MPE Gran-U-Lizers™ Offer Distinct Advantages in Distillery Production Where It Counts. In the Taste.

This case study explores the advantages that MPE Gran-U-Lizers have over hammermills and cage mills.

MPE Gran-U-Lizers can achieve the same grind profiles with greater flexibility, thanks to precision roll gap adjustments that can be set at the touch of a button. Constructed from high-hardness materials, these precision-engineered roller mills provide unmatched robustness and reliability, minimizing unexpected downtime. Additionally, their design results in lower energy consumption, as minimal kinetic energy is wasted and a dust collection system is not required. MPE Gran-U-Lizers also grind without generating heat, preserving the taste and aroma of the product.

Traditionally, distilleries have used hammermills and cage mills to grind grain. While these mills allow for high-volume grinding, they offer limited control over the grind profile and are not energy efficient, leading to high electricity costs. The attrition design of hammermills can cause heat buildup, potentially altering the taste and aroma of the final product. Furthermore, hard foreign materials in the product stream can easily damage these grinders, resulting in costly downtime and parts replacement.

Grind Smarter with Flexible Grind Profiles

A standout feature of MPE Gran-U-Lizers lies in their ability to achieve any mean particle size similar to any cage mill or hammermill they wish to replace. Distillers can tailor particle distributions to their exact specifications, optimizing extraction by fine-tuning grind sizes ideal for each grain.

The adaptability of particle size also benefits distillers by not needing multiple grinders for each grain. Some distillers employ multiple cage mills or hammermills because one is dedicated for a specific grain. However, with a single MPE Gran-U-Lizer, distillers can grind every type of grain with a single grinder; no longer needing to spare the space and cost of operating multiple cage mills or hammermills.

Hear why Maker’s Mark switched from a hammermill to the MPE Gran-U-Lizer

Example Grind Charts

Examine the following Ro-Tap charts of sample grinds comparing a cage mill and an MPE Gran-U-Lizer for three different common distiller grains. The results highlight the ability to nearly copy the grind profiles of a cage mill, but can be modulated to the distiller’s preference with the touch of a button.

Corn

Rye

Malted Barley

For the above Ro-Tap sample measurement comparison charts, the estimated mean particle size is calculated using particle size midpoints between Sieves. <12 Mesh is assumed 2090 μm. PAN is assumed at 175 μm.

Photos of Actual Grind Samples

Ground rye at various stages.

Ground malted barley at various stages.

Ground corn at various stages.

Reduce Energy Consumption and Save

Gran-U-Lizers are very efficient in their energy consumption. Consider the following:

• Unlike hammermills, which subject products to repetitive pounding, and cage mills, where products collide with rotating cylinders, MPE precision roller mills employ controlled stages of sizing with minimal energy wastage. Each roll pair precisely cuts and shears the product, yielding a narrower, more consistent particle size distribution.
• Furthermore, the reduced energy wastage translates into a cooler grinding process. Hammermills, in particular, typically produce considerable heat in the grinding process, which can alter the flavor profile of ground grain. MPE precision roller mills on the other hand, will not heat the product and are ideal for preserving the integrity of grain containing volatiles, aromas, and flavor.
• In an example case (see below) of a distiller processing up to 30,000 lb/hr of grain on a continuous basis shows that MPE precision roller mills can yield a cost saving of $38,145/year compared to running a cage mill for the same output.

Example Energy Consumption Data

Gain Efficiency with Easy Maintenance

In terms of maintenance and usability, Gran-U-Lizers offer unmatched reliability and convenience:

• MPE precision roller mills have spring loaded rolls that move when metals, nuts, bolts, and other foreign materials enter the grinder. Objects are simply ground or flattened by the grinder causing no damage to the internal components.
• Eliminating the need for dust collection
• Equipped with sample ports and easy-access doors, MPE precision roller mills facilitate hassle-free cleaning and maintenance, ensuring sustained performance and product integrity.
• Additionally, features like explosion-proof motors and remote adjustable roll gap settings enhance safety and operational versatility, further underlining the superiority of precision roller mills.

Summary

For many distillers requiring large scale grinding, MPE Gran-U-Lizers are the ideal solution; outclassing attrition-type grinders like cage mills and hammermills across the following metrics: grind flexibility, efficiency, reliability, and not heating the product up. With their ability to consistently deliver precise particle size reduction, facilitate easy switchover between products, and ensure minimal maintenance requirements, MPE precision roller mills can provide meaningful improvements for a given distilling operation. For more information on MPE Gran-U-Lizers, contact us today.