Windrow compost turning machines: What kind of organic fertilizer production line is it suitable for?

In organic fertilizer production, aerobic fermentation is the core process, and compost turning machines are key equipment for efficient fermentation. Among them, the windrow compost turning machine, with its unique design and strong performance, has become the preferred choice for many production lines.

1.Suitable for Large-Scale Continuous Production
windrow compost turners are typically equipped with self-propelled crawler chassis, featuring wide spans and high processing capacity. They can efficiently handle fermentation trenches as wide as 3–5 meters. Therefore, they are particularly suitable for large-scale organic fertilizer plants with an annual output of over 10,000 tons.
2.Ideal for Handling Highly Viscous and High-Moisture Materials
With their large ground contact area and low ground pressure, windrow turners are less prone to sinking. This makes them especially suitable for processing high-moisture, high-viscosity raw materials such as livestock manure, sludge, and kitchen waste. Their sturdy crawler chassis ensure stable operation even under challenging material conditions.

3.Well-Suited for Trench Fermentation Processes
The most common application for windrow compost turners is trench fermentation. They move along pre-laid tracks or fermentation trench walls, evenly turning and tossing the materials in the trench. This ensures adequate oxygen penetration and promotes efficient microbial activity.
4.Suitable for Production Lines Aiming for Low Operating Costs
Although the initial investment in a windrow turner may be relatively high, its durability and low failure rate reduce maintenance costs in the long run.
5.Ideal for Modern Facilities with Neat Spatial Planning
Windrow compost turners usually require well-planned factory layouts. They are best suited for production lines with orderly layouts, sufficiently long fermentation trenches, and a goal of achieving intensive and standardized management of the fermentation process.

In summary, windrow compost turning machines are particularly suitable for large-scale, intensive organic fertilizer production lines dealing with complex raw materials.

Analysis of the working principle of half-wet material crusher in organic fertilizer equipment

In organic fertilizer production lines, crushing is a crucial step. The half-wet material crusher is specifically designed to handle fermented materials with high moisture and fiber content. Its unique design concept combines three primary forces—shearing, tearing, and impact—to achieve efficient crushing.

1.Feeding and Preliminary Crushing
Pre-fermented organic materials (such as livestock manure, straw, sludge, etc.) are fed into the crushing chamber through the inlet. These materials typically have a moisture content of 25%–50%, making them sticky and prone to tangling.
2.High-Speed Rotor Rotation
At the core of the equipment is a heavy-duty rotor that rotates at high speed. Multiple sets of wear-resistant hammer blades or knives are mounted alternately on the rotor. Driven by an electric motor, the rotor generates strong torque and linear speed.
3.Shearing and Tearing
The rotating hammer blades and the wear-resistant tooth plate or liner fixed on the machine body form a narrow gap. As the material enters this gap, it is quickly cut and torn apart by the powerful shearing and tearing forces generated by the high-speed relative motion.

4.High-Speed Impact
Simultaneously, the initially crushed material particles are struck at high speed by the hammer blades inside the chamber, further breaking them down into finer particles.
5.Forced Discharge
The crushed fine particles are forced through the screen mesh at the bottom under the airflow generated by the rotor’s rotation and their own gravity, completing the crushing process. The screen mesh aperture can be replaced to meet the required fineness of the final product.

The half-wet material crusher is an indispensable key equipment in organic fertilizer production. Its unique working principle enables it to effectively process sticky, wet, and tangled organic materials without clogging.

Rotary drum granulator: Usage and working principle for organic fertilizer

The rotary drum granulator is a key piece of equipment in modern organic fertilizer production lines. It’s specifically designed to turn powdered organic raw materials (like livestock manure, straw, and humic acid) into uniform granules. Its high efficiency and low operating costs make it the top choice for large-scale organic fertilizer production.

Working Principle

1.Mixing and Moistening

Pre-treated organic materials enter the rotating drum through the feed inlet. Here, they are thoroughly mixed with a binder (like water or microbial solution) sprayed by the system, forming a moist material base.

2.Rolling and Granulation

Driven by a motor, the drum rotates at a tilt angle of 15-30° (typically at 20-40 r/min). Centrifugal force makes the material tumble and collide. Fine powder gradually clumps into small particles, which then grow larger through a “snowball effect”.

