Tag: disc granulator machine

Why choose a disc granulator for granulation?

Disc granulators have always held a crucial position in granulation production in industries such as fertilizer, metallurgy, and building materials, becoming the preferred equipment for many companies. They offer numerous irreplaceable advantages.

In terms of granulation performance, disc granulators are considered “precision granulation experts.” The rotating disc drives the material in a circular motion. The combined effects of centrifugal force, gravity, and friction evenly coat the material with water or binder, resulting in a finished product with uniform size and high roundness. Compared to other granulation equipment, disc granulators produce granules with moderate strength and resistance to breakage. These granules maintain excellent condition during subsequent storage, transportation, and use, effectively improving product quality and market competitiveness.

Another key advantage of disc granulators is their ease of operation. With a simple structure consisting solely of a rotating disc and transmission mechanism, routine operation requires no complex technical skills and can be mastered by workers after a short training period. Furthermore, its operation is stable, with a low failure rate. Even if minor issues do occur, repairs are relatively simple, significantly reducing downtime, ensuring continuous and efficient production, and minimizing losses caused by equipment failure.

Disc granulators also offer significant advantages in terms of cost and energy consumption. Their relatively low manufacturing cost allows small and medium-sized enterprises to install advanced granulation equipment without a high investment. Furthermore, their low energy consumption during operation significantly reduces electricity, fuel, and other energy consumption compared to other granulation equipment with the same production capacity. Long-term use can help companies reduce production costs and increase profitability.

Disc granulators are also widely applicable, effectively adapting to fertilizer production lines such as organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer, as well as granulating industrial materials such as ore powder and coal powder. This “one machine, multiple uses” feature eliminates the need for companies to purchase separate equipment for different materials, further reducing equipment investment and improving resource utilization.

With its outstanding comprehensive performance, disc granulators are an ideal choice for granulation production, helping various industries achieve high-quality and efficient granulation operations.

How does a disc granulator granulate?

As a key piece of equipment in fertilizer production lines, the disc granulator, with its efficient and stable granulation capabilities, has become a core device for granular material production. Its granulation process follows the scientific logic of “agglomeration – growth – shaping,” achieving precise conversion of raw materials into granules through precise control.

The first step in granulation is raw material pretreatment. Powdered raw materials (such as fertilizer raw materials) are mixed with an appropriate amount of binder (water, starch solution, etc.) to form a wet material with a moisture content of 15%-25%. The mixed wet material is evenly transported by a conveyor belt to the inclined granulation disc. The disc’s tilt angle is typically controlled between 35° and 55°, a value proven through numerous experiments to balance material tumbling efficiency and pellet residence time.

In the core granulation stage, the disc rotates at a constant speed of 10-20 rpm. Under the combined effects of centrifugal force, gravity, and friction, the wet material spirals upward along the inner wall of the disc. During the rotation, the fine powder continuously absorbs surrounding materials, gradually forming small particles with a diameter of 1-3 mm, known as “master particles.” As the disc continues to rotate, the master particles continuously “engulf” the surrounding powder through collision and compression, growing larger like a snowball. The operator monitors the particle size in real time through an observation window. When the particle diameter reaches the target value of 3-8 mm, the disc’s tilt angle and rotational force are used to automatically cause mature particles to overflow from the disc edge, completing the initial granulation process.

The overflowing particles are not immediately finished products; they undergo subsequent optimization steps. The overflowing wet particles first enter a dryer to remove moisture in a hot air environment of 80-120°C. They are then screened by a sieving machine to separate the broken particles from the larger particles that do not meet the particle size requirements. The broken particles are then returned to the raw material system for re-granulation.

The disc speed, tilt angle, and material moisture content are three key parameters throughout the granulation process. Too fast a rotation speed can easily lead to particle breakage, while too slow a rotation speed results in low granulation efficiency. Too large an angle can cause premature overflow, while too small a rotation angle can result in excessive retention time. By precisely controlling these parameters, the disc granulator can achieve a granulation success rate of over 90%, providing an efficient and stable granule forming solution for organic fertilizer production lines.

Three Core Application Scenarios for Disc Granulators

Due to their high pellet formation rate and highly adjustable parameters, disc granulators have expanded beyond the traditional fertilizer sector to diverse applications such as environmental protection and metallurgy, becoming a “universal device” for material formation across multiple industries. Their differentiated adaptability to various application scenarios is their core competitive advantage.

