Common Problems and Solutions for Disc Granulators in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

Disc granulators are widely used in organic fertilizer production lines due to their advantages, such as uniform granulation and low cost. However, in actual operation, they are susceptible to various factors, leading to various problems that affect production efficiency and product quality.

Improper control of raw material moisture is a primary challenge. If the moisture content is too high, the raw material will easily clump on the inner wall of the disc, forming large, adhered masses. This not only prevents proper granulation but also increases the difficulty of equipment cleaning. If the moisture content is too low, the raw material will have poor flowability, making it difficult to agglomerate into granules, resulting in loose and easily broken granules. To address this issue, precise control of the raw material moisture content using a moisture meter before granulation is required. Typically, the moisture content is maintained at a stable level of 25%-35%. If the moisture content is not within this range, it should be adjusted promptly using a dryer or humidifier.

Improper disc inclination and rotation speed can also cause problems. If the inclination angle is too large, the raw materials will stay in the disc too short, causing the particles to be discharged before they have time to fully round, resulting in irregularly shaped finished particles. If the inclination angle is too small, the raw materials will pile up, easily causing “sticking” and affecting normal equipment operation. Excessive rotational speed will subject the raw materials to excessive centrifugal force, preventing effective agglomeration. Too slow rotational speed will significantly reduce granulation efficiency. Generally, the disc inclination angle should be adjusted to 35°-45° and the rotational speed to 15-20 rpm, depending on the raw material characteristics. These parameters should be gradually optimized through trial production.

In addition, uneven mixing of raw materials can also affect granulation performance. If the organic raw materials and auxiliary materials are not fully mixed, nutrient imbalances in certain areas can lead to poor granulation quality and uneven particle size. This requires the use of high-efficiency mixing equipment before granulation to ensure that the raw materials are mixed uniformly to a level above 90%. Regular inspection of the mixing blades of the mixing equipment should also be performed to prevent blade wear that may reduce mixing efficiency.

In response to these common problems, a complete inspection mechanism needs to be established during production, and the operating status of the equipment and raw material indicators should be checked regularly, and the process parameters should be adjusted in time to ensure the stable operation of the disc granulator and improve the quality of the finished organic fertilizer.

Why are BB fertilizer mixers the preferred choice for fertilizer production?

In the fertilizer production sector, BB fertilizer mixers, with their significant advantages, have become core equipment for many companies. They are primarily used to mix different types of fertilizer raw materials to produce bulk blended fertilizer (BB fertilizer).

Their most critical advantage is uniform mixing. A stirring mechanism within the mixing drum, coupled with paddle or spiral ribbon impellers, shears, tumbles, and disperses the raw materials, ensuring uniform distribution of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other components. This prevents nutritional imbalances caused by uneven mixing and ensures consistent product quality.

The machine’s high processing capacity is also a key advantage, meeting the needs of various production scales, from basic production capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises to batch production for large factories. This allows for efficient batch reduction and reduces time and cost.

Furthermore, BB fertilizer mixers feature a simple structure and easy operation. The control system accurately monitors parameters such as mixing speed and time, allowing workers to master the process with minimal training. Maintenance is also convenient, with easy access to core components, significantly reducing the probability of equipment failure.

In addition, the BB fertilizer mixer is highly adaptable and can process fertilizer raw materials of varying properties, including solid particles and powders. Its mixing drum and stirring mechanism are designed for easy cleaning, preventing cross-contamination between batches of raw materials. This meets the stringent hygiene and quality requirements of fertilizer production, providing strong support for companies producing diverse fertilizer products.

Why Choose a Disc Granulator for Granulation?

In industries requiring granular materials, such as fertilizers, building materials, and metallurgy, the choice of granulation equipment directly impacts production efficiency and product quality. Disc granulators, with their numerous advantages, have become the preferred equipment for many companies.

In terms of granulation efficiency, disc granulators excel. Their unique disc design allows the material to quickly form a stable trajectory during rotation, shortening the time it takes for the material to aggregate and granulate. For example, in fertilizer production, under similar operating conditions, a disc granulator can process dozens of tons of raw materials per hour, increasing efficiency by over 30% compared to traditional granulation equipment. This significantly reduces production cycle time and meets the needs of large-scale production.

Granulation quality is a key consideration when choosing a granulator, and disc granulators offer significant advantages in this regard. By precisely controlling the disc’s rotational speed, inclination, and material moisture content, they achieve uniform granule size, typically maintaining a stable diameter of 2-5 mm. The granules are also strong and resistant to breakage. This characteristic is particularly important in fertilizer production. High-quality granulated fertilizers are not only easy to store and transport, but also ensure uniform nutrient release, improving fertilizer utilization and enhancing product market competitiveness.

