Size Reduction

For materials whose elastic deformation is limited (‘rocky’ type), the fragmentation groups together the milling or the grinding following the initial dimension of the components  and the desired particle size. For materials of a plastic type and certain metals (elastic range or extended ductility range), it is necessary to employ shredding techniques.

Of still limited application, cryogenics constitutes an alternative which enables an extension of the domain of reduction and the array of fragmentation techniques applicable to plastic type materials.

Other moderate treatment procedures (scrubbing) or more intense (attrition) complete the fragmentation circuits.