Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) is a soft sulfate mineral composed of hydrated calcium sulfate. It appears in crystalline or massive forms, often white, gray, or pink. When heated, it loses water to form calcined gypsum (CaSO₄·½H₂O) or anhydrite (CaSO₄).

Properties:

  • Mohs Hardness: 1.5-2.

  • Density: 2.3-2.4 g/cm³.

  • Solubility: Slightly soluble in water.

2. What is a Gypsum Crushing-Screening Plant?
A gypsum crushing-screening plant processes raw gypsum into specific sizes for industrial applications. It ensures the material meets the physical requirements of sectors like construction, agriculture, and medicine.

3. How Does It Work?
Stages:

  1. Feeding:

    • Raw gypsum is transported to the plant via trucks or loaders.

    • Pre-Screening: Grizzly screens remove oversized debris.

  2. Crushing:

    • Primary Crushing: Jaw crushers reduce 500-800 mm gypsum to 100-150 mm.

    • Secondary Crushing: Hammer or cone crushers produce 20-50 mm particles.

    • Tertiary Crushing: Grinding mills create fine powder (0-5 mm).

  3. Screening:

    • Vibrating screens classify crushed gypsum into sizes (0-5 mm, 5-20 mm, 20-50 mm).

    • Closed-circuit systems recycle oversized material.

  4. Drying (Optional):

    • Rotary kilns reduce moisture content below 5%.

  5. Storage & Dispatch:

    • Gypsum is stored in silos or stockpiles.

4. Applications:

  • Construction: Drywall, plaster, cement retarder.

  • Agriculture: Soil conditioner and calcium supplement.

  • Medical: Orthopedic casts, dental molds.

  • Industry: Filler in ceramics, glass, and paint.

5. Key Equipment:

  • Jaw/hammer/cone crushers

  • Vibrating screens

  • Belt conveyors

  • Dust suppression systems