The disc granulator’s wide range of applications is a key factor in its popularity. It can efficiently adapt to applications ranging from organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer production lines to the processing of building materials such as cement and expanded clay, and even to the granulation of metal ore powders. Different materials require only adjustments to relevant parameters, eliminating the need for large-scale replacement of equipment components. This reduces equipment costs associated with producing different products and enhances production flexibility.

Disc granulators also offer advantages in terms of energy consumption and cost. Their relatively simple structure and low power consumption during operation can reduce energy costs per ton of material produced by 15%-20% compared to other types of granulators. Furthermore, the equipment’s low manufacturing and maintenance costs, along with the limited number of wearing parts and easy replacement, reduce ongoing operating expenses and offer significant financial savings.

Overall, the disc granulator‘s advantages in efficiency, quality, applicability, and cost make it an ideal choice for granulation production.

Common Problems with Disc Granulators in Fertilizer Production

Fertilizer granulators are widely used in the fertilizer industry, and disc granulators are particularly common. What are some common problems with disc granulators in fertilizer production? If problems such as material sedimentation and clumping occur during granulator operation, how can you resolve them? Below, we will guide you through resolving these issues.

Precipitation can occur during fertilizer production. Some materials cannot be mixed; when they are mixed and dissolved in water, precipitation occurs. Some fertilizers are soluble in certain proportions, but above a certain concentration, salting out occurs, causing another material to precipitate. Some materials, such as metal salts, are easily soluble in acidic media, but will precipitate. Other materials, such as humic acid, are easily soluble in alkaline media, but will precipitate when dissolved in acidic solutions.

The main methods to prevent precipitation are to properly adjust the pH of the solution, add cosolvents, and increase the solubility of insoluble substances. The raw materials used in NPK fertilizer production lines should be properly proportioned to prevent salting out and oversaturation. Appropriate additives should be added to protect the reaction materials and prevent precipitation. Appropriate raw materials should be selected to prevent precipitation caused by reactions between them.

Bloating in fertilizer production is caused by the release of gas from the reaction of two or more materials. Materials that may cause bloating during fertilizer production include borax, ammonium salts, and fillers. To effectively prevent bloating, the following points should be noted when using a disc granulator to produce pellets: When sourcing qualified raw materials, avoid blindly pursuing low costs; and ensure that raw materials are properly combined to prevent chemical reactions between them.

Clumping in fertilizer production: This problem is primarily related to the raw materials, humidity, temperature, external pressure, and storage time. Organic fertilizer production equipment requires the proper selection of raw materials, meaning those that are less prone to caking.

How does a rotary drum granulator work in an organic fertilizer production line?

In organic fertilizer production lines, a rotary drum granulator is the core equipment for raw material formation. It has become a mainstream choice because it meets the cohesiveness and granularity requirements of organic fertilizers such as livestock and poultry manure and composted straw. Its operation revolves around “raw material mixing – granule agglomeration – screening and output,” resulting in an efficient and stable mechanism.

The equipment primarily consists of an inclined drum (3°-5° inclination), a transmission system, a spray system, and a scraper assembly. Scrapers on the inner wall of the drum drive the material to tumble, while the spray system regulates moisture. The scraper removes material adhering to the drum wall to prevent clogging.

The first step is “raw material pretreatment and feeding.” Composted and crushed organic fertilizer raw materials (25%-35% moisture) are mixed with auxiliary materials such as clay in a suitable proportion and then fed into the drum through the feed port. The motor drives the drum to rotate at a low speed of 10-15 rpm. The scrapers repeatedly lift and drop the material, forming a uniform layer.

The second step is the core “granule agglomeration and formation” phase. A spray device applies a metered amount of water or adhesive, depending on the moisture content of the raw materials, to create a sticky surface. As the drum rotates continuously, the material particles agglomerate into small particles through collision, friction, and compression. These small particles further absorb the raw materials and grow to qualified granules of 2-5mm. The tilted design of the drum allows the particles to naturally move toward the discharge end, enabling continuous production.

The final step is “granule screening and optimization.” The formed granules are screened to separate fine powder from bulky material. The fine powder is returned to the granulator, while the bulky material is crushed and reused to ensure acceptable yields. Furthermore, a scraper cleans the drum wall of any residue in real time to ensure efficiency and prevent hardened residue from affecting subsequent production.

In short, the rotary drum granulator uses gentle physical agglomeration to adapt to the characteristics of organic fertilizer raw materials, efficiently producing uniform granules and providing a key guarantee for the stable operation of organic fertilizer production lines.

Key Maintenance Points for Disc Granulators in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

In organic fertilizer production lines, the disc granulator is the core equipment for raw material processing. Its operating condition directly affects product quality and production efficiency. Scientific maintenance can extend equipment life, reduce downtime, and lower costs. The following details maintenance methods from three perspectives: daily, periodic, and long-term.

