Despite its widespread use, potash can present unique challenges during processing. This presentation looks at some of the challenges associated with potash processing, and the solutions used to combat or prevent them.

1. Potash Processing
Experts in process design and material
processing for over 60 years.
Challenges in

2. Potash is widely used throughout
the world as a fertilizer product.

3. Despite such widespread use, the
unique characteristics of potash
can present challenges during
processing, be it in compaction
granulation, or pelletization.

4. Potash Challenge 1:
Clumping

5. Potash is hygroscopic, meaning that it
tends to absorb moisture from the
surrounding environment. For this
reason, potash is prone to clumping,
sticking, and caking.

6. Potash is hygroscopic, meaning that it
tends to absorb moisture from the
surrounding environment. For this
reason, potash is prone to clumping,
sticking, and caking.
Luckily, there are methods to combat
these issues.

7. In the drying stage, knocking systems
can be added to rotary dryers, in
order to dislodge any material sticking
to the interior of the drum.

8. A screw conveyor can also be
utilized, in order to ‘fling’ material
into the dryer, breaking up any
potential clumps.

9. Potash granules can also be
coated with anti-caking additives,
in order to discourage any caking.

10. Potash Challenge 2:
Corrosion

11. Potash is also a corrosive material. If
not adequately prepared for, potash
processing equipment can quickly be
destroyed through chemical action.

12. Potash is also a corrosive material. If
not adequately prepared for, potash
processing equipment can quickly be
destroyed through chemical action.
However, special accommodations
can be made to protect equipment.

13. Equipment areas that are
vulnerable to corrosion can be
coated in stainless steel or nickel
alloys to deter corrosion.

14. Potash Challenge 3:
Abrasion

15. In addition to being corrosive,
potash is also abrasive, a
characteristic which can have
devastating effects on equipment
if not adequately prepared for.

16. To protect against abrasion, areas of
high wear can be enforced with
heavy-duty construction.

17. In addition, build-up in potash
processing equipment must be
minimized in order to prevent abrasive
potash fines from clogging and
damaging equipment.

18. Conclusion:
Despite widespread use, processing potash
can still present challenges in the form of
clumping, corrosion, and abrasion, whether
you’re working with a potash compaction
granulation process, or a pelletization
process.

19. v
FEECO
has been helping customers overcome
processing challenges for over 60 years.
Utilizing our state-of-the-art lab testing facility,
in combination with our highly engineered
equipment, we can design a system that’s
right for your potash facility.

20. Want to learn more?
Download our
Potash Processing
E-book.
Potash Processing E-book
Processing Techniques
Challenges
Material Characteristics
Maintenance
Download Now