3.Polishing and Drying

In the rear section of the drum, the particles are smoothed and rounded. After being discharged, they can be further dried using a connected dryer to form hard, finished granules that resist crumbling (adjustable size: 2-8mm).

Key Operating Points

1.Raw Material Pre-treatment

Moisture Control: Powder moisture content needs adjusting to 30%-40%. Too high causes clumping; too low reduces granulation success.

Fiber Handling: Long-fiber materials must be pre-crushed to ≤5mm to avoid tangling in the equipment.

2.Optimizing Running Parameters

Speed Adjustment: Adjust the rotation speed based on the required granule size – larger particles need lower speeds.

Tilt Angle Setting: The standard angle is 25°. This can be fine-tuned via bracket bolts to change how long the material stays inside (residence time).

The rotary drum granulator achieves standardized organic fertilizer production through physical granulation. Combined with proper operation, it significantly improves the fertilizer’s commercial appeal and added value.

Essential maintenance for flat die granulators in organic fertilizer plants

In organic fertilizer production lines, the flat die granulator is the core shaping equipment. Its operating condition directly affects pellet quality, production efficiency, and machine lifespan. Proper maintenance reduces downtime, cuts energy use, and extends the equipment’s life.

1.Daily Cleaning and Lubrication
Clean residue after each shift: Use proper tools to remove built-up material from the die plate and roller surfaces to prevent corrosion and clogging.
Check lubrication regularly: Add high-temperature grease to bearings every 8 hours. Lubricate drive gears weekly.
2.Wear Part Monitoring and Replacement
Check die plate wear: Measure die hole diameters weekly. Replace the plate immediately when wear exceeds 10% of the standard size.
Maintain rollers: Inspect roller grooves for every 500 tons of fertilizer produced. Repair or replace rollers if groove wear reaches 3mm deep.
Clean screens regularly: Clear screen blockages every shift. Check screens for damage monthly.

3.Electrical System Preventive Care
Dust control cabinets: Clean dust from electrical components and check terminal tightness quarterly.
Calibrate sensors: Professionally calibrate level sensors and temperature sensors every six months.
4.Seasonal Deep Maintenance
Before peak season: Fully inspect the drive system. Replace worn seals.
During shutdowns: Disassemble and clean the entire machine. Apply anti-rust treatment to rusty parts.
Long-term storage: Drain the lubrication system. Coat key parts with anti-rust oil. Protect the motor from moisture.

Establishing this maintenance system keeps flat die granulators running at their best. Following these steps lowers production cost per ton and ensures consistent product quality.

How to Optimize Your Fertilizer Production Line?

In the competitive world of fertilizer manufacturing, operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness are paramount. Success—whether operating a complex npk fertilizer production line or a robust organic fertilizer production line—hinges on selecting the optimal equipment combination. The key question is: how do you maximize output while minimizing capital and operational expenses? Let’s analyze the strategies for building a profitable and efficient operation.

Key Equipment in a Fertilizer Production Line

  1. Fertilizer Crusher– The backbone of any production line, this machine breaks down raw materials into uniform particles, ensuring smoother processing in later stages.
  2. Fertilizer Screening Machine– After crushing, this device separates fine particles from oversized chunks, guaranteeing consistent product quality.
  3. Fertilizer Dryer & Cooler– Moisture control is critical. The dryer removes excess water, while the cooler stabilizes temperature, preventing nutrient loss.

Boosting Efficiency in NPK & Organic Fertilizer Production

To enhance NPK fertilizer manufacturing, a well-synchronized line should include:

– High-speed crushers for uniform raw material breakdown.

– Multi-layer vibrating screens for precise particle separation.

– Rotary dryers with heat recovery to reduce energy waste.

For organic fertilizer production, integrating a compost turner (like the Large Wheel Compost Turner) before crushing ensures faster decomposition, while low-temperature drying preserves microbial activity.

Cutting Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

To reduce organic fertilizer plant costs, consider:

– Combined drying & cooling systems to save space and energy.

– Adjustable screening machines to minimize waste.

– Automated controls to lower labor expenses.

By optimizing equipment selection and workflow, you can achieve higher yields, better quality, and lower operational costs—making your fertilizer business more competitive and sustainable.