Daily maintenance requires “cleaning and inspection in tandem.” After each shutdown, promptly clean the discs of residual material to prevent hardening and scratching of the disc surface or increased operating load. Use soft tools to prevent damage to the liner. Also, check the disc’s tilt angle (normally 45°-55°). If offset, correct it using the bracket bolts. Observe the transmission system daily for abnormal noise and check the motor and reducer temperatures. If the temperature exceeds 60°C, shut down the machine for inspection.

Regular maintenance focuses on “component maintenance and lubrication.” Perform a comprehensive weekly inspection, focusing on the meshing of the transmission gears. Adjust and replace any wear or excessive clearance. Inspect the bearing seals to prevent dust intrusion. Replace the bearing grease monthly. Choose a high-temperature, dust-resistant lithium-based grease, filling it to fill 2/3 of the bearing’s internal space. Disassemble and inspect the scraper blade quarterly. If the blade wear exceeds 3mm, polish or replace it. Ensure a 1-2mm gap between the blade and the liner to prevent material adhesion.

For long-term maintenance, maintain “equipment inspection and record keeping.” Perform a comprehensive annual disassembly and inspection. If the liner thickness decreases by 1/3, replace it entirely. Perform a flaw inspection on the frame to identify any weld cracks and repair them. Maintain a maintenance log, recording maintenance times, details, and replaced parts. Use data analysis to predict failures and plan maintenance in advance.

In short, disc granulator maintenance should adhere to the principle of “prevention first, prevention combined.” This involves combining daily cleaning, regular maintenance, and ongoing inspections to ensure optimal equipment operation and a stable and efficient organic fertilizer production line.

How does a rotary drum granulator work in an organic fertilizer production line?

In organic fertilizer production lines, a rotary drum granulator is the core equipment for raw material formation. It has become a mainstream choice because it meets the cohesiveness and granularity requirements of organic fertilizers such as livestock and poultry manure and composted straw. Its operation revolves around “raw material mixing – granule agglomeration – screening and output,” resulting in an efficient and stable mechanism.

The equipment primarily consists of an inclined drum (3°-5° inclination), a transmission system, a spray system, and a scraper assembly. Scrapers on the inner wall of the drum drive the material to tumble, while the spray system regulates moisture. The scraper removes material adhering to the drum wall to prevent clogging.

The first step is “raw material pretreatment and feeding.” Composted and crushed organic fertilizer raw materials (25%-35% moisture) are mixed with auxiliary materials such as clay in a suitable proportion and then fed into the drum through the feed port. The motor drives the drum to rotate at a low speed of 10-15 rpm. The scrapers repeatedly lift and drop the material, forming a uniform layer.

The second step is the core “granule agglomeration and formation” phase. A spray device applies a metered amount of water or adhesive, depending on the moisture content of the raw materials, to create a sticky surface. As the drum rotates continuously, the material particles agglomerate into small particles through collision, friction, and compression. These small particles further absorb the raw materials and grow to qualified granules of 2-5mm. The tilted design of the drum allows the particles to naturally move toward the discharge end, enabling continuous production.

The final step is “granule screening and optimization.” The formed granules are screened to separate fine powder from bulky material. The fine powder is returned to the granulator, while the bulky material is crushed and reused to ensure acceptable yields. Furthermore, a scraper cleans the drum wall of any residue in real time to ensure efficiency and prevent hardened residue from affecting subsequent production.

In short, the rotary drum granulator uses gentle physical agglomeration to adapt to the characteristics of organic fertilizer raw materials, efficiently producing uniform granules and providing a key guarantee for the stable operation of organic fertilizer production lines.

Key Maintenance Points for Disc Granulators in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

In organic fertilizer production lines, the disc granulator is the core equipment for raw material processing. Its operating condition directly affects product quality and production efficiency. Scientific maintenance can extend equipment life, reduce downtime, and lower costs. The following details maintenance methods from three perspectives: daily, periodic, and long-term.

Daily maintenance requires “cleaning and inspection in tandem.” After each shutdown, promptly clean the discs of residual material to prevent hardening and scratching of the disc surface or increased operating load. Use soft tools to prevent damage to the liner. Also, check the disc’s tilt angle (normally 45°-55°). If offset, correct it using the bracket bolts. Observe the transmission system daily for abnormal noise and check the motor and reducer temperatures. If the temperature exceeds 60°C, shut down the machine for inspection.

Regular maintenance focuses on “component maintenance and lubrication.” Perform a comprehensive weekly inspection, focusing on the meshing of the transmission gears. Adjust and replace any wear or excessive clearance. Inspect the bearing seals to prevent dust intrusion. Replace the bearing grease monthly. Choose a high-temperature, dust-resistant lithium-based grease, filling it to fill 2/3 of the bearing’s internal space. Disassemble and inspect the scraper blade quarterly. If the blade wear exceeds 3mm, polish or replace it. Ensure a 1-2mm gap between the blade and the liner to prevent material adhesion.

