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

Now showing 1 - 20 of 47

Some Liquid and Bulk Blending Fertilizer Facilities Now in Existence
(1963-09) Achorn, Frank P.
The establishment of liquid and bulk-blending fertilizer plants has increased significantly over the past decade. These plants, with capacities ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 tons of fertilizer per year, offer low investment and operating costs, making them attractive to nitrogen, P2O5, and K2O producers. This presentation provides a general discussion of the equipment used in manufacturing liquid and bulk-blended fertilizers, focusing on plants currently in use. Liquid fertilizer plants can be classified as liquid hot-mix or liquid cold-mix plants. Liquid hot-mix plants neutralize phosphoric acid with aqua ammonia or anhydrous ammonia, generating chemical heat. Liquid cold-mix plants mix high-phosphate liquid base solutions with urea-ammonium nitrate and potash. The presentation describes the equipment and processes involved in these types of plants. Bulk blending plants, which have gained popularity in the Midwest and other regions, involve dry-mixing solid raw materials to create customized mixtures with different nutrient contents. The raw materials are weighed, mixed, and conveyed to bulk trucks or bagging machines. The various types of mixers used in bulk blending plants, such as rotary mixers, mixing screw conveyors, ribbon mixers, and gravity-flow mixers, are discussed. The presentation also touches on materials handling systems, weighing devices, and different mixing techniques used in these fertilizer manufacturing facilities. While other types of liquid plants and blending systems are available, the focus is on the plants currently in general use.
Recent Developments in Granulation I
(1965-11) Achorn, Frank P.; Lewis, J.S. Jr.
This document provides an overview of recent advancements in granulation technology, specifically focusing on granulation plants and their conversion processes. The granulation industry has witnessed an increase in the number of plants as companies previously producing pulverized mixtures have switched to batch granulation methods. This transition involves modifying batch mixers, installing ammonia and acid distributors, and utilizing rotary coolers for product cooling. Producers with medium-sized granulation plants have adopted pre neutralizers and scrubbers to enhance their production capabilities, leading to the manufacturing of diammonium phosphate granules and higher annual production volumes. The shift towards complete-grade handling stations has been observed among these companies. Additionally, some producers have transformed their batch ammoniators into continuous ammoniator-granulators to meet higher production demands. Various strategies have been employed to improve the efficiency and performance of granulation equipment. Operators have experimented with different materials for sparger pipes, with stainless steel and Hastelloy being preferred due to their longer lifespan and improved distribution of ammonia and acid within the granulator. Removing internal rings in ammoniator-granulators has been found to have no negative impact on granulation efficiency, while longer distributors have helped minimize nitrogen loss during the process. Several techniques have been implemented to prevent material caking, including rubber linings, flaps, knockers, and oscillating or spiral scrapers. These mechanisms effectively remove buildup from the walls of the ammoniator-granulator, ensuring smooth operation. Furthermore, a patented device for cleaning and positioning sparger bars has been introduced, enabling their rotation without equipment shutdown and facilitating maintenance. Integrating pre-neutralizers and scrubbers have allowed manufacturers to utilize larger quantities of phosphoric acid and ammonia to produce diammonium phosphate grades. The TVA process, involving partial ammoniation in a pre-neutralizer and complete ammoniation in the ammoniator-granulator, has shown promising results with high ammoniation levels and increased fluidity. This process allows for significant phosphoric acid consumption, resulting in high-quality fertilizers. Bulk handling stations have gained popularity among companies producing high-analysis grades, such as 8-24-2, 10-20-30, 12-24-24, and 20-10-10. These stations optimize transportation costs and enable the marketing of products over longer distances. Typical bulk handling stations consist of storage buildings with multiple bins or elevated storage tanks, utilizing conveyor systems for material unloading, storage, and loading onto bulk trucks. Cost studies indicate that constructing bulk handling stations alongside granulation plants is a competitive alternative to bulk blending, especially for high-analysis grades. However, the economic viability of this system relies on a high material movement, preferably exceeding 70,000 tons. At this scale, the cost-effectiveness of granulation with bulk handling stations approaches that of bulk blending. Collapse