Cost Analysis of Chicken Manure Fertilizer Processing in an Organic Fertilizer Production Line

Chicken manure is indeed a high-quality organic fertilizer raw material, rich in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, various trace elements, enzymes, and microorganisms. Through standardized aerobic composting processes, it effectively degrades organic matter, kills parasite eggs and pathogens, and renders it harmless and stable. This can then be produced into commercial organic fertilizer through an organic fertilizer production line, creating economic benefits for chicken farms while fundamentally addressing environmental pollution.

However, processing chicken manure into commercial organic fertilizer does involve certain production costs, which can be primarily categorized into the following aspects. First, equipment investment is the core, one-time investment. A complete production line typically includes fermentation and compost turning equipment, a crusher, a mixer, a granulator, a dryer, a cooler, a screener, and an automatic packaging machine. The choice of granulator significantly impacts cost and product form. For example, a rotary drum granulator offers high output, a disc granulator offers a high granulation rate, and a flat die granulator is suitable for organic materials. Different granulator models have varying prices and energy consumption. Secondly, the costs of the pretreatment and fermentation processes cannot be ignored. Fresh chicken manure is sticky and moist, typically with a moisture content exceeding 70%, while the optimal fermentation moisture content needs to be adjusted to 50%-60%. Therefore, a large amount of auxiliary materials (such as straw, sawdust, and mushroom residue) are often required to adjust the moisture and carbon-nitrogen ratios. The procurement, transportation, and crushing of these auxiliary materials all incur ongoing costs.

The initial equipment investment for processing chicken manure in an organic fertilizer production line is relatively high, and ongoing operations also require ongoing investment. The cost level depends largely on the production scale, the degree of automation, the availability and price of raw materials, and the positioning of the final product. For large-scale chicken farms, although the initial investment is high, in the long run, the comprehensive benefits of addressing environmental pressures and creating economic value by turning waste into resources are significant, making the cost acceptable.

Precautions for Using a Compost Turning Machine

As a core piece of equipment for material fermentation in an organic fertilizer production line, the proper use of a compost turning machine directly impacts production safety and fermentation efficiency. During daily operation, equipment inspection and parameter adjustment must be thoroughly monitored to ensure maximum performance.

A thorough pre-startup inspection is the first line of defense for safe operation. Check the tracks or running wheels for deviation and bolt connections for looseness. In particular, check for breakage or excessive wear on the turning blade assembly to prevent blades from falling off and causing damage to the equipment during operation. Also, clear the fermentation tank of hard objects such as rocks and metal to prevent them from becoming entangled in the turning mechanism and causing it to jam. Electrical system inspection is essential. Ensure cables are intact and grounding is reliable. Install a waterproof cover during rainy weather to prevent electrical leakage.

Parameter adjustment during operation is crucial for ensuring fermentation quality. Dynamically adjust the turning depth and frequency based on the material’s characteristics: High-protein materials like fresh livestock and poultry manure require more frequent turning to ensure ventilation and oxygen supply to prevent anaerobic decay. Crude fiber materials like straw can be turned more deeply to promote even mixing. The turning speed should be matched to the material’s moisture content. If the moisture content is too high, slow the turning speed to reduce clumping. Dry materials can be turned faster to improve efficiency.

Post-downtime maintenance determines the lifespan of the equipment.After each run, clean the blades and trough to prevent caking and compaction, which increases the load at the next start-up. Regularly lubricate bearings, chains, and other transmission components, and promptly replace severely worn parts. When the equipment is idle for extended periods, it should be stored in a dry location, the blades should be coated with anti-rust oil, and the electrical system should be disconnected from the power supply and dust-proofed.

Proper operation of a compost turning machine is not only essential for ensuring production safety, but also a scientific approach to improving fermentation efficiency and reducing operational costs, laying a solid foundation for the resource utilization of organic waste.

What is the production process of an organic fertilizer production line?

In terms of equipment, an organic fertilizer production line requires a fermentation compost turner, fertilizer crusher, fertilizer mixer, fertilizer granulator, fertilizer dryer, fertilizer cooler, fertilizer screening machine, fertilizer packaging machine, fertilizer conveyor, and fertilizer coating machine.

The raw materials used in organic fertilizer production vary widely, including livestock and poultry manure, municipal sewage sludge, and animal and plant residues. These raw materials are rich in organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other nutrients, providing essential nutrients for crop growth and are available at low prices.

