Airgrinder
Airgrinder is a product that can be used for grinding, drying and separating different materials in an efficient and environmentally friendly way. The technology is based on the tornado principle - the movement that occurs in a circulating air stream.
Scalable and cost-effective technology
Airgrinder can handle material with a moisture content of up to 80-90%, depending on the material in question. The energy consumption is only 0.5-1 kWh per kg vaporized water. The result is a very profitable process. The capacity depends on the material processed and which Airgrinder reactor model that is used.
The Airgrinder reactor size can be optimised according to the desired application regarding material, capacity and cost.
Enhanced drying and grinding
Airgrinder allows for a better grinding and drying of different materials, which is very effective and environmental friendly.
The Airgrinder technology also brings two extra advantages:
- Materials containing metal will be electrically charged, making it possible to separate the different metals.
- The material particles become spherical and thus free-flowing and easy to separate.
For more information
Erik Bäcklund
erik.backlund@granitor.se
+46706015581
Applications, examples:
| Fibre sludge | Drying |
| Glow shell | Drying |
| Magnesite | Grinding and separating |
| Hydroxide sludge | Drying |
| Biofuel | Grinding and drying |
| Waste | Grinding and drying |
| Food | Grinding and drying |
Read more about the application areas here
The process for Airgrinder
This is how the Airgrinder process works.
- A fan creates a powerful airflow. The tornado is controlled by a special device found on top of the airflow. A circular downwards airstream is produced and when it hits the bottom of the reactor it is turned in the opposite direction, forming a smaller, circular airstream pointing upwards.
- The material to be treated is fed into the airstream.
- Inside the tornado the radial velocity and the pressure is transformed causing powerful material vibrations and fragmentation.
- Moisture is emitted from the cone on top of the reactor and processed material is fed out from the bottom of the reactor.
The four Airgrinder applications are:
- Mineral - Treatment of different kinds of sludge.
- Biofuel - Drying of fiber sludge, peat, lignine, etc.
- Waste - Waste from sewage treatment works, glass, manure, etc.
- Food and food waste - Leftovers like shells from food industry processes. Drying/grinding of food products.
Material properties
The Airgrinder-technology allows for different material properties:
Free-flowing material
Because the material can be grinded into very small fractions and the individual particles get a nice, round form, the material will become free-flowing. This results in a material that is easy to separate, handle and problems regarding clumping, etc can be avoided.
Magnetizing
During the Arigrinder process the metal particles' magnetizing properties are increased, making it possible to separate them from the non-metallic particles. The picture above shows separated material where the pile to the left contains metal particles that can be recycled and the pile to the right contains cole.
Cooperative partners
Airgrinder is currently cooperating with these partners.
Metallurgical applications
MEFOS (Metallurgical Research Institute AB) are located in Luleå, Sweden.
MEFOS is an industrial research institute for the metalworking industries. 2005 Airgrinder installed a machine in Luleå, and it is operated by research crew led by Janne Tikka.
Drying of biofuel
SLU BTK, Umeå University, Sweden
The Unit of Biomass Technology and Chemistry at SLU aims to contribute to a sustainable society by research and education. Renewable biomass from plants in combination with recycled products make the base for production of energy and industrial raw material. Analyses of bio fuels are done at our certified laboratory. SLU-BTK is 2007 to 2010 hosting the national research programme for fuel pellets. The Biofuel Technology Centre, a national research pilot plant for solid biofuels such as pellets and briquettes, is also a part of the Unit.