The document discusses the pelletization process of potash, emphasizing its advantages over traditional compaction granulation in producing a premium fertilizer product. Key steps include pre-conditioning, pelletization using a disc pelletizer, and drying to achieve uniform round pellets with reduced dust and faster nutrient delivery. The document also highlights the experience of the company in potash processing for over 60 years and offers an e-book for further information.

1. Pelletizing
Experts in process design and material
processing for over 60 years.
Potash

2. While compaction granulation is
the primary method used to
transform potash into a fertilizer
product, pelletization is gaining
popularity.

3. Pelletized potash offers a premium
product, with less dust and faster
nutrient delivery.

4. Unlike compaction granulation,
which uses pressure to create
granules, pelletization uses tumble
growth agglomeration to form
round pellets.

5. This process consists of three main steps:
Pre-conditioning

6. This process consists of three main steps:
Pre-conditioning Pelletization

7. This process consists of three main steps:
Pre-conditioning Pelletization Drying

8. Pre-Conditioning

9. In the pre-conditioning stage,
potash is conditioned in a
pin mixer.

10. Potash fines are fed into the pin mixer, with
the addition of a binder.

11. Potash fines are fed into the pin mixer, with
the addition of a binder.
The pin mixer uses an intense spinning
action to reduce air and water volume
between particles, creating densification in
the material.

12. Pelletization

13. After conditioning,
the densified
potash is fed onto a
disc pelletizer (or
“pan pelletizer”).

14. On the pelletizer, the potash rolls
against itself, creating uniform, round
pellets. Binder is again added to assist
in pellet formation and to create a
pellet with desired characteristics.

15. Once pellets have reached desired size,
they exit the pan and are ready for product
finalization.

16. Drying

17. Since moisture is added during the
pelletization process, drying is necessary. A
drying step finalizes the potash pellet,
reducing moisture and creating a final, dry
pellet.

18. This is commonly carried out in a rotary
dryer, an industrial dryer valued for its robust
build, longevity, and ability to accept
variance in feedstock.

19. Simplified Pelletizing Diagram
1. Raw feed
2. Pin/Paddle Mixer
3. Binder Feed
4. Spray Rate
5. Disc Pelletizer
6. Feed Onto Pelletizer
7. Binder Feed
8. Liquid Spray System
9. Transfer Conveyor
10. Rotary Dryer
11. Vibrating Screen
12. Oversize Mill
13. Recycle
14. Surge hopper

20. Pelletized potash offers a premium product
with two main advantages over granules
produced via compaction granulation:

21. Faster Nutrient Delivery
Due to a less dense form, pellets can break
down quickly, while still withstanding
transportation and handling.

22. Less Dust
Where compaction granules have jagged
edges prone to breaking off, round pellets
offer less opportunity for attrition, resulting
in less fines and dust.

23. has been working with potash for over 60
years, providing testing, process design
and development, and manufacturing of
potash processing equipment.
v
FEECO

24. Want to learn more?
Download our
Potash Processing
E-book.
Potash Processing E-book
Processing Techniques
Challenges
Material Characteristics
Maintenance
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