Potash Processing:

Pelletizing orCompaction?

Experts in process design and material

processing for over 60 years.

Many potash producers

are faced with the choice:

Many potash producers

are faced with the choice:

Pelletize OR

Granulate?

Compaction

Granulation

The majority of the world’s potash

is processed using the

compaction granulation method.

This method is cost-effective, and

produces quality granules that are relatively dust-free.

How it Works:Potash fines are fed between 2

counter-rotating rolls, where they

are pressed together into a form.

Then, the form is broken up into

coarse granules.

Because this process relies on

pressure, no binder is needed.

Because this process relies on

pressure, no binder is needed.

AND because no binder is used

(most often), no drying step is needed.

Simplified Compaction Diagram

1. Raw Materials

2. Mill

3. Surge Hopper

4. Humidificator Mixer

5. Protecting Screen

6. Compactor

7. Flake Breaker

8. Granulators

9. Screen

10. Polishing Drum

11. Screen

12. Screw for Recycle

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

12

9

10

Product11

Advantages:No binder + No drying =

cost effective

Disadvantages:

Some attrition (the break

down of edges into dusty

fines)

Pelletizing

This process relies on tumble

growth agglomeration (think

rolling a snowball), and is typically

carried out on a disc pelletizer.

How it Works:In this setup, potash fines are

conditioned in a pin mixer with a

binder, then rolled to desired size

on a pelletizer, and dried in a rotary dryer.

This produces uniform, round pellets

that break down easily, but can still

withstand handling and transportation.

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

Advantages:Less fines/dust &

Faster nutrient delivery

Disadvantages:

Binder + Drying Step =

higher processing costs.

While compaction granulation offers a

reliable, cost-effective method for

producing a potash fertilizer product,

pellets are considered a premium

product, offering less dust and fast

nutrient delivery.

Conclusion:

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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