ARTICLE 98 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE September 2024 The Hammers Minimizing hammer wear is key in producing a constant quality grind. Energy consumption of the mill increases drastically when the hammers are reaching the end of their serviceable life. Keeping the machine well-maintained with hammers in good condition, mills can produce a consistent grind at the lowest energy consumption levels as well as minimal maintenance intervals. Hammer Pattern Hammer pattern involves the number and distribution of the hammers on the rotor. Hammer positions are the distance the hammer is set closer to or further from the screen. These two factors have a profound effect on the performance of any hammer mill. Because different materials grind differently, the ideal number of hammers and clearance to the screen will need to be adjusted according to each application. For coarse grinding, a lighter pattern will reduce the volume fines being produced. For fine grinding applications, a heavier hammer pattern will produce a finer grind while keeping hammer life as optimal as possible. THE TAKEAWAY The feed industry is always looking for the best ways to be sustainable by processing feed and increasing yields while using the least amount of energy and raw materials. With the use of hammermill functionality outlined here, manufacturers can better optimize particle size in the production process. As an industry, we’re always learning more about animal biology and nutrition that influences the definition of the most optimal particle size, but these advanced approaches can help us achieve better overall animal health and operational efficiency. Tip Speed (FPM) Screen Size (x/64”) 15,000 17,000 20,000 25,000 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 16 NR NR 525-600 550-600 700-800 850-1000 1000-1200 1000-1300 1200-1400 1200-1600 NR NR 500-600 575-675 650-750 725-825 800-1000 900-1100 1000-1200 1000-1400 350-400 300-475 450-550 500-600 600-700 650-750 700-800 725-825 750-850 NR 250-350 325-375 350-450 425-525 500-600 525-675 650-750 NR NR NR Mean Particle Diameter About Doug Kitch Doug Kitch received his BA in Business Management from the University of Northern Iowa. In his 14+ years with CPM, Kitch has held numerous applications positions across various divisions, including 6 years as the Applications Engineer and/or Applications Manager specializing in grain grinding for the ethanol and animal feed segments. During those years, he focused on quantifying different variables that affect the performance of a grinder. He is currently the Technical Sales Manager where he oversees the technical teams responsible for sizing new equipment, onsite diagnostics, as well as ongoing support of CPM equipment. Outside of work, Doug Kitch has a goal of attending a game at every FBS College Football stadium.
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