In the production of potash fertilizers at the stages of pressing, crushing and drying, a large amount of dust is formed, which is called cyclone. This significantly worsens the consumer characteristics of the finished product. To solve this problem, scientists at the Perm Polytechnic University have proposed a method for the disposal and processing of potassium chloride dust through granulation. press service of the university. This method will improve the quality of fertilizers and reduce production costs.
Research scientists published In the magazine “News of higher educational institutions. Series: chemistry and chemical technology", 2022.
On average, the amount of cyclone dust is 10-20% of commercial potassium chloride. At the same time, it constantly circulates during the production process, increasing the dust content in the room. This leads to additional difficulties in conducting the technological process and complicates the working conditions of the personnel. As a solution to the problem, granulation technology can be used - the transformation of dust into a bulk product - using various reagents as a binder.
— The choice of reagents is a rather complex problem, since it has a significant impact on the granulation process, product quality and economic efficiency of production. For our studies, we used lignosulfonate (LST), a product of the technological processing of cellulose. This reagent is used as a binder in the granulation of fertilizers, feed additives, building and polymer composite materials, - says Maria Cherepanova, Candidate of Technical Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Chemical Technologies of PNRPU.
After conducting a series of experiments, the scientists of the Perm Polytechnic University evaluated the effect of the concentration and consumption of the binder on the strength of the granules, and also determined the optimal time and temperature parameters for drying the granular product. Thus, scientists obtained the maximum size of the granules, which amounted to 0,7 by 5 mm, and their number exceeded 58%.
The results of the study by Perm scientists will help reduce the amount of unsuitable product and lead to a decrease in the economic costs of production. Also, the data obtained will increase the productivity of potash fertilizers, which is especially important for the agricultural industry.