Practical Methods for Improving the Granulation Yield of Flat Die Granulators

In organic fertilizer production lines, flat die granulators typically process materials such as livestock and poultry manure and composted straw. These materials contain coarse fiber and experience large moisture fluctuations, which can easily lead to low granulation yields and loose pellets. To improve granulation efficiency, precise optimization in four key areas is necessary, taking into account the characteristics of the organic fertilizer material.

Raw material pretreatment must be tailored to the characteristics of the organic fertilizer. First, the moisture content should be controlled between 25% and 30%, which is the optimal range for organic fertilizer granulation. A moisture content too low can easily result in broken pellets, while a moisture content too high can cause die sticking and clogging. This can be adjusted by airing the material or adding dry straw powder. Secondly, the composted material should be pulverized to ensure that the coarse fiber particle size does not exceed 1/2 the die hole diameter to prevent fibers from wrapping around the die rollers and causing uneven extrusion. Uncomposted lumps should also be removed to prevent clogging. Additionally, 2% to 3% bentonite can be added as a binder to enhance pellet density without affecting the fertilizer’s efficiency.

Equipment adjustments require targeted optimization. Organic fertilizer materials have poor fluidity, so the die roller gap should be adjusted to 0.2-0.4mm, slightly wider than the standard setting, to prevent material from getting stuck. The roller speed should be reduced to 15-20r/min to allow ample time for the coarse fibers to be extruded and formed. For die orifice selection, a tapered die with a diameter of 4-8mm is preferred to reduce material resistance within the die and minimize the likelihood of blockage. Regularly clean the die orifice with a steel brush to remove residual fiber impurities.

Process operations should be tailored to the production scenario. High-temperature preheating is not required before startup. Simply use a small amount of wet material to “prime” the die, forming a thin layer of material on the inner wall of the die orifice to prevent subsequent material from sticking to the wall. Use a spiral feeder with a constant speed to avoid concentrated lumps of material and prevent equipment overload. If fibers are found on the surface of the pellets and they are prone to breakage during production, add binder or adjust the moisture content promptly.

Maintenance should focus on vulnerable areas. Organic fertilizer materials contain corrosive components. The die roller surface should be cleaned weekly, and residual humus should be removed with a wire brush to prevent corrosion. The inner wall of the die hole should be inspected monthly, and burrs caused by coarse fiber wear should be removed with fine sandpaper. The transmission system lubricant should be replaced quarterly, using a corrosion-resistant, specialized oil to prevent component wear caused by humus contamination.

By optimizing these measures for organic fertilizer production lines, the flat die granulator’s pelletizing rate can be increased to over 90%, reducing waste of mature raw materials while ensuring uniform organic fertilizer pellets and ensuring stable and efficient production line operation.

When using windrow compost turning machines in different seasons, pay attention to key details

windrow compost turning machine isn’t a one-size-fits-all model. Adjusting details according to the season will ensure smooth fermentation of your organic fertilizer.

Spring’s high humidity and fluctuating temperatures can easily lead to a musty odor in the compost. When using a compost turner, increase the frequency of turning the compost. Instead of turning every two days, turn every 1.5 days in spring. Loosen the compost to allow moisture to escape, and monitor the temperature. If the temperature is below 50°C, slow the compost turner’s speed to allow for a more thorough turning, allowing microbial activity to raise the temperature.

Summer temperatures are high, and the compost easily overheats (over 70°C kills beneficial bacteria). Reduce the depth of each turning to avoid bringing all the hot material below to the surface. Turn the compost once a day. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil on the surface after each turning to provide shade and reduce temperatures while preventing rapid evaporation.

Autumn is dry, and the pile is prone to dehydration and cracking. Use a windrow compost turning machine with an atomizer, spraying small amounts of water as you turn to maintain a humidity level of 50%-60%. Slow the turning speed to allow the water and raw materials to mix thoroughly and avoid patches of dryness or wetness.

Winter is cold, and the pile struggles to heat up. Reduce turning frequency to once every three days, avoiding frequent turning to disperse heat. When turning, pile the pile higher (1.2-1.5 meters). Try turning the cold material in the center with the windrow compost turning machine, covering the hot material on the outside to help retain heat and ferment.

How to adapt a BB fertilizer blender to different raw material characteristics?

BB fertilizer raw materials come in a variety of forms (granular, powdered, and fiber-containing). BB fertilizer blenders require targeted adjustments to accommodate these different raw material characteristics and avoid mixing problems.

For pure granular raw materials (such as urea and diammonium phosphate granules), which have relatively small density differences but are prone to rolling and stratification, the BB fertilizer blender should be equipped with guide plates within the mixer drum to guide the raw materials into upward and downward circulation and control the feed order. Adding the denser diammonium phosphate first, followed by the lighter urea, can reduce initial stratification. The speed can be appropriately reduced in the later stages of mixing to prevent excessive collisions between particles that could lead to breakage.

