HP-MP: Combined mill and pellet press

Compact and easy to operate

The HP-MP is the state-of-the art solution for grinding of powder material and preparation of pressed pellets für XRF and XRD analyses. The compact dimensions, the wealth of functions and easy operation make the HP-MP the perfect choice for QC laboratories. The HP-MP is versatile and ready for different configurations: It can be used as a stand-alone machine with optional magazine function, as part of a linear automation or component of a robot cell. Due to the well-thought and modular design most customer-specific requirements can be realized without great effort and extra costs. 

All serviceable elements are easily accessible resulting in much simpler and faster maintenance and service works. The re-designed handling functions of the new HP-MP version reduces the dust exposure more effectively leading to even better maintainability.

The HP-MP contains a huge variety of different features to cover the specific needs of quality control and assurance. Thorough cleaning of all contact surfaces, blind dosing and other processes are used to effectively avoid cross-contamination between subsequent samples. The powerful hydraulic module with continuously adjustable press forces up to 200 kN is suitable even for challenging analytical tasks. The HP-MP can automatically retain a sample aliquot for further analyses. Grinding and pelletizing can be carried out independently. Due to these and numerous other features the HP-MP is perfectly suited for preparation of cement-related material and a wide range of other industrial and research application.

Stand-alone configuration

High priority was the design of a versatile machine that is deployable in many different configurations. As a stand- alone machine, the HP-MP can be operated with an input and output device where the operator inserts a single cup and removes the pressed pellet.

As an option, a 23-position-magazine is available to allow automatic batch processing of samples. The prepared pressed pellets are collected in an output magazine attached to the side of the machine. As a matter of choice for the operator, the cup can be returned empty to the magazine or filled with retained sample material for further sample processing or analysis.

Designed for easy automation

In a linear automation, the HP-MP receives the sample from, e.g., an input magazine, pneumatic airtube station (type HR-LA), crusher (HP-CA) or gravimetric dosing unit (HR-WA). Pressed pellets are automatically transported to various analyzers such as XRD, XRF, and colorimeter. Several HP-MPs can be combined and interconnected with other components via conveyor belts. 

The small footprint makes the HP-MP the ideal choice for an at-line analysis unit adjacent to the production site. The Herzog Atline Lab is directly connected to the sampler and allows the high-frequency and real-time analysis of key materials within the production process.

In a robot cell, the HP-MP is positioned with the side wall facing towards the robot. The robot inserts the sample cup and removes the pressed pellets via short input and output belts. This makes it possible for the operator to comfortably use the machine for manual operation from the front size. Simultaneously with the robot operation, e.g., special samples can be entered via the manual input flap or the 23-position magazine.

Tool Condition Monitoring

The HP-MP is ready for smart industry solutions enabling tool condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Integrated sensory technology allows the online monitoring of the grinding performance as well as wear of swing aggregate and grinding set. This powerful tool, in combination with the PrepMaster Analytics software, makes it possible to assure reproducible sample preparation conditions for more accurate analysis. In addition, the HP-MP allows the fully automatic determination of the specific grinding energy of a material. This enables QC laboratories to easily and immediately determine the grindability - a procedure that is otherwise reserved for highly specialized laboratories.

High precision and flexibility in pulverizing

The operator has full control over the pulverizing process and can adjust all relevant machine parameters and process steps. The rotation speed of the grinding vessel is continuously adjustable between 600 and 1500 rpm. The temperature is constantly monitored and kept constant at target temperature. The sample feeding and discharge intervals, the timing for adding grinding aid, the cleaning cycle and much more can be adapted to achieve the optimum result for each material.

The grinding vessel has a volume of 100 ccm which offers maximum flexibility for operation of all kinds of material. Both chrome steel and tungsten carbide grinding vessels are available and can be exchanged with little effort. After pulverizing, a sample aliquot can be automatically retained for preparation of duplicate pellets or administration of further analytical methods. The grinding vessel can be flushed with a blank sample to minimize cross-contamination between subsequent samples.

Full control of the pelletizing process

The hydraulic unit ensures a controlled and absolutely reproducible pelletizing process. All parameters are easily adjustable to allow finetuning for each material and analytical approach. The operator can directly change the total pressing force (50- 200 kN), the incremental increase of the pressing force and the pressing holding time. Each pelletizing cycle can be monitored by the clearly laid-out HMI panel of the HP-MP or the PrepMaster screen. 

Using the dosing device of the HP-MP, the operator can choose between two different sample volumes for production of pressed pellets. The HP-MP can process 40 mm or 51.5 mm rings by default. The thickness of the pressed layer within the ring is automatically monitored so that a warning is issued if there is a lack of material. The press tool is very easy to change.