Custom Processing Services Blog

Jet Milling: Compare Conventional and Fluid Bed Milling Methods

Justin Klinger, Feb 7, 2023 10:02:00 AM

conventional and fluid bed jet milling

There are many reasons to reduce particle size, and nearly as many methods of reduction. Of all of them, however, jet milling shows the best results, achieves the tightest distributions, and offers the most benefits.

The process of jet milling (both fluidized bed and other methods) uses high-pressure, compressed gas to create collisions — at very high velocities — between particles of the raw material, fracturing the particles into smaller pieces.

Particles grinding one another into smaller sizes, called comminution, happens within a grinding chamber. All jet milling uses comminution to reduce particle size, but that doesn’t mean all of these processes are interchangeable.

So, what are the biggest differences between major jet milling methods, and how do you select the right process for your material and goal particle size? Let’s take a look.

JET MILLING METHODS: A QUICK OVERVIEW

In general, jet milling is the preferred method for superfine grinding or micronization of friable and abrasive materials, achieving particle sizes in the 1 to 10 micron (10 μm) range. Because it uses no moving mechanical parts, the process reduces the possibility of product contamination. Jet mills can both grind and blend materials.

Both conventional and fluid bed jet milling methods are appropriate for grinding friable, abrasive, brittle, dense, and hard materials, and because jet milling doesn’t generate heat, it’s a useful process for heat-sensitive ingredients. Raw feed with high moisture content and material that is sticky, fluffy, deforming, or elastic are poor candidates for jet milling. 

Learn more about jet milling basics — and the best material candidates — in this blog.

Many products, particularly pharmaceuticals, require particle fineness to go beyond the micrometer range, achieving nano-range sizes as small as 200 nanometers. For products that require nanonization, and for very tight goal particle size distributions, fluid bed jet milling is the best solution.

Just as conventional jet milling achieves smaller particles and less loss of fines over mechanical milling methods, fluidized bed jet milling goes a step farther to achieve even smaller particle sizes, steeper size distributions, and less material loss in fines.

BENEFITS OF JET MILLING

Numerous industries — cosmetics, pharmaceutical, petrochemicals, aerospace, automotive, ceramics — leverage these benefits of jet milling:

  • Low grinding temperatures: easy processing of heat-sensitive materials or those with low melting points
  • Minimal cross-contamination risk: no mechanical mill components and related wear minimizes risk, which is especially important for GMP-certified toll processors that need to meet exacting standards
  • Streamlined production cycles: combining grinding and collection processes maximizes time
  • Even distribution: increased surface area and particle size uniformity enhances product performance

COMPARE CONVENTIONAL (SPIRAL JET MILL) & FLUID BED METHODS

Spiral jet mills, the most commonly used conventional micronizing machines, have a built-in mechanism of air classification. Particles are sorted by size using the forces of air on them within the grinding chamber.

In a spiral jet mill, raw material is fed into the grinding chamber where high-speed, nozzle-fed gas accelerates the particles. The particles collide and fracture into smaller and smaller particles, eventually achieving a size range that is less affected by centrifugal force. Mill settings are adjusted to achieve a size that allows particles in that goal size range to migrate toward the middle of the grinding chamber and escape via a central outlet. This is called static air classification, and it is often sufficient for superfine grinding or micronization of many friable or abrasive materials.

Even greater fineness, or a tighter distribution of final particle size (or both), is better achieved by fluid bed jet milling.

Fluid bed jet mills (FBJMs) apply jets of compressed gas to particles inside a grinding chamber in which the particles have been fluidized. Fluidization is achieved by forcing gas through a membrane or perforated plate at the bottom of the grinding chamber. The upward force of the gas is adjusted to meet the downward force of gravity, suspending the particles and causing them to behave like a liquid or gas.

Fluidization quickly mobilizes fine particles upward into a deflector-wheel air classifier, preventing the creation of excess fines in the milling process. The classifier wheel transports particles in the desired size range out of the grinding chamber, and returns larger particles to the chamber. There, they recirculate until reaching the desired range, and again return to the classifier wheel. It is this dynamic air classifying step that enables steep particle size ranges, as well as nano-level milling.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT MILLING METHOD FOR YOUR PRODUCT NEEDS

Determining the best process for your product goals begins with an examination of your raw material and your desired particle size (and morphology). Material characteristics are a critical factor, and it’s important to remember that not all toll processing companies are alike.

A trusted toll processor will not only ask the important questions, a dedicated team of material scientists, R&D experts, and technical specialists will properly evaluate your needs, too.

Continue your journey to a clearer understanding of jet milling! Learn the basic principles and benefits of this in-demand particle size reduction process by reading our guide: Jet Milling Fundamentals: A Manufacturer’s Guide. Just click the link below now!

Posted in:Grinding/Milling