Processing fines prompts advances in compaction technology Fertilizer industry producers mine ore
of the Mannheim process. Therefore,
Ludman’s corrugations capture
both underground and on the earth’s
how do farmers transport and spread
more product and mitigate
surface, and chemists and process
such a fine product onto their fields?
adverse roll speed factors. This
engineers utilize numerous processes
Farm fertilizer applications require
approach maintains higher
to yield product for distribution on
product with high granular integrity,
production volumes, while
farm land. One example involves the
uniform size and shape, no dust, yet
creating dense product.
creation of K 2SO4 (SOP) through the
highly solubility in water. Agglomera-
Leblanc process, more specifically,
tion processes, such as roll compac-
the Mannheim process. This process
tion, densifies highly fine powder into
creates premium potassium fertilizer
granular particles that can be stored,
required for healthy plant growth and
shipped to and distributed by farm-
plant metabolism. It promotes opti-
ers throughout the world, including
mized crop yield and higher-quality
billions of acres.
produce. Farmers typically use SOP
• Synchronous roll technology to increase system yield and lower cost of ownership — Deep Groove technology employs consistent corrugation patterns that, likewise lead to consistent product. Maintaining
for high-value fruit farming with chlo-
Sulfates require high pressure per lin-
geometric product shape in
ride-sensitive crops such as grapes,
ear inch to compact product uniform-
congruence with total roll
beans, berries, and legumes. SOP,
ly and with low friability. Compacting
control involves synchronizing
known for its abrasiveness, is typical-
fine abrasive material presents chal-
ly extremely fine particle size distribu-
lenges, solved by rugged reliable ma-
tion (PSD), following the completion
chines, like Ludman Industries Roll Compactors. Ludman develops and invests in leading industry technology to provide the best roll compaction equipment for fertilizer producers.
Ludman Industries Model 4440 Roll Compactor translates waste fines into salable granular product.
roll operation. While simple in concept, in practice, rolls constantly work in opposition to the other, as torque forces vary on each roll. Ludman Roll Positioning technology allows for complete control by forcing the rolls to work together. Output with this method shows
Examples of investments made to im-
consistent shapes, consistent
prove system yield and achieve qual-
thickness, and uniformly dense
ity product include:
product.
• Hi-PAK Ludman Corrugated Rolls — Fine PSD products call for larger
• Advanced alloy technology — As mentioned, SOP abrasiveness
nip zone in roll compaction
requires rugged heavy duty
equipment. Slowing roll speed
metals, yet reliable performance
achieves larger nip zone, but
to compact ideal product.
conversely affects throughput.
Balancing roll hardness and
Ludman develops and invests in leading industry technology to provide the best roll compaction equipment for fertilizer producers. 78 PotashWorks 2021