New Processes and Products--Present and Future
(1966-03-04) Achorn, Frank P.
This document highlights the importance for manufacturers to stay updated on new fertilizer technology and how the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) field program aims to address this need. It presents statistics on the consumption of primary nutrients in Florida and predicts a continued rapid increase in their usage. The TVA program focuses on developing cost-effective methods for manufacturing, marketing, and distributing plant nutrients and improving fertilizer processes and products to lower overall costs. The document showcases examples of TVA's achievements, such as developing diammonium phosphate and ammonium polyphosphate-based suspensions, which offer lower prices and improved efficiency compared to conventional fertilizers. It also discusses the incorporation of micronutrients into fertilizer blends to minimize segregation issues and increase solubility. Additionally, the document explores the production of solid urea-ammonium phosphate and other potential products, addressing concerns related to nitrogen volatilization and introducing sulfur-coated formulations. TVA's research and development efforts in liquid fertilizers are outlined, highlighting the progression toward higher-analysis grades and the successful incorporation of micronutrients in suspension mixtures. The document concludes by emphasizing TVA's commitment to collaborating with fertilizer companies in Florida, offering technical assistance and expertise to support their operations.
1966 Survey of Continuous Ammoniator-Granulator
(1966-11) Achorn, Frank P.; Lewis, J.S. Jr.
This document summarizes the content of material presenting the results of a 1966 survey conducted on the continuous ammoniator-granulator used in the fertilizer industry. The study aimed to determine changes in ammoniator-granulator practices over the past five years. Questionnaires were sent to 142 companies, and replies from 57 companies concerning 122 ammoniator-granulators were received. The survey highlights several key trends, including an increase in the size of ammoniator-granulators and a shift toward producing different fertilizer grades, such as ammonium phosphates and granular superphosphates. The report provides detailed data on the grades and ratios produced by ammoniator-granulators and information on equipment specifications, construction materials, and granulation control methods. The findings offer valuable insights for operators using continuous ammoniator-granulators in the fertilizer industry, allowing them to assess their operations compared to industry trends and practices.
Cost Comparison of Ocean Shipment of Anhydrous Ammonia and Solid Urea Versus Shipment of Urea-Ammonia Solution
(1966-12) Achorn, Frank P.; Walkup, Harold G.
This document presents a study comparing the costs of production and ocean shipment of solid urea and anhydrous ammonia with urea-ammonia solution. The study aims to determine the costs involved in providing solid urea and various grades of urea-ammonium phosphate materials to four destination countries. The production and shipment costs are analyzed for different destination points, including a direct shipment of finished products and the decomposition of urea-ammonia solution into solid urea and ammonia. The study focuses on the Gulf Coast area of the United States to analyze nitrogen-containing primary materials. The document outlines the production and shipment processes for solid urea, anhydrous ammonia, and urea-ammonia solution, considering shipping methods, storage, and handling costs. The destination countries and ports considered in the analysis are Santos, Brazil; Bombay, India; Lagos, Nigeria; and Istanbul, Turkey, which provide a range of conditions and factors such as length of haul, port facilities, and labor costs. The cost analysis is based on engineering cost estimates for modern plants and reliable sources for storage, handling, and shipping costs. The document assumes grassroots plants and accounts for the increased costs of constructing plants overseas. Various cost factors, including working capital, operating labor, maintenance, overhead costs, depreciation, local taxes, and insurance, are considered in the analysis. The estimated costs of manufacturing anhydrous ammonia, urea solution, and urea-ammonia solution are presented, including fixed and variable costs per ton. The analysis includes a breakdown of costs for raw materials, utilities, operating supplies, labor, maintenance, and overhead. The total manufacturing cost per short ton and metric ton is calculated for each product.
The Spectrum of Fluid Fertilizers
(1967-02) Achorn, Frank P.