If the raw materials contain powdered ingredients (such as potassium chloride powder or trace element powder), a dustproof seal should be installed at the BB fertilizer blender feed port to prevent dust from escaping. Additionally, an atomizing humidifier (control the humidity to ≤15%) should be installed within the mixer drum. A small amount of humidification can enhance adhesion between the powdered raw materials and the granules, preventing dust from becoming suspended.

When the raw materials contain fiber organic fertilizer (such as fermented straw powder), it is necessary to use a paddle with a shearing function to prevent the fibers from entangled and clumping. At the same time, the fiber raw materials should be crushed to less than 3mm in advance to reduce mixing resistance. During the mixing process, the machine can be stopped and observed every 3 minutes. If fiber clumps are found, the paddle angle needs to be adjusted to enhance the shearing and dispersion effect to ensure that the fibers and granular fertilizer are fully integrated.

Controlling pellet strength in ring die granulators: Key to fertilizer transportation and storage

Pellet strength is a core performance indicator for fertilizer products. Ring die granulators require multi-step control to ensure pellets can withstand the pressure of transportation and stacking, minimizing breakage and loss.

First, consider the raw material ratio. If the organic matter content in production is too high (over 60%), binders such as clay and bentonite should be added (control the amount to 3%-5%) to increase the viscosity of the raw materials and lay the foundation for pellet strength.

If the proportion of inorganic fertilizer is high, the moisture content of the raw materials should be controlled between 14% and 16% to avoid pellet brittleness caused by too low a moisture content and easy sticking to the ring die granulator due to too high a moisture content.

Selecting the ring die granulator compression ratio is also crucial. The compression ratio (the ratio of the ring die aperture to the effective thickness) should be adjusted according to the fertilizer type. For organic fertilizers with high fiber content, a low compression ratio of 1:8-1:10 is recommended to prevent pellets from being too hard and easily broken. For compound fertilizers, a high compression ratio of 1:12-1:15 is recommended to enhance pellet density. During production, regular spot checks can be performed using a pellet strength tester. If the strength is insufficient, the steam supply to the conditioner can be temporarily increased (by 10%-15%).

In addition, the gap between the roller and the ring die should be controlled within a range of 0.1-0.3mm. A gap too large will cause the raw material to slip, resulting in insufficient pellet density; a gap too small will increase wear and affect pellet consistency. By synergistically controlling these three factors, the compressive strength of fertilizer pellets can be stabilized at above 20N, meeting transportation and storage requirements.

How to Improve the Efficiency of a New Two-in-One Organic Fertilizer Granulator

The efficiency of a new type two-in-one organic fertilizer granulator directly affects the production capacity of an organic fertilizer production line. Improper operation can easily lead to problems such as slow granulation and low pelletizing yield. Four optimization strategies can improve both efficiency and quality.

First, proper raw material pretreatment is essential. Strict control of raw material particle size and moisture is crucial: crush the fermented organic fertilizer into a 40-60 mesh fine powder to prevent coarse particles from blocking the equipment’s feed inlet and affecting mixing uniformity. The moisture content should be maintained at a stable 25%-35%. Adjust moisture content by drying or adding dry materials; spray water if too low.

Second, precise adjustment of equipment parameters is crucial. During the mixing process, adjust the agitator speed according to the raw material type: when processing high-fiber raw materials (such as straw fertilizer), adjust the speed to 50-60 rpm to increase shear force; when processing highly viscous raw materials (such as chicken manure fertilizer), reduce the speed to 20-30 rpm to prevent material from sticking to the wall. During the pelletizing process, the pelletizing method should be adjusted to suit different raw materials: for high-viscosity raw materials, use agitator pelletizing, adjusting the disc inclination to 40°-45°; for high-fiber raw materials, use roller compaction pelletizing, increasing the die pressure appropriately.After parameter adaptation, the granulation efficiency of the new type two-in-one organic fertilizer granulator can be increased by 20%-25%, and the granule forming rate is stabilized at more than 90%.

Furthermore, daily maintenance is essential. Before starting the machine daily, inspect the agitator blades and pelletizing die for wear. If blade edge wear exceeds 3mm or the die aperture is deformed, replace them promptly to avoid uneven mixing and uneven pellet sizes caused by aging components. Clean residual material inside the equipment weekly, especially the mixing chamber and the inner wall of the pelletizing disc, to prevent material agglomeration that affects subsequent production. Lubricate transmission components such as bearings and gears monthly to reduce mechanical friction and extend equipment operation.

