The rotary drum granulator is central to modern fertilizer production, but it demands specific material properties. Knowing these is key to better efficiency and consistent product quality.
1.Physical Requirements
Raw material powder should be 80–200 mesh (180–75 μm). Particles that are too large or too small hurt both granule formation and strength. Good powder flow is also needed for even spreading inside the rotary drum granulator. Moisture content needs to stay between 2% and 5%—too much causes clumping, too little makes stable granules hard to form.
2.Chemical Makeup and Reaction Behavior
Fertilizer materials should dissolve moderately. Fully soluble or insoluble substances both complicate granulation. Materials with some clay minerals or organic matter form more stable granules. Neutral or slightly acidic pH usually gives the best results.
3.Heat Stability and Binding Ability
Since heat (60–80°C) is often used during granulation, materials must handle it without breaking down. They also need just the right stickiness—adjustable with binders like lignosulfonates.
4.Final Granule Quality
Good fertilizer pellets should have:Uniform size (1.5–4 mm), 90% granulation rate, 10 Newton/pellet crush strength, <2% dust content. Their surface should be smooth and dense, with an even internal structure for controlled nutrient release.
In short, knowing what a rotary drum granulator needs from your materials helps fine-tune your process—so you’ll get better pellets, more reliably.