This material provides an overview of the development and adoption of liquid fertilizers in the United States. The document highlights the growth of the liquid fertilizer industry, particularly nitrogen solutions, and ammonia, which now supply a significant portion of the total nutrient consumption. The use of superphosphoric acid and its role in sequestering impurities in wet-process phosphoric acid is discussed. The document further explores the different types of liquid fertilizer production plants, including liquid hot-mix and liquid cold-mix plants. The potential of suspension fertilizers, their production process, and the benefits of using a base suspension with gelling agents are also addressed. Overall, this document offers valuable insights into the evolution and utilization of fluid fertilizers in agricultural practices.
Minimizing the Cost of Mixed Fertilizers and Location of Bulk Blending Plants - Part A
(1967-08) Achorn, Frank P.
This material presents a study on minimizing the cost of mixed fertilizers and the optimal location of bulk blending plants. It is divided into two parts, with Part A focusing on the fundamentals of bulk blending plants and their role in producing dry-mixed granular fertilizers. The material outlines the flow of materials in the bulk blend marketing system, involving basic producers and their production of various nitrogen, phosphate, and N-P products. The blending plant is typically situated within a 50-mile radius of the farms it serves. Each phase of the bulk blend marketing system incurs costs, and it is the responsibility of the blender to determine the most cost-effective combination of these costs to deliver and apply plant nutrients on the farm. The material introduces a least-cost linear program developed by Mr. Walker to assist blenders in making informed decisions. It highlights the transportation and handling costs of the bulk blend marketing system and explores the impact of higher-analysis materials on reducing these costs. The benefits of using higher-analysis materials include decreased transportation costs and the ability to produce mixtures of higher nutrient analyses. The production of high-analysis grades is advantageous for blenders as it lowers their fixed and handling costs per unit of plant food. The material emphasizes the importance of considering delivered costs, fixed and operating costs, and finding the least-cost mixtures to deliver to the farm at the lowest price. Blenders can enhance their sales programs and improve their economic viability by optimizing these factors. The material concludes by mentioning how the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) supports blenders in determining the least-cost mixtures based on the materials available to them.
Recent Developments in Granulation II
(1967-09) Achorn, Frank P.
This material discusses developments in granulation techniques in the fertilizer industry, presented by Frank P. Achorn at the Seminar for Latin American Fertilizer Executives in September 1967. The number of granulation plants in the United States and abroad has been steadily increasing. Many companies that previously produced pulverized mixtures have converted their batch ammoniators to granulators to produce granular products. Large-scale granulation plants have incorporated pre-neutralizers to manufacture diammonium phosphate grades. The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) ammoniator-granulator has been widely utilized for the production of diammonium phosphate and triple superphosphate grades by major granular fertilizer producers. These products are often marketed through blending plants, where they are mixed with potash to create different nitrogen, P₂O₅, and K₂O ratios. The conversion of small pulverized-mix plants into granulation plants has involved modifying the batch mixers by installing ammonia and acid distributors. Sketches and flow diagrams illustrate these modifications and the operation of batch granulation plants. Rotary coolers are used to rapidly cool the granular products, with some producers choosing to screen and recirculate the cooled material to the granulator for improved quality control. Certain companies have further converted their ammoniators into continuous granulators by enlarging the discharge and operating continuously. However, due to production limitations, some companies plan to construct conventional ammoniator-granulation plants to achieve higher production rates.
Fluid Fertilizer Application Equipment
(1967-10) Achorn, Frank P.