Agriculture is the primary market for disc granulators, with each specific application focusing on its own specific niche. In organic fertilizer production lines, for fibrous materials such as livestock and poultry manure and straw, the equipment requires rubber-lined discs with anti-sticking walls, an inclination angle of 35°-40°, and a humic acid binder to achieve efficient granulation at a moisture content of 15%-18%. Compound fertilizer applications require even higher corrosion resistance. 304 stainless steel discs, combined with an atomizing spray system, precisely control the adhesion of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium mixtures, ensuring pellet roundness that meets high fertilization standards.

In the field of environmental solid waste treatment, disc granulators have become a key component in resource utilization. When processing municipal sludge, the equipment first reduces the sludge’s moisture content to below 20% through a preheating system. Then, using bentonite as a binder, the equipment, operating at a speed of 18-20 rpm, converts the sludge into spherical pellets suitable for incineration or landfill. For the treatment of industrial solid waste such as steel slag and slag, wear-resistant ceramic-lined discs can withstand the impact of high-hardness materials. Combined with a powerful scraper, they ensure uniform mixing of the ore powder and binder, effectively improving solid waste utilization.

Mineral powder granulation in the metallurgical industry places stringent requirements on equipment stability. For high-density materials such as iron ore concentrate and manganese ore fines, disc granulators utilize a thickened steel frame with an adjustable tilt angle of 40°-45°. A high-frequency vibrating distributor ensures uniform feeding and ensures the compressive strength of the ore powder pellets meets the feed requirements for blast furnace smelting. Furthermore, for the granulation of rare earth materials, the equipment must be equipped with a sealed dust cover to prevent leakage of ultrafine powder and ensure a safe production environment.

From agriculture to environmental protection to metallurgy, the disc granulator continues to expand its application boundaries through customized adjustments of materials, parameters, and supporting systems. In the future, with the integration of new materials technology, its application potential in refined fields such as medicine and food additives will be further released.

Standard Operation of a Disc Granulator in Organic Fertilizer Production

The disc granulator, a core component of the organic fertilizer production line, acts as a “shaping craftsman.” Every step directly impacts pellet quality and safe and stable production. To maximize the performance of this critical piece of equipment, a rigorous and organized standard operating procedure is essential.

The 10 minutes before startup are essential. First, inspect the equipment: check for cracks or loosening on the disc liner, ensure adequate lubrication of transmission components (oil level should be 1/2-2/3 of the mark), and tighten the anchor bolts to prevent loosening. Prepare the raw materials: control the moisture content to 25%-35% (if too high, air dry; if too low, add water). Screen out impurities larger than 5mm to prevent clogging. Finally, perform a safety inspection, clear surrounding debris, securely close the guardrails, test the emergency stop button and overload device, and ensure proper functioning of the electrical circuits and instruments.

The 5-minute startup operation must be performed in a sequential manner. First, start auxiliary equipment such as the raw material conveyor and humidifier. Once these equipment stabilizes, start the granulator’s main motor to avoid damage caused by load. Adjust the disc inclination angle according to the material (lower for clay, higher for organic matter, 45°-55°). Set the speed to 15-20 r/min. Once the disc granulator stabilizes, slowly open the feed valve. Initially, feed at 60% of the rated capacity.

Continuous monitoring is required during operation. Check pellet formation every 10 minutes. Acceptable particle size is 2-5mm. If the pellets are too fine, reduce the feed rate or increase the inclination angle. If there is sticking, reduce the water content. Record parameters every 30 minutes. If the motor current is ≤ 90% of the rated value and the bearing temperature is ≤ 65°C, immediately shut down the machine for investigation.

The minimum shutdown time is 15 minutes. First, close the feed valve, drain the material, turn off the humidifier and main motor, clean any remaining material, inspect components for wear, and keep a maintenance log.

During the entire disc granulator operation, operators must strictly adhere to safety procedures at all times, wear dust masks and hard hats, and never open the guardrail while the machine is running. Only by implementing standardized procedures at every stage can safe and efficient organic fertilizer production be truly achieved.

Practical Strategies for Improving the Efficiency of Disc Granulators in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

In organic fertilizer production lines, the efficiency of disc granulators directly impacts overall production capacity and finished product quality. To maximize equipment performance, systematic optimization is necessary, encompassing multiple aspects, including material compatibility, parameter control, and standardized operation. Specifically, these four key areas can be addressed.

