TY - JOUR
T1 - Optimisation of high shear granulation of multicomponent fertiliser using response surface methodology
AU - Mangwandi, Chirangano
AU - Albadarin, Ahmad B.
AU - Al-Muhtaseb, Ala'a H.
AU - Allen, Stephen J.
AU - Walker, Gavin M.
N1 - Copyright 2012 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PY - 2013/4/1
Y1 - 2013/4/1
N2 - This work describes a novel method of producing multicomponent fertiliser granules using high shear granulation. The granulation process was optimised using the response surface methodology technique. The variables used in the optimisation process include granulation time, batch size, impeller speed and binder concentration. Granulation time, binder concentration and interaction between the batch size and granulation time were found to be the main factors affecting the granule median size. The product yield is mainly influenced by granulation time and binder concentration. The interaction between the impeller speed and batch size also have a significant influence on the product yield. Product yield (2-4 mm) of approximately 60% could be obtained with high sphericity and granule strength (> 0.5 MPa). A low product recycle ratio of about 2:3 can be obtained at the optimised process conditions, compared to typical recycle rations of 6:1 which are obtained in typical fertiliser plants.
AB - This work describes a novel method of producing multicomponent fertiliser granules using high shear granulation. The granulation process was optimised using the response surface methodology technique. The variables used in the optimisation process include granulation time, batch size, impeller speed and binder concentration. Granulation time, binder concentration and interaction between the batch size and granulation time were found to be the main factors affecting the granule median size. The product yield is mainly influenced by granulation time and binder concentration. The interaction between the impeller speed and batch size also have a significant influence on the product yield. Product yield (2-4 mm) of approximately 60% could be obtained with high sphericity and granule strength (> 0.5 MPa). A low product recycle ratio of about 2:3 can be obtained at the optimised process conditions, compared to typical recycle rations of 6:1 which are obtained in typical fertiliser plants.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?partnerID=yv4JPVwI&eid=2-s2.0-84859931180&md5=154fc42f18ae886f1088bdde720cfc9c
U2 - 10.1016/j.powtec.2012.03.047
DO - 10.1016/j.powtec.2012.03.047
M3 - Article
VL - 238
SP - 142
EP - 150
JO - Powder Technology
JF - Powder Technology
SN - 0032-5910
IS - 2-3
ER -