Finally, optimizing production processes can further improve efficiency. The “immediate recycling of screen residue” model allows the screening of substandard fines directly back to the mixing system through a reflux channel, eliminating the need for manual transfer and reducing waiting time for raw materials. If the organic fertilizer production line requires continuous operation, a raw material buffer can be configured to ensure uninterrupted feeding of raw materials, avoiding frequent equipment starts and stops due to material shortages. After process optimization, the equipment’s effective daily production time can be increased by 2-3 hours, increasing overall production capacity by approximately 15%.

The new type two-in-one organic fertilizer granulator’s complete operating process.

The new type two-in-one organic fertilizer granulator features an integrated “mixing + granulation” design, simplifying organic fertilizer production. Its operations are centered around four core steps, ensuring pellet quality and efficiently supporting the organic fertilizer production line.

The first step is raw material pretreatment. Fermented organic fertilizer (such as livestock manure and composted straw) must first be crushed to a 40-60 mesh fine powder with a moisture content of 25%-35%. Excessively coarse raw materials will result in uneven granulation, while inappropriate moisture content will affect the final product. Meeting pretreatment standards is essential for stable equipment operation.

The second step is the core mixing process. Pretreated raw materials enter the integrated mixing system. A high-strength alloy steel agitator shaft drives the wear-resistant blades, while a variable frequency motor precisely controls the speed between 20-60 rpm. If binders such as bentonite are required, they are added simultaneously. The blades shear and stir the powder, achieving over 90% mixing uniformity within 5-10 minutes, preventing uneven nutrient distribution in the pellets.

The third step is targeted granulation. The mixed material automatically enters the granulation system, where the equipment changes its forming method based on the raw material’s characteristics. Highly viscous raw materials (such as chicken manure organic fertilizer) use a stirring granulation mechanism, where paddles knead the material into 2-4mm pellets. High-fiber raw materials (such as straw organic fertilizer) use a roller-type granulation mechanism, where die extrusion forms the pellets. The stainless steel disc can be hydraulically adjusted from a 30° to 50° tilt angle, and a wear-resistant rubber lining reduces sticking to the wall. The pellet formation rate exceeds 90%, and the pellets are uniformly shaped.

Finally, the screen residue is recycled and connected. After granulation, the pellets pass through an integrated screening device. Qualified pellets enter the drying stage (dried to a moisture content of less than 10%), while substandard fines are returned to the mixing system through a recirculation channel for processing with new raw materials. This design achieves a raw material utilization rate exceeding 95%, reducing waste and ensuring continuous production.

The entire process eliminates the need for frequent manual handling. The new type two-in-one organic fertilizer granulator can complete the entire process from raw material input to qualified pellet output, significantly improving the efficiency and convenience of organic fertilizer production.

Applicable to multiple industries, disc granulators offer a wide range of applications

Disc granulators are not limited to fertilizer production. Their outstanding granulation capabilities make them a valuable tool for a variety of industries, including metallurgy, building materials, and chemicals.

In the metallurgical industry, metal ore powders such as iron ore and manganese ore are processed into granules by disc granulators, facilitating subsequent sintering and smelting processes. This not only improves resource utilization, but also reduces production waste and lowers production costs.

In the building materials industry, disc granulators are used to produce cement raw material granules, ceramsite sand, and other building material granules. The granulation of cement raw materials improves their combustion properties, thereby enhancing cement quality.

In the chemical industry, disc granulators can granulate a variety of chemical raw materials, including catalysts, pigments, and detergents. The resulting chemical products exhibit improved flowability and stability, significantly enhancing product performance and meeting the high standards of chemical production.

New Type Organic Fertilizer Granulator: High-Efficiency Equipment Empowering Multi-Sector Production

In response to the need for industrial upgrading, the new type organic fertilizer granulator (models YSL-60 to YSL-150) was developed by the Agricultural Machinery Research Institute. Leveraging its accumulated experience in compound fertilizer processing and its unique mixing and granulation method, it has become a practical device for granule production in various fields.

In terms of core technology, the new type organic fertilizer granulator utilizes high-speed rotating stirring teeth to stir, impact, and tumble the mixed material within the granulation drum. Friction, centrifugal force, and the material’s viscosity aggregate the material into granules, eliminating the need for complex extrusion equipment and making it suitable for high-viscosity or fibrous materials. Performance parameters include a production capacity of 1-8 tons/hour, motor power of 37-90 kW, and granule diameter of 1-5 mm. The YSL-60 produces 1-2 tons per hour, making it suitable for small and medium-sized operations; the YSL-150 produces 5-8 tons per hour, making it suitable for large-scale production.

