Optimizing ring die granulators: Key measures to boost organic fertilizer output

The ring die granulator is a core piece of equipment in organic fertilizer production lines. Its performance directly affects pellet formation rate, production efficiency, and product quality. Optimizing it not only increases output but also cuts energy use and lowers maintenance costs.

1.Die Hole Size and Compression Ratio
Adjust hole size based on material properties: Different organic raw materials (like livestock manure, straw, or sludge) have varying viscosity and moisture levels, requiring different hole sizes (typically 2.5–6 mm).
Optimize compression ratio: Too high a ratio increases energy use; too low affects pellet hardness. Adjust based on material (generally 1:5–1:8).
2.Raw Material Moisture and Fineness
Control moisture at 20%–30%: Too high causes clogging; too low hampers shaping. Adjust through drying or water spraying.
Keep particle size ≤1mm: Finer material improves granulation, reduces return rate, and boosts output.

3.Roller and Die Compatibility
Set roller gap (0.1–0.3mm): Too wide lowers forming rate; too narrow speeds up wear.
Check roller wear regularly: Uneven wear causes inconsistent pellets. Replace or repair promptly.
4.High-Quality Wear-Resistant Materials
Use alloy steel or carburized rings to improve wear resistance and extend service life.
Apply surface hardening to rollers to reduce friction and replacement frequency.

By rationally adjusting the ring die parameters, optimizing raw material processing, and strengthening equipment maintenance, the output and stability of the fertilizer granulator can be significantly improved. This improves efficiency while lowering operating costs, delivering greater value for producers.

Analysis of the Complete Fertilizer Production Process on an Organic Fertilizer Production Line

Organic fertilizer production lines use scientific processes to transform agricultural and livestock waste into high-quality fertilizer, achieving resource recycling. The entire production process revolves around four core steps: raw material processing – composting – forming – packaging, and each step directly impacts fertilizer quality.

The first step is raw material pretreatment. The production line collects raw materials such as livestock manure, straw, and mushroom residue, and uses screening equipment to remove impurities such as stones and plastic to prevent them from affecting subsequent processes. Next, a crusher is used to pulverize the straw and other coarse fiber materials to a particle size of 5-10mm. The material is then mixed with livestock manure in a ratio of approximately 3:7. A small amount of fermentation inoculant is added, adjusting the carbon-nitrogen ratio to 25:1-30:1 and controlling the moisture content to 50%-60%, laying the foundation for fermentation and composting.

The second step is fermentation and composting. The mixed raw materials are transported to the fermentation workshop and stacked in windrow or tank-type fermentation equipment. During the fermentation process, a compost turning machine regularly turns the material to ensure adequate oxygen and regulate the temperature. The entire fermentation cycle lasts approximately 20-30 days. After composting, the material transforms into a dark brown, odorless humus. It then passes through a cooling device to a temperature below 30°C to prevent nutrient loss during subsequent processing.
The third step is further processing and shaping. The cooled composted material is first crushed to a particle size of 2-3mm in a fine grinder. It is then mixed with a small amount of auxiliary materials such as bentonite and humic acid in a mixer to enhance the fertilizer’s stability. The material then enters the granulation stage, where a rotary drum or disc granulator physically agglomerates the material into 2-5mm granules. The granules are then dried (controlled at 60-80°C) to reduce moisture to below 15%, cooled in a cooler, and screened to separate unqualified particles. The fine powder is then returned to the granulator for reuse.
The finished product is then packaged. Qualified pellets are transported to the packaging workshop, where an automatic packaging machine weighs and seals them into 25kg or 50kg packages, producing finished organic fertilizer.
In short, the organic fertilizer production line, through standardized and mechanized full-process control, efficiently transforms waste into high-quality fertilizer, contributing to environmental protection while providing green nutrients for agriculture.