This document provides an overview of fluid fertilizer application equipment, focusing on metering and pumping systems used in various agricultural applications. The material examines different types of equipment, their operational principles, and their effectiveness in delivering liquid fertilizers accurately and uniformly. The discussion begins with exploring two common methods of metering anhydrous ammonia, utilizing variable orifice meters and piston-type metering pumps. Details are provided on their functioning, including the maintenance of constant pressure and the role of diaphragms and springs. The document then explores different approaches for broadcasting non pressure solutions. It describes a truck-mounted system with a flooding-type nozzle, where application rates are adjusted based on pressure and air agitation. Another technique uses multiple nozzles and a recirculating pump, highlighting the challenges of achieving uniform application rates due to overlapping. Additionally, a slinger-type applicator is presented as an effective solution for suspensions. Row and pre-plant applications of nonpressure solutions are addressed, focusing on gravity-flow systems and constant head metering. The latter involves converting a drum into a metering system, ensuring airtightness, and utilizing an orifice disk for rate control. The material also discusses positive displacement pumps, such as piston-type pumps suitable for liquid fertilizers and aqua ammonia. It introduces squeeze pumps for row applications, where a liquid is drawn into rubber tubes and expelled through variations in roller speed. Internal gear pumps and roller-impeller pumps are examined as alternative positive displacement options. It also provides a concise overview of various fluid fertilizer application equipment, outlining their mechanisms, functionalities, and application suitability. It is a valuable resource for agricultural professionals seeking to understand and select appropriate equipment for precise and efficient fluid fertilizer application.
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.
Fluid Fertilizers - 1967
(1967-12-14) Achorn, Frank P.
This material summarizes material presented by Frank P. Achorn at the 1967 Maine Plant Food Society meeting. The material focuses on the growing interest in fluid fertilizers, including clear liquids and suspensions, among manufacturers and consumers. It highlights the increasing consumption of liquid mixed fertilizers and their significant role in the fertilizer industry. The material provides insights into the classification and operation of hot-mix and cold-mix plants for fluid fertilizer production. It discusses the use of different raw materials, such as phosphoric acid, ammonia, and potash, and their effects on manufacturing. The document also explores suspensions' production and potential advantages, particularly in addressing the need for micronutrients. It also touches on economic considerations and the future outlook for clear liquids and suspensions in the fluid fertilizer market.
Recent Developments in Granulation III
(1968-05) Achorn, Frank P.
This document presents developments in granulation techniques discussed at the Management Seminar for Indian Fertilizer Executives by Frank P. Achorn, Head of the Process and Product Improvement Section at the Division of Agriculture Development, Tennessee Valley Authority. The document highlights the increasing number of granulation plants in the United States and abroad, with companies converting their small pulverized-mix plants to produce granular products. Various advancements are discussed, such as using TVA ammoniator-granulators, installing pre-neutralizers and scrubbers, and converting batch ammoniators to continuous granulators. The use of superphosphoric acid in small granulation plants to produce high-analysis grades is also explored. Additionally, the document describes different types of granulation plants, including small batch plants, conventional ammoniation-granulation plants, and up-to-date continuous ammoniator-granulators, along with their operational processes and benefits. Implementing innovative strategies to prevent material buildups on the ammoniator-granulator surfaces, such as rubber lining and flaps, is also addressed. These developments aim to improve granular fertilizer production's efficiency, productivity, and quality.
Suspensions by Cold Mixing
(1968-07) Achorn, Frank P.; Hubert L. Balay
The document explores the process of cold mixing as a method for producing fluid fertilizers. Cold mixing combines clear liquid base solutions with clay, urea-ammonium nitrate, potash, and other additives to create high-analysis suspensions. The document discusses the equipment and procedures involved in the cold mixing process, including plant setup, mixing tanks, agitation techniques, and storage considerations. It also examines various materials used in cold mixing, such as clear liquids (10-34-0, 11-37-0), ammonium polyphosphate, potash, and micronutrients. The advantages and challenges of cold mixing suspensions and potential developments in the field are discussed. The report concludes by emphasizing the growing popularity of suspension fertilizers and the need for cost-effective production methods like cold mixing.
New Developments in Manufacture and Use of Liquid Fertilisers
(1973-02-15) Slack, A.V.; Achorn, Frank P.
