The trunnion is an essential component of a ball mill which is responsible for balancing the cylinder and supporting it during the operation. It bears the weight of the entire cylinder and is therefore important for the operation of a ball mill.
Higher Strength
The positioning of the trunnion in the assembly ensures that the weight of the cylinder is well-distributed. Given the capacity of some ball mills which may be up to 30 tons, it is a safer option to have a
trunnion ball mill. The hardness and resistance of the trunnion are important factors that determine that the mill runs smoothly. The joint is also kept well-lubricated with a surplus supply of oil throughout the operation which prevents friction between the parts.
Type of Trunnion
There are different designs of a trunnion bearing that can be used depending upon the dimensions of the ball mill. Some are more suitable for ball mills of a larger diameter while others are made of a stronger material that can withstand the weight of the cylinder more efficiently. There is a swivel type trunnion that can be used for bigger-sized ball mills if made using lead-bronze alloy. For smaller mills, one can use a rigid trunnion or a swivel type whose bottom half is made of lead bronze.
Overheating Provision
The dry grinding processes are often known to release a large amount of heat which can be a deterrent to the bearing and can hinder the operation. To tackle this problem, a bearing can be equipped for water cooling. This can cool down the bearing and prevent serious possible damage to the assembly. The use of a suitable material for trunnion bearing is important for this to work. Lead-bronze is often a preferred choice as compared to Babbit’s metal.
Lubrication
This is the key process that drives the entire trunnion bearing assembly which works on the hydrostatic principle. The oil is injected into the bearing before the mill is started. This should be ensured for safe operation as it is the oil that helps the bearing to generate enough pressure to lift the cylinder of the ball mill which is significantly heavy. During the operation, the oil pump has to be kept on to ensure that the bearing remains in a workable condition.