The entire process of organic fertilizer production in agriculture

Organic fertilizer production is an ecological cycle of “turning waste into treasure.” Organic fertilizer production lines transform agricultural waste into nutrients that nourish the soil, and the entire process is guided by a green and environmentally friendly philosophy.
The first step in production is the collection and mixing of raw materials. Common raw materials include plant residues such as crop straw, rice husks, and peanut shells, as well as livestock manure such as chicken, cow, and sheep manure. These raw materials must be strategically combined to achieve a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of approximately 30:1, for example, a straw-to-manure ratio of approximately 3:1. A small amount of wood ash is added to adjust the pH and create a suitable environment for microbial activity.
Next, the fermentation and composting stage begins, the core of organic fertilizer production. The mixed raw materials are transferred to a fermentation silo where they are regularly stirred by a turning device to maintain a temperature of 55-65°C. This temperature not only kills pathogens, insect eggs, and weed seeds, but also stimulates microbial activity. After 20-30 days of composting, the raw materials will gradually darken and soften, emitting a faint earthy odor, indicating that the organic matter has been fully decomposed.
The composted material needs to be refined. First, it is crushed into a fine powder by a crusher to remove impurities and large particles. Then it enters the granulation stage, where a granulator is used to make the powder into granules with a diameter of 2-5 mm for easy storage and application. Finally, it is screened by a screening device to separate the qualified granules, and the unqualified crushed materials are returned for reprocessing.
The finished product also undergoes quality inspection, testing for organic matter content, pH, and heavy metal content to ensure compliance with national standards. Qualified organic fertilizer granules are uniform, have a moderate moisture content (approximately 20%), and slowly release trace elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium and magnesium.
The entire production process utilizes agricultural waste as a resource, addressing environmental pollution while replenishing natural nutrients to the soil. This “take from the field, return to the field” model is the key to the sustainable development of organic agriculture.

The complete process of organic fertilizer crusher processing: Efficient grinding technology

The fertilizer crusher is a core piece of equipment in an organic fertilizer production line. Its processing directly affects the quality of the final product and production efficiency.

1.Raw Material Pre-Treatment Stage

Moisture Control: Keep material moisture content between 30% and 50%. Too dry creates dust; too wet reduces crushing efficiency.

Impurity Removal: Remove hard impurities like stones or metal manually or mechanically.

Initial Crushing: Break down large chunks to reduce the crusher’s workload.

2.Core Workflow

Feeding System: A conveyor belt feeds material evenly into the crushing chamber.

High-Speed Crushing: The rotor spins at 1,500–3,000 rpm, using hammers or blades to strike materials.

Screening: Crushed material passes through a sieve (usually 3–10mm holes).

Recycling: Oversized material stays in the chamber for further grinding.

3.Key Process Control Points

Speed Adjustment: Lower speed for fibrous materials; higher speed for brittle ones.

Sieve Selection: Choose sieve hole size based on required particle size.

Temperature Monitoring: Keep bearing temperature below 75°C to avoid overheating.

Current Monitoring: Unusual motor current may indicate blockage or malfunction.

4.Finished Product Quality Standards

Uniform particle size: ≥90% passes through the target sieve. No visible unprocessed chunks. Fibrous materials ≤5mm in length. Moisture content variance within ±2%.

By properly controlling process parameters and strictly following procedures, the fertilizer crusher can maintain peak performance. This lays a solid foundation for subsequent steps like fermentation and granulation.

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.

Comparison between trough compost turners and crawler compost turners

In the composting equipment of organic fertilizer production lines, compost turning machine and windrow compost turning machine have their own advantages. Choosing suitable equipment can make production efficiency more efficient.

In terms of application scenarios,compost turning machines are suitable for fixed-site operations and need to be used in conjunction with fermentation tanks. The width of a single tank is usually 3-5 meters and the depth is 1-1.5 meters. They are suitable for large-scale and standardized production bases, especially in the continuous fermentation line of organic fertilizer plants. Windrow compost turning machines are experts in mobile operations. The crawler design enables them to shuttle freely in muddy sites without the need for preset fermentation tanks. The pile height can reach more than 1.5 meters.

Each has its own focus on operating efficiency. The compost turning machine relies on chain transmission to drive the turning and throwing teeth. The hourly processing capacity can reach 50-100 tons. The turning and throwing depth is uniform, the material is highly broken, and oxygen can be fully integrated. The fermentation cycle can be shortened to 7-10 days. Windrow compost turning machines rely on hydraulically driven rotating blades to process 30-80 tons per hour. Although the efficiency per hour is slightly lower, they can adapt to irregular piles and have a small turning radius. Their flexibility in operation on complex sites far exceeds that of trough compost turners.

There are obvious differences in operation and maintenance. Compost turning machines require regular adjustment of chain tension and monthly lubrication of sprocket bearings. Due to fixed operations, the replacement cycle of wear parts is relatively long. Windrow compost turning machines require weekly inspection of track tightness and grease of blade bearings every 100 hours, but their modular design makes replacement of wearing parts more convenient and less time-consuming for daily maintenance.

In terms of energy consumption and cost, compost turning machines have 15%-20% lower energy consumption per unit of processing capacity, but they need to invest in fermentation tank construction in the early stage. Windrow compost turning machines have low initial investment, and mobile operations save site renovation costs, making them suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Both can meet the requirements of harmless compost treatment. The compost turning machine is suitable for large-scale and standardized production, while the windrow compost turning machine is suitable for flexible and changeable operation scenarios. Only by choosing according to your own production needs can you make compost treatment efficient and economical, and help the development of green industry.