly and the zirconium beads should be screened. If the zirconium beads are severely worn or insufficient in quantity, remove the worn ones in time or add new ones to maintain optimal performance. Generally speaking, the wear rate of zirconium beads is between 10% and 30%. When reaching a certain level, all zirconium beads need to be replaced.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

Regarding maintenance, after changing the grinding slurry or the bead mill is shut for a long time, the zirconium beads should be poured out for cleaning and maintenance. Use clean water or appropriate cleaning agents to remove impurities and residues on the surface of the zirconium beads. Then dry or bake the zirconium beads and store them somewhere dry and ventilated.

Finally, controlling the amount of the grinding media added into the bead mill and the grinding time during use is necessary to avoid excessive wear or unnecessary energy consumption. Through the above measures,  the zirconium beads can reach maximum performance in the bead mill grinding application and extend the service life of both themselves and the bead mill.