This document provides an overview of the developments in the manufacture and use of liquid fertilizers over the past five years. While using liquid fertilizers on a large scale is relatively new, spanning only about 20 years, it has proven to be an area ripe with opportunities for innovation. The paper explores the historical context of liquid fertilizer use and highlights significant advancements and trends in the field. It discusses the objectives of liquid fertilizer production, such as cost efficiency, high nutrient concentration, product quality, low pollutant emission, and uniform application. The challenges and advantages associated with liquid fertilizers are examined, with a focus on nutrient concentration and the use of polyphosphates. The paper summarizes recent polyphosphate chemistry and hydrolysis research, offering insights into improving liquid fertilizer production and addressing associated issues.
Marketing Advantages of Using Solid Materials in Suspensions
(1976-07) Hubert L. Balay
This material highlights the marketing advantages of utilizing solid materials in suspension fertilizers. The presentation by Hubert L. Balay, a chemical engineer from the Tennessee Valley Authority, discusses the benefits of solid materials over fluids in terms of cost-effectiveness and ease of transportation. Using solid materials in suspension fertilizers reduces transportation costs, especially considering the rising freight rates for dilute materials. The author explores various solid materials, including monoammonium phosphate, TVA ammonium polyphosphate, diammonium phosphate, solid urea, TVA granular urea-ammonium phosphate (UAP), calcium phosphate, red potash, and micronutrients. The presentation concludes by emphasizing the potential savings and future implications of adopting solid materials in suspension fertilizer production. This information is based on a presentation at the NFSA Round-Up conference in 1976 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Recent Developments in the Production and Use of Monoammonium Phosphate
(1976-10) Hubert L. Balay; Salladay, David G.
This document provides an overview of the recent developments in the production and utilization of monoammonium phosphate (MAP). The versatility of MAP has contributed to its growing popularity as a granular bulk blend material and a replacement for superphosphates in granulation plants. The low delivery cost of MAP compared to other ammonium phosphate products has further increased its appeal. The document explores various grades of MAP being produced and the processes involved in its production. The use of MAP in bulk blending is examined, highlighting its advantage over diammonium phosphate in achieving a wide range of blend ratios without the need for additional phosphate materials. The document discusses the need for additional nitrogen when using MAP and the availability of local nitrogen suppliers. Formulas for common grades blended from MAP, and diammonium phosphate are provided. Furthermore, the document explores the use of powdered MAP in granulation plants, particularly as a replacement for normal superphosphate and triple superphosphate. The cost-effectiveness, convenience in shipping, and compatibility with existing equipment make MAP a preferred choice in granulating high nitrogen grades. Operational experiences from a plant using MAP in the granulation process are shared, including challenges encountered and successful formulations. The document also discusses the use of MAP in fluid fertilizers and its contribution to suspension fertilizers. Factors such as impurity content, mole ratios, and the need for high-intensity mixing equipment are considered. Additionally, the production of ammonium polyphosphate from wet-process phosphoric acid is addressed, highlighting its storage and handling characteristics. Collapse
Producing and Marketing Suspension Fertilizers From Solids
(1977-07) Hubert L. Balay; Salladay, David G.
This material discusses the production and marketing of suspension fertilizers from solid materials, focusing on the advantages of fluid fertilizers over solid ones. The authors highlight the ease of mixing and uniform application of pesticides as a significant advantage of fluid fertilizers, along with other properties such as accuracy of application, low salt index, and the ability to mix and apply secondary and micronutrients uniformly. Traditionally, fluid fertilizers have been considered premium products due to their advantages and higher prices resulting from the costlier phosphate materials used in their production. However, in the face of rising costs and the need for cheaper raw materials, using solids to produce fluids has gained traction. The authors explore the use of monoammonium phosphate (MAP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) as popular solid bases for fluid fertilizers, discussing their solubility and production methods. The potential use of triple superphosphate and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as phosphate sources in fluid fertilizers is also mentioned. Overall, the material provides insights into the historical development and current practices of producing suspension fertilizers from solid materials.