First, effective material pretreatment is fundamental. Organic fertilizer raw materials, such as livestock and poultry manure and straw, often exhibit uneven moisture content and coarse particle size. Dehydration through extrusion or atomization is essential to precisely control the material moisture content to 35%-45%. This avoids low moisture content, which can lead to difficult pellet formation and high reject rates, or high moisture content, which can cause pellet sticking. Furthermore, a hammer mill combined with a vibrating screen can be used to refine the material to a particle size of 80-120 mesh, removing impurities and coarse particles, reducing granulation resistance, and clearing obstacles for subsequent processes.

Second, scientifically adjusting equipment parameters is crucial. The disc inclination angle and speed should be adjusted flexibly based on the material characteristics. Typically, the inclination angle is set at 18°-22°, and the speed is controlled between 15-25 rpm. For highly viscous materials, the inclination angle can be increased and the speed increased to reduce wall sticking. For dry materials, the inclination angle and speed should be reduced to ensure adequate rolling and forming of the pellets. Furthermore, installing an atomizing spray system allows moisture to be evenly applied to the material surface, preventing overwetting and improving pellet uniformity and forming speed.

Furthermore, standardized operational management is essential. Operators must strictly adhere to the procedures of pre-startup inspection, monitoring during operation, and post-shutdown cleaning. Before starting the machine, check bearing lubrication and disc levelness. During startup, control the material feed rate to avoid overloading and resulting in particle size fluctuations. If problems such as overfine particles or wall sticking are detected, fine-tune parameters promptly to minimize downtime and ensure continuous and stable operation.

Finally, regular maintenance can extend the life of the equipment and maintain high efficiency. Clean the discs of residual material and inspect the liner for wear daily. Tighten the liner screws and adjust the drive belt tension weekly. Replace the bearing lubricant and test the motor performance monthly. Promptly replacing worn parts prevents minor faults from becoming major problems, ensuring the disc granulator is always in optimal working condition and helping improve the quality and efficiency of your organic fertilizer production line.

Why is the disc granulator the preferred choice for organic fertilizer production lines?

For the granulation stage of organic fertilizer production lines, disc granulators are the preferred equipment for most manufacturers due to their outstanding advantages, including strong adaptability, high granulation quality, and low operating costs. This equipment not only precisely matches the characteristics of organic fertilizer raw materials but also balances production efficiency and product quality, providing critical support for stable production line operation.

In terms of raw material compatibility, disc granulators are far more compatible with organic fertilizer materials than other equipment. Organic fertilizer raw materials are mostly loose, fibrous materials such as livestock and poultry manure and composted straw, which have large moisture fluctuations. By precisely matching the inclination angle and rotation speed, the disc granulator utilizes the dual effects of the material’s own gravity and centrifugal force to gradually roll the loose material into granules. This eliminates the need for excessive compression, which damages the fiber structure. Furthermore, the disc granulator can accommodate raw materials of varying particle sizes, eliminating the need for frequent adjustments to equipment parameters and significantly reducing operational complexity.

Granulation quality is the core reason for choosing a disc granulator. High-quality organic fertilizer granules require a smooth surface, moderate hardness, and good water solubility for easy storage, transportation, and field application. The disc granulator’s granulation process utilizes a “rolling granulation” mechanism, with the pellets continuously tumbling within the disc. This not only ensures uniform nutrient coating but also creates pellets with consistent density, resulting in a high yield rate. Furthermore, the pellet diameter can be flexibly controlled by adjusting the disc speed, meeting the fertilization needs of different crops.

From a cost-effectiveness perspective, the disc granulator also offers significant advantages. Its simple structure, consisting solely of a disc, transmission, and frame, reduces failure rates and reduces maintenance costs compared to extrusion granulators. In terms of energy consumption, the power output of each unit is moderate, and the energy consumption per unit product is significantly lower than other granulation equipment. Furthermore, the disc granulator’s small footprint allows for flexible integration into production lines of varying sizes. Whether small or medium-sized family farms or large organic fertilizer producers, they can choose the appropriate model based on their production capacity needs, maximizing investment returns.

In response to the demand for green agriculture, the disc granulator, through its efficient and energy-efficient granulation method, helps improve the quality of organic fertilizer products, becoming a crucial link between agricultural waste resource utilization and green farming.

How to Choose the Right Disc Granulator for Your Production Line

In fertilizer production lines, the choice of disc granulator directly impacts production capacity and product quality. Combining the technical specifications and application characteristics of Huaqiang Heavy Industry’s disc granulators, a sound selection requires focusing on four key dimensions.

