How to Select NPK Fertilizer Granulation Equipment

The selection of NPK fertilizer granulation equipment directly determines product quality, production efficiency, and overall cost.  A scientific decision must be made based on core factors such as raw material characteristics, production capacity, and product requirements. Current mainstream equipment includes double roller press granulators, disc granulators, and rotary drum granulators, each with its own suitable application scenario, requiring precise matching to production needs.

Raw material characteristics are the primary basis for selection. For dry inorganic fertilizer powders with a moisture content of less than 10%, a double roller press granulator is the preferred choice. It does not require the addition of binders, relying on high pressure for direct molding, resulting in high granule strength and low energy consumption. It is especially suitable for high-nitrogen and high-potassium formulations and hygroscopic materials. If processing lightweight fine powders or viscous materials such as peat or fermented animal manure, wet agglomeration equipment should be selected, such as a disc granulator or rotary drum granulator, which uses water or steam to roll and agglomerate the material into spheres. When processing corrosive raw materials, equipment with stainless steel or composite lining should be prioritized to extend service life.

Production capacity determines equipment specifications. For small enterprises or small-batch customized production, a disc granulator is recommended due to its compact structure and simple operation.  A single unit has a capacity of 5-15 tons/hour, meeting the needs of small and medium-sized enterprises. For large-scale continuous production, a rotary drum granulator should be chosen. A single unit can have an annual capacity of over 300,000 tons, with a stable granulation rate of around 70%, suitable for high, medium, and low concentration compound fertilizer production, and with relatively controllable investment costs.

In addition, cost-effectiveness and environmental requirements must also be considered. Double roller press granulators do not require a drying process, and their overall energy consumption is 30%-50% lower than rotary drum granulators, making them suitable for scenarios with high environmental requirements. Although rotary drum granulators require supporting drying equipment, their initial investment is lower, making them suitable for cost-sensitive enterprises. When selecting equipment, attention should also be paid to the difficulty of maintenance, prioritizing equipment with fewer wear parts and intelligent operation to reduce future operating costs. In summary, selecting the right NPK fertilizer granulator requires a comprehensive consideration of multiple factors to maximize production efficiency.