Scientists from Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies (VSUET), in collaboration with specialists from the Voronezh Scientific and Production Center of Feed Industry, have developed and patented a new high-efficiency hammer mill with enhanced functional capabilities. This innovation, designed for processing amaranth, rye, barley, and other grains, addresses significant limitations in existing equipment while offering improved performance for the compound feed and grain processing industries. The technology has already attracted interest from Russian processing equipment manufacturers and has been implemented in production.
The new hammer mill features several innovative design improvements that overcome common industry challenges. According to Professor Igor Bogomolov, one of the developers, the invention incorporates a rotor with disks featuring radially made slots, wing-shaped hammers with diametrically opposite wing directions for even and odd hammers, corrugated hollow bushings with internal springs, and a replaceable flexible mesh with stamped holes in the lower part of the side covers. This sophisticated engineering solution optimizes energy consumption during grinding while achieving effective classification of the crushed product’s dispersity. These advancements directly address the three main shortcomings of existing market equipment: structural complexity, rapid wear, and inconsistent particle size distribution.
The timing of this innovation is particularly significant given current global trends in grain processing. According to a 2024 report by the International Feed Industry Federation, equipment efficiency and energy consumption represent the two greatest challenges facing feed producers worldwide, with grinding operations accounting for approximately 60-70% of total energy use in feed manufacturing. Furthermore, research published in the Journal of Food Engineering (2025) indicates that precise particle size control can improve feed conversion rates by up to 15% in livestock operations, highlighting the economic importance of consistent grinding performance. The Voronezh team’s focus on wear resistance also addresses a critical industry concern—a study by the Agricultural Equipment Manufacturers Association found that hammer replacement constitutes up to 40% of maintenance costs in conventional mills.
The hammer mill developed by Voronezh scientists represents a significant advancement in grain processing technology with potentially far-reaching implications for the feed and grain processing industries. By addressing key limitations in existing equipment—particularly regarding energy efficiency, wear resistance, and particle size consistency—this innovation could substantially reduce operational costs while improving product quality. The successful implementation of this technology in production environments demonstrates its practical applicability and commercial viability. For agricultural engineers, equipment manufacturers, and processing facility managers, this development highlights the continued importance of technological innovation in optimizing agricultural value chains. As global demand for efficient food and feed production continues to grow, such advancements in processing technology will play an increasingly vital role in ensuring sustainable and productive agricultural systems.
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