For long-term maintenance, maintain “equipment inspection and record keeping.” Perform a comprehensive annual disassembly and inspection. If the liner thickness decreases by 1/3, replace it entirely. Perform a flaw inspection on the frame to identify any weld cracks and repair them. Maintain a maintenance log, recording maintenance times, details, and replaced parts. Use data analysis to predict failures and plan maintenance in advance.

In short, disc granulator maintenance should adhere to the principle of “prevention first, prevention combined.” This involves combining daily cleaning, regular maintenance, and ongoing inspections to ensure optimal equipment operation and a stable and efficient organic fertilizer production line.

Scientific Maintenance of Organic Fertilizer Production Equipment

The stable operation of organic fertilizer production equipment is key to ensuring fertilizer quality and production efficiency. A scientific maintenance system can effectively extend equipment life and reduce the risk of failure. Targeted maintenance measures are required for equipment throughout the entire process, from pretreatment to finished product packaging, tailored to its characteristics.

Maintenance of pretreatment equipment focuses on preventing blockage and wear. As the first step in processing raw materials such as straw and manure, the crusher requires daily inspection for blade wear and weekly sharpening to prevent blunting and reduced pulverization efficiency. Screening machines require regular cleaning of residual fiber debris and monthly inspection of screen tension to prevent vibration-induced loosening that reduces screening accuracy. For conveying equipment, special attention should be paid to the tightness of the conveyor belt and the lubrication of the rollers to prevent failures caused by frictional overheating.

Granulating equipment requires timely cleaning and maintenance. The disc granulator‘s disc should be cleaned of residual particles daily and coated weekly with an anti-stick coating to prevent material from clumping and sticking. Bearings should be lubricated with high-temperature resistant grease monthly to ensure smooth rotation. The roller surface of the roller granulator should be regularly inspected for wear and any dents should be repaired promptly to avoid compromising pellet quality.

Maintenance of post-processing equipment focuses on precision and safety. The hot air ducts of the drum fertilizer dryer should be cleaned of dust monthly to prevent blockages that affect thermal efficiency. The temperature sensor should be calibrated weekly to ensure precise control of the drying temperature. The fan filter of the cooler should be cleaned regularly to prevent debris from entering and affecting heat dissipation. The metering device of the packaging machine should be calibrated weekly, and the drive chain of the conveyor belt should be lubricated monthly to ensure accurate quantitative packaging.

Establishing an equipment maintenance mechanism provides long-term protection. Recording the time, content, and troubleshooting of each maintenance session can help identify recurring problems promptly. Operators should also receive professional training to ensure early resolution of minor faults and early prevention of major problems. Scientific maintenance not only reduces equipment failure rates but also ensures the continuity and stability of the organic fertilizer production line, providing reliable support for the green development of agriculture.

The Secrets of the Disc Granulator in an Organic Fertilizer Production Line

At the heart of an organic fertilizer production line, the disc granulator, with its unique operating principle, transforms loose organic raw materials into uniform granules, becoming a key piece of equipment connecting fermentation and finished products. While its seemingly simple operation requires precise control of material properties and mechanical movement, the disc granulator’s core structure consists of a tilted circular disc, the angle of which can be adjusted according to the characteristics of the raw materials. When fermented and pulverized organic materials (such as a mixture of livestock and poultry manure and straw) are fed into the disc, the disc rotates at a constant speed, causing the materials to slide upward along the disc wall under the combined effects of centrifugal force, friction, and gravity. Once they reach a certain height, they fall due to gravity, forming a continuous material circulation.

The key to the granulation process lies in the proper ratio of water to material. As the disc rotates, a spray system evenly applies an appropriate amount of water to the material, forming a moist film on the surface of the organic granules. As the materials collide and squeeze each other during this circulation, the moistened surfaces of the granules attract surrounding fine particles, gradually expanding like a snowball. The operator monitors the granulation process and adjusts the water spray rate and disc speed in real time to ensure uniform particle size.

The disc granulator‘s advantage lies in its adaptability to organic materials. Organic fertilizer raw materials are complex and high in fiber. The gentle rotation of the disc reduces material loss while preserving the activity of beneficial microorganisms. For materials with high humidity, the disc’s tilt angle can be adjusted to reduce the material’s residence time within the disc, preventing sticking and clumping. For dry materials, the disc’s rotation speed can be slowed to prolong agglomeration.

Organic fertilizer granules processed by the disc granulator are not only easy to store and transport, but also enable a slow release of nutrients upon application. With its simple and efficient design, this equipment bridges the gap between raw materials and finished product in the industrial production of organic fertilizer, providing solid technical support for the large-scale development of organic agriculture.