Ball Mill Liner Plate: Function, Manufacturing and Maintenance

Detailed Description of the Three Major Functions of Ball Mill Liner Plate

The ball mill liner plate (grid plate) serves three primary functions in protecting the main components of the ball mill (cylinder and end cover) from wear. The liner inside the cylinder plays a role in elevating the grinding media. To enhance the operational efficiency and productivity of the ball mill, continuous improvements are made in the material, fixation method, structure, and size of the liner plate. The requirements for the ball mill liner plate include wear resistance, and materials such as hardened steel, high manganese steel, chrome steel, alloy cast iron, rubber, and magnetic liner plates can be chosen. The functions of the ball mill liner plate are manifested in the following three aspects:

Protection of the cylinder and enhancement of cylinder stiffness: Based on various on-site ore beneficiation production data, the primary function of the ball mill liner plate is to protect the cylinder from direct impact and friction of grinding media and materials. The liner plate and the cylinder are closely integrated, enhancing the stiffness of the cylinder.

Adjustment of the grinding media's motion state: The liner plate ensures the rational utilization of energy acquired by the grinding media during the operation of the mill. Different types of liner plates can be used to adjust the motion state of the grinding media, enhancing their crushing effect on materials, thereby improving the grinding efficiency, increasing production, and reducing metal consumption.

Automatic classification of grinding balls: The grading liner plate (mainly used in cement mills) has a slope along the axial direction. Its installation direction inside the ball mill is with the larger end towards the mill tail, meaning the larger diameter is near the feed end and the smaller diameter is near the discharge end. This shape induces the automatic classification of grinding media according to size along the mill's internal channel. As a result, larger diameter grinding media stay at the feed end, while smaller diameter grinding media gather on one side near the discharge end. This automatic arrangement of steel balls along the axis of the mill fulfills the requirement of automatic classification in the material grinding process.

Ball mill liner plates can be categorized based on different materials

Cast steel liner: Widely used in ball mills, it features wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high strength, suitable for grinding various ores and non-metallic minerals.

Alloy steel liner: Built upon the foundation of cast steel liner, alloy steel liner incorporates alloy elements to enhance hardness and wear resistance, suitable for grinding higher hardness ores and minerals.

High manganese steel liner: Possesses extremely high wear resistance, impact resistance, and toughness, suitable for grinding ores and minerals with higher hardness and larger impact.

Ceramic liner: Exhibits excellent wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and insulation properties, suitable for grinding ores and minerals with higher hardness and corrosiveness.

Rubber liner: Offers excellent shock absorption and noise reduction effects, suitable for grinding ores and minerals with lower hardness, requiring reduced wear and noise.

Manufacturing Process of Ball Mill Liner Plate

The manufacturing process of the ball mill liner plate includes mold making, casting, heat treatment, machining, and surface treatment. The specific steps are as follows:

Mold making: Create molds based on the shape and size of the ball mill liner plate.
Casting: Pour the melted material into the molds for casting.
Heat treatment: Perform heat treatment on the cast liner plate to enhance its hardness and wear resistance.
Machining: Machine the heat-treated liner plate, including cutting, drilling, milling, and polishing.
Surface treatment: Apply surface treatments to the machined liner plate, including polishing, spraying, coating, etc.

Maintenance of Ball Mill Liner Plate

The maintenance of the ball mill liner plate plays a crucial role in the normal operation and lifespan of the ball mill. The following are considerations for the maintenance of the ball mill liner plate:

Regular inspection: Periodically check the wear condition of the ball mill liner plate and promptly replace it if severe wear is observed.
Correct installation: Pay attention to the direction and position of the liner plate during installation to ensure correct placement.
Cleaning and maintenance: Regularly clean the surface and interior of the ball mill liner plate to keep it clean and smooth, reducing wear and corrosion.
Proper lubrication: Apply appropriate lubrication to the ball mill liner plate to reduce friction and wear.
Avoiding impact: Minimize impacts and collisions on the ball mill liner plate to prevent breakage and damage.