Three-in-One Modular Milling System Drives Process and Cost Efficiency Gains

People talk about modular systems in the automobile industry often and correctly as a model for efficiency and quality, and it is often cited in software development as the preferred basis for today’s automation. Frewitt began developing modular systems six years ago with the introduction of the ConiWitt conical sieve mill. The mill head on the ConiWitt-150, which was designed for a maximum throughput of 1,500 kg/hour, could be simply exchanged with the mill head of a ConiWitt-200, giving a maximum throughput of 2,200 kg/hour, without having to change the systems platform.

Since this first approach, Frewitt’s development department has worked intensively to create a modular system that not only brings together the conical reduction of powders and granulates but also the control screening and fine grinding in one machine.

In plain English, the concept was to put together a conical sieve mill with a rotor at medium revolutions per minute (RPM) with a cylindrical sieve mill with a turning stator with lower RPM and a hammer mill with high RPMs in one modular system. The interface was the drive arm, which connects the entire drive and control system with the milling system electronically and mechanically. The control and operator interface design was completely reworked in order to increase the degree of automation and to be able to integrate the PLC of the sieve mill into the higher level system.

This field-proven functionality of the three milling processes — collectively known as FreDrive — was not altered. The design of the hammer mill did receive a new mono-block housing and internal cabling.

Thanks to the three, easily interchangeable mill heads, a customer can quickly convert to a new process. Three different grinding methods can be used for grinding, fine grinding or controlled screening of powders and granules. This modular system is not only ergonomically friendly but also very cost-effective. In the past, a customer was forced to invest in three mills. Today, the customer has the clear advantage of a drive and control system with three milling heads, reducing investment by 50%.

Faster product cycles, easier assembly/disassembly of screening/rotors, increased process reliability, low maintenance and easy scale-up from laboratory to production lots are additional benefits of its modular construction.

Hall 4/Stand C39, interpack 2014, 8–14 May, Messe Düsseldorf, Germany.

Frewitt fabrique de machines SA, +41 26 460 74 00, info@frewitt.com, www.frewitt.com.