First, precisely matching production needs is crucial. Equipment requirements vary significantly across industries. For the fertilizer industry, when producing organic fertilizer, rubber or polyurethane-lined models are preferred to avoid corrosion and accommodate fermentable materials like livestock and poultry manure. The recommended rotational speed is 10-18 rpm to preserve organic matter activity. For inorganic compound fertilizer production, ensuring uniform feed distribution and a consistent mixing of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is crucial. Production capacity selection should be based on specific parameters. For example, a small workshop with an hourly production capacity of 0.05-0.15 tons should choose the ZL-500 model, while a large factory with a production capacity of 3.5-6 tons should opt for the ZL-3600 model. A 10%-15% capacity margin should be reserved to account for seasonal fluctuations.

Second, pay close attention to the core configuration details of the equipment. The drive system determines operational stability. For example, the ZL-3600 model, equipped with an 18.5kW motor and a 10r/min speed, can accommodate high-load granulation needs. The disc inclination angle should be adjustable from 30° to 60°, allowing for flexible adjustment based on material viscosity. For example, highly viscous mineral powders require a larger inclination angle of around 50° to reduce wall sticking. The water spray system should be equipped with multiple sets of adjustable nozzles to ensure a stable moisture content of 10%-20% to prevent loose particles and agglomeration. This is crucial for the strength of fertilizer pellets and the quality of metallurgical mineral powder pellets.

Furthermore, a comprehensive assessment of the manufacturer’s capabilities is crucial. Prefer companies like Huaqiang Heavy Industry that have comprehensive production capabilities. Their 12 disc granulator models cover varying production capacity requirements and allow customers to visit their factory for a firsthand understanding of the equipment’s production processes and quality control procedures. Also, consider whether the manufacturer offers customized services.

Finally, prioritize after-sales service and supporting support. Confirm whether the manufacturer offers free installation, commissioning, and operator training to prevent production disruptions caused by improper operation. Equipment packaging must meet transportation standards, such as packaging the main unit bare to minimize impacts and plywood boxes for electrical components. Customized wooden boxes can be used for special transportation needs. Furthermore, the inventory cycle and warranty policy for consumable parts such as nozzles and inner linings must be clearly defined to ensure long-term stable operation of the equipment and reduce future maintenance costs.

Common Problems and Solutions for Disc Granulators in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

Disc granulators are widely used in organic fertilizer production lines due to their advantages, such as uniform granulation and low cost. However, in actual operation, they are susceptible to various factors, leading to various problems that affect production efficiency and product quality.

Improper control of raw material moisture is a primary challenge. If the moisture content is too high, the raw material will easily clump on the inner wall of the disc, forming large, adhered masses. This not only prevents proper granulation but also increases the difficulty of equipment cleaning. If the moisture content is too low, the raw material will have poor flowability, making it difficult to agglomerate into granules, resulting in loose and easily broken granules. To address this issue, precise control of the raw material moisture content using a moisture meter before granulation is required. Typically, the moisture content is maintained at a stable level of 25%-35%. If the moisture content is not within this range, it should be adjusted promptly using a dryer or humidifier.

Improper disc inclination and rotation speed can also cause problems. If the inclination angle is too large, the raw materials will stay in the disc too short, causing the particles to be discharged before they have time to fully round, resulting in irregularly shaped finished particles. If the inclination angle is too small, the raw materials will pile up, easily causing “sticking” and affecting normal equipment operation. Excessive rotational speed will subject the raw materials to excessive centrifugal force, preventing effective agglomeration. Too slow rotational speed will significantly reduce granulation efficiency. Generally, the disc inclination angle should be adjusted to 35°-45° and the rotational speed to 15-20 rpm, depending on the raw material characteristics. These parameters should be gradually optimized through trial production.

In addition, uneven mixing of raw materials can also affect granulation performance. If the organic raw materials and auxiliary materials are not fully mixed, nutrient imbalances in certain areas can lead to poor granulation quality and uneven particle size. This requires the use of high-efficiency mixing equipment before granulation to ensure that the raw materials are mixed uniformly to a level above 90%. Regular inspection of the mixing blades of the mixing equipment should also be performed to prevent blade wear that may reduce mixing efficiency.

