A raw grinding mill is a critical component in the cement manufacturing process, responsible for grinding raw materials (such as limestone, clay, iron ore, and other additives) into a fine powder called raw meal, which is then fed into a cement kiln for clinker production.
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Types of Raw Grinding Mills Used in Cement Plants
1. Vertical Roller Mill (VRM)
– Most commonly used in modern cement plants due to high efficiency and low energy consumption.
– Grinds and dries materials simultaneously (if equipped with a hot gas generator).
– Lower maintenance compared to ball mills.
2. Ball Mill
– Traditional grinding system with rotating cylinders filled with steel balls.
– Can operate in open or closed circuit (with a separator).
– Higher energy consumption compared to VRM but reliable for harder materials.
3. Roller Press (with Ball Mill or as Standalone)
– Pre-grinds material before feeding into a ball mill or finish-grinding system.
– Reduces energy consumption when used in semi-finish or hybrid grinding systems.
4. Horomill® (Horizontal Roller Mill)
– A hybrid between a ball mill and roller press, offering high efficiency and compact design.
Key Functions of a Raw Grinding Mill
– Grinding: Reduces raw material size to ~90% passing 90 microns for optimal kiln feed.
– Drying: Removes moisture from wet materials using hot gases from the kiln/preheater system.
– Homogenization: Ensures chemical consistency before entering the kiln.
Factors Affecting Raw Mill Performance
– Feed material hardness & moisture content
– Grinding efficiency & fineness requirements
– Airflow & drying capacity (for wet-process mills)
– Wear resistance of grinding elements (rollers, table liners, balls)
Advantages of Modern Vertical Roller Mills (VRMs) Over Ball Mills
✔ Lower power consumption (~30-50% less than ball mills)
✔ Compact design & smaller footprint
✔ Better drying capability (handles up 
20% moisture)
✔ Adjustable grinding pressure for different materials
Common Challenges & Solutions
| Issue | Solution |
|——–|———-|
| High vibration | Check roller alignment, damper settings |
| Poor fineness | Adjust separator speed, grinding pressure |
| Wear on
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