While application requirements will determine the best size reduction option for your job, here are some basic questions to address: How much volume, processed over what time period; how dense or bulky is the material; what are the finished product specs; what is the handling environment; and what preventive maintenance costs do you expect. Here’s a look at some of what’s available:

High-speed processors like granulators, hammermills and horizontal grinders are generally used to process large volumes of material in a very short period of time. They typically require 200–300-HP motors and may operate at 400–500 RPM or more.

In comparison, a low-speed, high-torque grinder may require a 100–150-HP motor to produce an equivalent volume of finished product per shift, at lower speeds of 100– 130 RPM. Hopper-fed low-RPM processors can also offer ”dump & go” infeed capability.

If batch feeding is required, hopper feed (HF) shredders/grinders can be equipped with screens to produce ultra-uniform particle sizes, or may serve as primary or secondary processors in a two-stage system.

Source: Cresswood. For information call (800) 962-7302 or visit Cresswood.com.