XRD McCrone Mill

The XRD-Mill McCrone was specially developed for the preparation of samples for subsequent X-ray diffraction (XRD). The mill is used for applications in geology, chemistry, mineralogy and materials science, quality control as well as R&D.

Because of its unique grinding motion, the XRD-Mill McCrone is particularly effective for this analytical method: The 48 cylindrical grinding elements grind the samples gently via friction. The result is a short grinding time with almost no sample loss and an exceptionally narrow particle size distribution. Consequently, the signals in the X-ray diffraction pattern are peak-shaped, with small half-widths, allowing for very good phase analysis.
The crystal lattice structure is largely preserved, with almost no defects, a prerequisite for meaningful X-ray diffraction patterns.

The grinding vessel consists of a 125 ml capacity polypropylene jar fitted with a screw capped gasketless polyethylene closure. The jar is filled with an ordered array of 48 identical cylindrical grinding elements, available in agate, zirconium oxide or corundum. The grinding time for optimum micronization is between 3 and 30 minutes. A typical sample volume is between 2 and 4 ml.

XRD MCCRONE MILL INTRODUCTION

INTELLIGENT SOLUTIONS

ADVANTAGES

crystal lattice preserved during grinding operation
very narrow and reproducible particle size distribution
minimal cross contamination
compact, bench-top sized model
adjustable grinding power (4 steps)
suitable for dry and wet grinding
easy to clean
almost maintenance-free
quiet operation

TYPICAL SAMPLE MATERIALS

Bones, borides, carbides, cement, ceramics, clay, construction materials, glass, metals, mica, minerals, nitrides, plant materials, slate

FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPAL

The XRD-Mill McCrone carries out size reduction mainly by friction. 48 cylindrical grinding elements are placed into the grinding jar in eight rows of six elements each.

During operation, the jar’s circular motion causes the elements to grind the sample from < 0.5 mm to the low μm-range (typically < 10 μm).
Thanks to the very gentle size reduction process, the crystal lattice of the sample is preserved. This makes the XRD-Mill McCrone the instrument of choice for the sample preparation for subsequent X-ray diffraction analysis.

FUNCTIONAL PRINCIPAL

In a drum mill the sample (usually pre-crushed material) is placed inside the drum with the grinding balls and subjected to external forces.
The Ball Mill is used for fine grinding of solid matter by impact and friction in dry condition. The drum, which contains the sample and grinding balls, rotates around a horizontal axis. Whereas particles break more easily when larger grinding ball diameters are used, smaller diameters lead to a substantially higher final fineness.

TECHNICAL DATA

Applications	grinding, mixing and triturating, dry and wet
Field of application	X-ray diffraction
Feed material	medium-hard, hard, brittle, fibrous
Material feed size*	< 0.5 mm
Final fineness*	< 1 µm
Speed at 50 Hz (60 Hz)	1,000 – 1,500 min^-1 in 4 steps
No. of grinding stations	1
Typical mean grinding time	3 – 30 min
Dry grinding	yes
Wet grinding	yes
Cryogenic grinding	no
Material of grinding tools	agate, zirconium oxide, corundum
Grinding jar sizes	125 ml
Setting of grinding time	digital, 00:00:10 to 99:59:50
Drive	DC-Motor
Drive power	50 W
Electrical supply data	100-240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power connection	1-phase
Protection code	IP 30
Power consumption	33 VA
W x H x D closed	205 x 155 x 520 mm
Net weight	~8.9 kg
Standards	CE

*depending on feed material and instrument configuration/settings

Category: XRD McCrone Mills