TVA Fertilizer Research

Permanent URI for this collection

https://hub.ifdc.org/handle/20.500.14297/1630

Browse

Browse by

Author
Collection
Date
Topics
Titles

Browsing TVA Fertilizer Research by Author "Kimbrough, Homer L."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Selecting Equipment and Materials of Construction for Fluid Fertilizer Plants
    (1977-10) Kimbrough, Homer L.; Hubert L. Balay
    This paper discusses the selection of equipment and materials for construction of fluid fertilizer plants. With the growing popularity of fluid fertilizer production, many new manufacturers are seeking guidance on equipment selection. The paper emphasizes the importance of considering factors such as the type of liquid fertilizer, production rate, fertilizer season length, and equipment usage. Projection of production needs over 5 to 10 years is recommended to avoid selecting inadequate equipment. The authors recommend selecting pumps, pipes, storage tanks, and mix tanks based on the characteristics of the fertilizers and operational requirements. The paper also highlights the significance of proper support, ventilation, and maintenance practices for maximizing the lifespan of the equipment. Overall, the information presented aims to assist prospective fluid fertilizer plant owners in making informed decisions about equipment selection and construction materials.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Technical Aspects of Suspensions
    (1967-11-29) Achorn, Frank P.; Kimbrough, Homer L.
    This document explores the rapid growth and increasing interest in suspensions within the fertilizer industry, focusing on three major reasons for their popularity. Firstly, suspensions allow for producing high-analysis grades with significantly higher concentrations than clear liquids. Secondly, they provide a means of incorporating nutrients into fluid fertilizers. Lastly, suspensions enable the effective suspension of pesticide or herbicide fluids, reducing the need for multiple applications. The production of suspensions typically involves two main procedures: hot and cold mixing. Hot mixing utilizes acid and superphosphates, often combined with ammonia, resulting in heat release during the mixing process. On the other hand, cold mixing involves using materials that do not generate heat when mixed. Various suspension grades, such as 12-12-12, 9-27-9, and 12-15-10, have been successfully produced through hot-mix processes. Different suspensions are created based on the choice of raw materials and the chemical reactions involved. For instance, the neutralization of orthophosphoric acid with aqua ammonia produces ammonium phosphate suspensions, while nitric acid reacted with phosphate rock yields nitric phosphate suspensions. Each type has its advantages and considerations. Although lower in the analysis compared to ammonium phosphate suspensions, Nitric phosphate suspensions offer the benefit of using low-cost raw materials. Triple superphosphate can also be used to produce suspensions, either through ammoniation with aqua ammonia or an ammoniating solution. This approach allows for the utilization of low-cost phosphate and eliminates the need for additional suspending clay. However, the crushing and screening of triple superphosphate pose challenges due to its sticky nature. Additionally, the document describes a continuous hot-mix plant that produces a base ammonium polyphosphate suspension, specifically the 12-40-0 grade. This base suspension is then marketed through cold-mix plants as a liquid fertilizer. With its regional approach, the 12-40-0 suspension marketing system simplifies the supply chain and has gained acceptance in the fluid fertilizer industry.