Pelletizing

Experts in process design and material

processing for over 60 years.

Potash

While compaction granulation is

the primary method used to

transform potash into a fertilizer

product, pelletization is gaining popularity.

Pelletized potash offers a premium

product, with less dust and faster nutrient delivery.

Unlike compaction granulation,

which uses pressure to create

granules, pelletization uses tumble

growth agglomeration to form round pellets.

This process consists of three main steps:

Pre-conditioning

This process consists of three main steps:

Pre-conditioning Pelletization

This process consists of three main steps:

Pre-conditioning Pelletization Drying

Pre-Conditioning

In the pre-conditioning stage,

potash is conditioned in a

pin mixer.

Potash fines are fed into the pin mixer, with

the addition of a binder.

Potash fines are fed into the pin mixer, with

the addition of a binder.

The pin mixer uses an intense spinning

action to reduce air and water volume

between particles, creating densification in

the material.

Pelletization

After conditioning,

the densified

potash is fed onto a

disc pelletizer (or

“pan pelletizer”).

On the pelletizer, the potash rolls

against itself, creating uniform, round

pellets. Binder is again added to assist

in pellet formation and to create a

pellet with desired characteristics.

Once pellets have reached desired size,

they exit the pan and are ready for product

finalization.

Drying

Since moisture is added during the

pelletization process, drying is necessary. A

drying step finalizes the potash pellet,

reducing moisture and creating a final, dry

pellet.

This is commonly carried out in a rotary

dryer, an industrial dryer valued for its robust

build, longevity, and ability to accept

variance in feedstock.

Simplified Pelletizing Diagram

1. Raw feed

2. Pin/Paddle Mixer

3. Binder Feed

4. Spray Rate

5. Disc Pelletizer

6. Feed Onto Pelletizer

7. Binder Feed

8. Liquid Spray System

9. Transfer Conveyor

10. Rotary Dryer

11. Vibrating Screen

12. Oversize Mill

13. Recycle

14. Surge hopper

Pelletized potash offers a premium product

with two main advantages over granules

produced via compaction granulation:

Faster Nutrient Delivery

Due to a less dense form, pellets can break

down quickly, while still withstanding

transportation and handling.

Less DustWhere compaction granules have jagged

edges prone to breaking off, round pellets

offer less opportunity for attrition, resulting

in less fines and dust.

has been working with potash for over 60

years, providing testing, process design

and development, and manufacturing of

potash processing equipment.

vFEECO

Want to learn more?Download our

Potash Processing

E-book.

Potash Processing E-book

Processing Techniques

Challenges

Material Characteristics

Maintenance

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