Milling systems and methods for producing materials with a particular particle size distribution

A method of producing materials having a particular particle size, the method comprising:

• grinding materials via a mill to produce grinded materials;
• separating the grinded materials via a classifier based on a first threshold particle size, such that the grinded materials having a particle size below a first threshold particle size are directed toward a first classifier outlet of the classifier and the grinded materials having a particle size of at least the first threshold particle size are directed toward a second classifier outlet of the classifier;
• and
• separating the grinded materials received from the second classifier outlet via a screen based on a second threshold particle size greater than the first threshold particle size, such that (i) the grinded materials having at least the second threshold particle size are directed to the mill via a second screen outlet of the screen and (ii) the grinded materials having a particle size less than the second threshold particle size have a particle size between the first threshold particle size and the second threshold particle size.

A system for providing materials having a particular particle size distribution, the system comprising:

• a mill configured to grind materials to produce grinded materials;
• a classifier positioned to receive the grinded materials and including a first classifier outlet and a second classifier outlet, wherein the classifier is configured to separate the grinded materials based on a first threshold particle size, such that the grinded materials having at least the first threshold particle size are directed toward the second classifier outlet;
• and
• a screen positioned below the classifier, wherein:
• the grinded materials are directed from the second classifier outlet to the screen at least in part by gravity,
• the screen includes a first screen outlet and a second screen outlet,
• the screen is configured to separate the grinded materials based on a second threshold particle size greater than the first threshold particle size, such that (i) the grinded materials having at least the second threshold particle size are directed to the mill via the second screen outlet and (ii) the grinded materials having a particle size less than the second threshold particle size have a particle size between the first threshold particle size and the second threshold particle size, and
• the mill is positioned below the screen such that the grinded materials having at least the second threshold particle size are directed to the mill via the second screen outlet at least partially by gravity.