How an organic fertilizer production line works:

Organic fertilizer processing primarily involves collecting, crushing, and mixing the raw materials. The raw materials are then mixed according to the desired formula, and the moisture content and carbon-nitrogen ratio are adjusted before the fermentation process begins.

Fermentation compost turning machines: Assist in turning the compost during the fermentation process, provide sufficient oxygen, and control the temperature to ensure uniform and thorough fermentation.

Fertilizer mixers: If the size and state of the fermented material are inconsistent, a semi-wet material grinder can be used for fine grinding.

Fertilizer Granulator: The crushed material is processed into uniformly sized organic fertilizer granules by the organic fertilizer granulator.

Fertilizer Cooler: After granulation, the organic fertilizer still contains approximately 30% moisture. To increase its strength, the granules need to be cooled for later storage and transportation.

Fertilizer Screening Machine: After granulation, a small number of unqualified granules, some too large and some too small, will be produced. The fertilizer screening machine is used to separate these granules. Oversized granules are returned to the fertilizer crusher, while undersized granules are returned to the fertilizer granulator for regranulation. Qualified granules are then sent to the automatic packaging machine.

Fertilizer Packaging Machine: The finished organic fertilizer granules are packaged by the automatic packaging machine, completing the entire process.

It should be noted that the above configuration is for a typical organic fertilizer production line and may not be suitable for all situations. In actual production applications, different manufacturers may have different requirements regarding site and raw materials, and adjustments may be required based on actual needs.  

What are the main components of an organic fertilizer production line?

Those familiar with organic fertilizer production lines can generally identify their components, but for those new to the industry, this may seem a bit vague. Today, Zhengzhou Huaqiang Heavy Industry will share with you the components of an organic fertilizer production line.
The crushing section of an organic fertilizer production line. Given the diversity of user raw materials, our organic fertilizer production line equipment is designed with a crushing section. During the equipment sales process, we found that many users use relatively dry chicken manure or pig manure as raw materials, and some even mix in other raw materials to reduce organic fertilizer production costs. Raw materials with excessively large particle sizes cannot be directly granulated. Therefore, before granulation, the raw materials must be crushed to achieve the desired granulation effect before they can be fed into the organic fertilizer granulator. Of course, for users with sufficiently fine raw materials, this step can be omitted when designing organic fertilizer equipment.
The granulator section of an organic fertilizer production line is the core component of the equipment, making it an essential component. The model of granulator to be selected depends on the user’s production volume. The drying section of the organic fertilizer production line. The granulation process requires that the material humidity be kept below 25%. Therefore, raw materials with an initial humidity above 25% should first enter the drying process, and then enter the granulation process after the dried material reaches the required humidity. Of course, users with sufficient material humidity can omit this step when designing organic fertilizer equipment.
In other parts of the organic fertilizer production line, after the pelletizer completes the processing, it is conveyed by a belt conveyor to a ball shaping machine for shaping, achieving a perfectly spherical shape and forming organic fertilizer granules. For users who require it, we can design a final packaging process to directly package the final product, thus achieving perfect automation of the entire fertilizer granulation process.

The unique working principle of the double roller press granulator

The reason why the double roller press granulator can occupy an important position in the organic fertilizer granulation equipment is inseparable from its unique working principle, which also allows it to show many advantages.  Its working process is clear and straightforward. First, the pre-treated dry powder raw material is conveyed between two relatively rotating rollers. The surface of this pair of rollers is usually provided with specific lines or grooves. Under the action of strong extrusion force, the raw material is tightly squeezed to form continuous flakes. These flakes then enter the crushing device and are crushed into particles of different sizes. Next, the particles will go through the screening stage, and the fine powder or large particles that do not meet the requirements will be separated and sent back to the granulation system, while the qualified particles will become the final product.

This working principle brings significant advantages. There is no need to add a lot of water, and the subsequent drying step is omitted, which not only saves energy, but also maintains the original nutritional content of the raw materials. The whole process is coherent and efficient, from the entry of raw materials to the output of qualified particles, which can be completed in one go and quickly meet production needs. At the same time, due to the physical extrusion granulation, it has strong adaptability to raw materials, and a variety of organic raw materials can be made into granules in this way.

The double roller press granulator has become an efficient and practical granulation choice in the organic fertilizer production line due to its scientific working principle, helping producers improve efficiency and ensure quality.