Process engineering: from materials to industrial performance
From understanding the material to industrial performance.
At POITTEMILL GROUP, we have been designing, testing and optimising grinding, classification and powder processing processes for nearly a century.
Our mission: to help manufacturers get the most out of their existing equipment, improve performance and reduce their energy footprint through a comprehensive engineering approach – from audit to implementation.
An integrated approach to powder engineering
Optimising a process is not limited to diagnosis.
Our approach is based on understanding and mastering three fundamental pillars:
- The material — understanding its structure, variability, and mechanical and thermal behaviour.
- The tool — adapting the parameters of the grinder, classifier or suction system to the nature of the product.
- The process — balancing material and air flows to maximise production yield, stability and safety.
This comprehensive vision allows us to work on all types of installations:
- Impact, pendulum, compression or attrition mills
- Dynamic classifiers and closed circuits
- Suction, filtration, dust removal and ATEX safety systems
From audit to implementation: an approach proven by nearly a century of engineering
With nearly 100 years of experience in the design and optimisation of grinding, classification and dry drying processes, POITTEMILL GROUP has developed an engineering method that is recognised in the mineral, chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, agri-food and biomass sectors.
Our approach is based on scientific rigour, industrial experience and experimental validation at every stage.
Each stage has a simple objective: to produce more, consume less and add value.
What POITTEMILL offers:
Industrial performance diagnosis and audit
Our engineers conduct a comprehensive analysis of the existing process, either on-site or remotely, using internal measurement and simulation tools:
- Detailed particle size analysis (PSD D10, D50, D90 curves, control of escape and fine particle distribution)
- Material and energy balance of the entire circuit (grinder, classifier, filtration, pneumatic transport)
- Measurement of vacuum, temperature and air velocity to identify pressure losses and flow imbalances
- Assessment of overall efficiency (specific consumption/effective flow rate/particle size efficiency ratio)
- Mechanical and vibration inspection of grinding and classification components
This data is used to establish a quantified performance diagnosis and identify concrete areas for improvement: inappropriate rotor speed, insufficient air flow, excessive recirculation or misalignment of the air circuit.
Simulation, modelling and pilot plant testing
Before making any recommendations, we validate our hypotheses experimentally at our two test stations (France and Thailand), equipped with grinders and classifiers of all sizes:
- Faithful reproduction of industrial conditions: bulk density, input particle size, moisture content, temperature.
- Controlled variation of grinding parameters (rotor speed, air flow, screen opening, feed rate) to measure the impact on particle size distribution and consumption.
- Use of temperature and differential pressure sensors to prevent overheating or clogging of sensitive products (proteins, fats, sugars).
- CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) modelling of air and particle flows to validate the geometry of the circuit and predict performance under real conditions.
Each test is documented in a comprehensive report with PSD curves, energy balances and product photos, which serves as the basis for the final design.
Optimisation and industrial implementation
Once the optimal parameters have been defined, our engineers provide on-site support for implementation:
- Adjustment of rotation speeds, air pressure and feed rates
- Reconfiguration of recirculation loops and adjustment of the air/product ratio
- Adaptation of the grinding or classification device according to the nature of the product (impact, friction, compression, attrition)
- Verification of the thermal and mechanical stability of the process
- Updating of critical components: filters, turbines, bearings, instrumentation
We provide supervision, technical assistance or complete project management, with transfer of know-how to your operators.
Validation, control and performance maintenance
Each project is subject to metrological and granulometric monitoring to validate the gains achieved:
- Comparative before/after checks (D90, yield, specific consumption, fines content)
- Trend reports and customer performance sheets
- Possible integration of an online measurement system for continuous monitoring of PSD and product flow rate
- Final adjustments made on site until the process stabilises
The results are quantified, documented and reproducible, in line with our commitment to applied engineering.
Examples of gains observed after POITTEMILL optimisation
| Sector | Processed product | Action | Gain achieved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mineral | Calcium carbonate | SHR dynamic classifier + air sweep adjustmente | +25% throughput / –18% energy consumption |
| Food & Feed | Pea flour (dry protein shifting) | Impact passage → attrition + drying optimisation & air circuit | D90 from 250 µm → 120 µm, improved protein purity |
| Fine chemical | Pigments | Recirculation & air flow optimisation | Homogeneity +35% / material losses –20% |
| Cosmetics | Hydrated silica | Rotor & screen recalibration + speed reduction | D90 constant ±20 µm over 8 hours |
Our technical expertise
Our expertise covers all dry process operations:
- Grinding and micronisation
- Dynamic classification and particle size selection
- Dry/attrition drying
- Mixing, homogenisation and revamping of existing workshops
- Instrumentation, control and online measurement
We work with a wide range of products:
minerals, biomass, agri-food co-products, animal powders, cosmetic ingredients, polymers, alternative cements, technical powders, etc.
Performance, reliability, energy efficiency
Optimising an existing workshop can generate energy savings of up to 30% and capacity gains of up to 50%, depending on the configuration.
Our interventions target:
- Precise adjustment of speeds, flow rates and pressures
- Optimisation of the recirculation circuit
- Control of product temperature and scavenging air
- Modernisation of the dust removal and filtration system
The result: more stable production, reduced maintenance and controlled consumption.
Responsible engineering and sustainability
Our solutions are part of a low-carbon, sustainable industry approach:
- Reduction of material losses and fine emissions
- Decrease in specific energy consumption
- Recovery of co-products and secondary materials
- Eligibility for the Research Tax Credit (CIR) and BPI/ADEME schemes
Because optimising a process also means preparing for the future of your production.
why POITTEMILL ?
- Manufacturer and engineer: we design and control our own mills, classifiers and complete lines.
- Nearly a century of industrial experience in the field of fine and ultra-fine powders.
- Two international test centres (France/Thailand) to validate each solution before implementation.
- Process engineers specialised by sector of activity.
- On-site support, right through to final performance.
Let's discuss about your project
Every process is unique.
Our engineers can assist you in analysing your existing lines, identifying performance levers, and proposing a concrete roadmap for improvement.
Contact our process engineering experts
and discover how POITTEMILL can transform your industrial performance.