In response to these common problems, a complete inspection mechanism needs to be established during production, and the operating status of the equipment and raw material indicators should be checked regularly, and the process parameters should be adjusted in time to ensure the stable operation of the disc granulator and improve the quality of the finished organic fertilizer.

Benefits of Using a Disc Granulator in Organic Fertilizer Production Lines

Among the core equipment in organic fertilizer production lines, disc granulators are the preferred choice for many companies, especially small and medium-sized production lines, due to their strong adaptability, high-quality granulation, and convenient operation. They significantly improve production efficiency and product quality.

The disc granulator‘s most prominent advantage is its excellent granulation performance. Its unique disc structure uses the synergistic effect of centrifugal force and gravity to create a stable “rolling granulation zone” within the disc, achieving a granulation rate exceeding 90%, far exceeding that of some extrusion granulation equipment. The resulting granules are not only highly rounded and smooth, but also uniform in size (typically controlled within 2-5mm). This not only prevents nutrient loss due to granule breakage during transportation, but also meets the granule shape requirements of mechanized fertilization, significantly enhancing product market acceptance.

Secondly, it offers excellent raw material compatibility. Organic fertilizer raw materials come from a wide range of sources, from decomposed chicken manure and cow dung to straw powder and mushroom residue, with widely varying composition. The disc granulator can easily adapt to different raw material characteristics by adjusting the disc inclination angle (45°-55°), rotation speed (15-20 rpm), and feed rate.

Disc granulators also offer significant advantages in terms of operation and cost. The device boasts a simple structure, with the disc and drive system as its core components. Routine maintenance requires only regular inspections of bearing wear and disc flatness, resulting in maintenance costs approximately 30% lower than those of a drum granulator. Furthermore, its energy consumption is low, with a single unit consuming approximately 5-10 kWh per hour. This makes it suitable for the production needs of small and medium-sized production lines (with a single unit capable of flexibly adjusting daily output to 5-20 tons). The investment threshold is significantly lower than that of large-scale drum granulation equipment, enabling companies to quickly achieve operational and profitability.

Disc granulators also align with green production trends. Their enclosed design reduces dust emission from raw materials, and combined with a spray moisturizing system, they effectively control dust pollution during the production process. Some units can also be integrated into the production line’s waste heat recovery system, further reducing energy consumption. For organic fertilizer production companies that pursue high efficiency, economy and environmental protection, disc granulator is undoubtedly the ideal choice to balance quality and cost.

Why Choose a Disc Granulator for Granulation?

In industries requiring granular materials, such as fertilizers, building materials, and metallurgy, the choice of granulation equipment directly impacts production efficiency and product quality. Disc granulators, with their numerous advantages, have become the preferred equipment for many companies.

In terms of granulation efficiency, disc granulators excel. Their unique disc design allows the material to quickly form a stable trajectory during rotation, shortening the time it takes for the material to aggregate and granulate. For example, in fertilizer production, under similar operating conditions, a disc granulator can process dozens of tons of raw materials per hour, increasing efficiency by over 30% compared to traditional granulation equipment. This significantly reduces production cycle time and meets the needs of large-scale production.

Granulation quality is a key consideration when choosing a granulator, and disc granulators offer significant advantages in this regard. By precisely controlling the disc’s rotational speed, inclination, and material moisture content, they achieve uniform granule size, typically maintaining a stable diameter of 2-5 mm. The granules are also strong and resistant to breakage. This characteristic is particularly important in fertilizer production. High-quality granulated fertilizers are not only easy to store and transport, but also ensure uniform nutrient release, improving fertilizer utilization and enhancing product market competitiveness.

The disc granulator’s wide range of applications is a key factor in its popularity. It can efficiently adapt to applications ranging from organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer production lines to the processing of building materials such as cement and expanded clay, and even to the granulation of metal ore powders. Different materials require only adjustments to relevant parameters, eliminating the need for large-scale replacement of equipment components. This reduces equipment costs associated with producing different products and enhances production flexibility.

Disc granulators also offer advantages in terms of energy consumption and cost. Their relatively simple structure and low power consumption during operation can reduce energy costs per ton of material produced by 15%-20% compared to other types of granulators. Furthermore, the equipment’s low manufacturing and maintenance costs, along with the limited number of wearing parts and easy replacement, reduce ongoing operating expenses and offer significant financial savings.

Overall, the disc granulator‘s advantages in efficiency, quality, applicability, and cost make it an ideal choice for granulation production.

Back To Top