Compound fertilizers compaction granulation

Fig. 6.6-25 Flow diagram of a plant combining fertilizer bulk blending (2-7) and compaction/ granulation (8-27). 1, front-end loader input of components 2, 8, 18, bucket elevators 3, distributor 4, silos for components 5, compounding scale 6, blender 7, bulk blend receiving hopper (courtesy Sackett, Baltimore, USA). 9, mill for feed homogenization 10, feed bin 11, 27, screw conveyors 12, belt mixer 13, metal separators 14, 25,...

The economics of the four basic compound fertilizer production processes (bulk blending, compaction granulation, steam/water granulation, and chemical granulation) are compared in terms of (1) required fixed captal investment, (2) conversion cost (not including raw materials), and (3) production cost (conversion cost plus raw material cost). The premises and assumptions used in this evaluation and a discussion of the main economic characteristics of the processes follow. 

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