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.
Storage of Suspensions
(1978) Broder, Michael F.
This material provides recommendations for storing and sparging suspensions in industrial settings. It emphasizes using vertical tanks of mild steel or plastic equipped with air-sparging capabilities. Tank size, typically around 16,000 gallons with a diameter of 12 feet and a height of 20 feet, is deemed satisfactory. Coating the inside of steel tanks with epoxy-based paint can extend their lifespan. The document discusses the advantages of cone-bottom tanks over flat-bottom tanks in resuspending settled materials. It suggests using a foundation made of well-compacted 1/4-inch crushed rock, gravel, or concrete. Proper drainage is essential to prevent the tank bottom from standing in water. For transferring suspensions into and out of storage, a centrifugal pump with a 5-inch inlet, 4-inch outlet, and a 30-hp motor is recommended. Depending on the circumstances, a more powerful motor may be necessary. The transfer lines should be 4-inch black iron or PVC schedule 80 plastic pipes, adequately supported and equipped with expansion joints. The document provides illustrations for recommended designs of air spargers for both flat-bottom and cone-bottom tanks. Sparging, the process of discharging air into the suspension, is crucial to control gel strength, syneresis, and crystal growth. The material suggests sparging each tank once or twice weekly to manage gel strength and syneresis. To prevent excessive crystal growth, especially near the tank walls, frequent sparging is advised during temperature decrease. Daily sparging is recommended in colder seasons until the suspension reaches a similar temperature as the outside air. Once the daily average air temperature stabilizes or rises, the routine sparging schedule can be resumed. Immediate sparging before the withdrawal of suspension from the tank enhances fluidity and corrects any syneresis that may have occurred. The suspension may freeze to a solid mass in regions with temperatures that are frequently below freezing. However, when the outside temperature remains above 40°F for about a week, the suspension becomes fluid and can be sparged. Heating coils can warm frozen breaks, requiring approximately 40 gallons of fuel oil to fluidize 100 tons of material within the tank. These recommendations aim to ensure optimal storage conditions and control the quality of suspensions used in industrial processes.
New Materials for Fluid Fertilizers
(1978-07) Hubert L. Balay; Cole, Carl A. Jr.; Wright, Eugene B. Jr.
This material discusses new materials and approaches for fluid fertilizers, focusing primarily on nitrogen products, and briefly mentioning phosphate compounds. The paper highlights the shift from the direct application of aqua ammonia to anhydrous ammonia due to cost considerations. However, there is renewed interest in aqua ammonia solutions, particularly 41-percent nitrogen aqua ammonia, as a compromise between low-cost, non-pressure aqua and high-nitrogen anhydrous ammonia. The paper describes converting anhydrous ammonia to aqua ammonia using low-cost equipment and explores the benefits and considerations of using 41-percent nitrogen aqua ammonia. The authors also discuss utilizing heat of solution for dissolving urea in aqua ammonia. By leveraging the heat generated during mixing anhydrous ammonia and water, urea can be dissolved efficiently, and urea solutions can be used as direct application fertilizers or as supplementary nitrogen in mixed liquid fertilizers. Different methods and devices for dissolving urea are presented, including utilizing heat transfer in a heat exchanger or employing preheated water. Furthermore, the material discusses using fluid clay, specifically attapulgite-type clay, as a suspending agent in suspension fertilizers. The advantages of using predispersed fluid clay over dry clay are highlighted, such as easier handling, reduced dust, and improved product consistency. The production process for fluid clay is explained, along with considerations for preventing contamination from fertilizer salts. Finally, the authors describe how the plant used for producing nitrogen fluid clay can be modified to produce urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) suspension fertilizers. The modifications involve incorporating a second centrifugal pump and a feedline to add ammonium nitrate to the dispersed clay slurry. The UAN suspension can serve as a supplemental nitrogen source in plants producing high nitrogen suspensions from base grades.

Browse

Browse by

Author

Collection

Date

Topics

Titles

Browsing TVA Fertilizer Research by Issue Date

Results Per Page

Sort Options