It has a wide range of applications. In the fertilizer sector, livestock and poultry manure, straw, and other materials can be transformed into organic, bio-organic, and compound microbial fertilizers, eliminating caking issues while preserving bacterial activity and producing medium and trace element fertilizers. In the chemical industry, it can be used to granulate sticky raw materials; in the pharmaceutical industry, it can process traditional Chinese medicine granules; and in the feed industry, it can produce livestock and aquatic feed, achieving a “one machine for multiple uses.”

The core advantages are significant. Granulated particles are round and uniform, with good flowability, and are less prone to clumping during storage and transportation. Operation is simple, requiring only training. The low motor power and operating costs make the equipment affordable, making it suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. Furthermore, it preserves fertilizer activity, extending its shelf life to 8-12 months, promoting the recycling of organic waste and achieving both economic and environmental benefits.

Daily maintenance requires three key points: regular inspections: daily inspection of the feed mechanism and transmission system; weekly inspection of agitator tooth wear; monthly bolt tightening and motor temperature monitoring; cleaning the granulation drum after production; lubricating transmission components according to specifications, and timely replacement of worn parts to ensure stable equipment operation.

This new type organic fertilizer granulator, with its multiple advantages in technology, performance and application, is providing strong support for production upgrades in agriculture, chemical industry, medicine, feed and other fields.

Tracked design and efficient turning! Technical advantages of the windrow compost turner

The windrow compost turner’s widespread use in organic fertilizer production stems from the significant advantages offered by its unique technical design. The tracked design is a key advantage. Compared to traditional wheeled equipment, it effectively reduces ground pressure, typically to just 0.05-0.1 MPa. This allows for flexible maneuverability even on muddy, soft surfaces, or complex terrain with slopes up to 15°, eliminating the need for dedicated tracks. This significantly improves site utilization, exceeding that of trough-type compost turning machines by over 30%.

The machine also excels in turning performance. Its hydraulic arm allows for flexible adjustment of turning height and width, accommodating windrows ranging from 0.5-2.5 meters in height and 2-6 meters in width. A single unit can process 50-150 tons of material per hour, achieving an efficiency 1.5-2 times that of a single-screw compost turning machine. The turning teeth and spiral blades are forged from alloy steel. Combined with a bottom-up turning mechanism, this achieves a material turning rate of over 95%, preventing localized compaction and uneven fermentation. Material temperature deviation is kept within 3°C, ensuring stable fermentation quality.

Furthermore, the equipment’s electronic control system monitors operating parameters in real time. In the event of abnormal conditions such as overload or excessive hydraulic oil temperature, it automatically issues an alarm and shuts down the machine for protection, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

Differences in Equipment Selection Between Wet and Dry Granulation in the Fertilizer Industry

In fertilizer production, granular fertilizers are widely used due to their advantages such as ease of application and uniform nutrient release. The differences in equipment selection between wet and dry granulation directly impact fertilizer quality and production efficiency, requiring precise matching based on fertilizer characteristics.

In the fertilizer industry, wet granulation focuses on “liquid-solid granulation,” and equipment selection is designed around nutrient dissolution and granule solidification. Key equipment is a rotary drum granulator or disc granulator. A rotary drum granulator uses a rotating, tilted drum to mix fertilizer powder with liquid raw materials such as phosphoric acid and ammonia, forming granules through the bonding force between the materials. This makes it suitable for producing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium compound fertilizers, ensuring uniform coating of multiple nutrients. A disc granulator uses high-speed rotation to generate centrifugal force, which forces the material and binder to form spherical granules. This makes it suitable for fertilizers such as organic fertilizers that require a fluffy structure. A drum fertilizer dryer is required to remove excess moisture from the granules using hot air, preventing fertilizer clumping and nutrient loss. This is a hallmark of wet granulation in the fertilizer industry.

Dry granulation requires no liquid addition, and the equipment used focuses on “physical extrusion shaping,” making it more suitable for heat-sensitive or water-soluble fertilizers. The core equipment is a double roller press granulator, which uses a pair of rollers to press fertilizer powder into dense flakes. This is then crushed and sieved to form granules, preventing moisture from deliquescing in fertilizers like urea and ammonium nitrate, while also minimizing nutrient volatilization. Some high-hardness raw materials require a crusher to pre-process the lumpy fertilizer into a fine powder to ensure uniform feeding. Dry granulation eliminates the need for drying equipment, streamlines the process, and preserves water-soluble nutrients, making it suitable for producing water-soluble or slow-release fertilizers.

When selecting fertilizers, wet granulation equipment is preferred for producing compound fertilizers requiring high nutrient content. Dry granulation equipment is more suitable for processing heat-sensitive, soluble fertilizers. Wet granulation equipment also consumes more energy and is suitable for large-scale production, while dry granulation equipment occupies less space and is more suitable for small- to medium-volume production of specialty fertilizers.