Installed cost comparison for cement grinding systems

As the Vertical Roller Mill (VRM) becomes more widely accepted for new cement grinding systems differences in installed costs between a VRM and a ball mill system are more frequently discussed. Past comparisons of total installation costs for a ball mill with high efficiency separator versus a VRM have indicated the higher equipment costs associated with the roller mill made it a more expensive installation despite lower construction costs and significant power savings. The return on investment is longer in locations where power is inexpensive. Recent experience with the first cement VRM installed in the USA and a ball mill with similar capacity sold at the same time shed comparative light on this subject. This paper will compare new vertical roller mill and ball mill system installations including project costs.