Molasses influence on ash granulation process and quality parameters

Abstract

Rape straw ash (RSA) and sunflower husk ash (SHA) containing the primary and secondary plant nutrients - phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and also some micronutrients - zinc, copper, cobalt, manganese, iron and molybdenum may by used for fertilization of variety plants. The RSA and SHA have low plasticity and very difficult to granulate. Granulation process occurs better when binding materials are used. A molasses as a binding material influence on the optimal parameter of granulations process and granulated ash properties was investigated. The main product properties such as static crushing strength of granules, granulometric composition, pH of 10% solution by standard method were examined. It was found that the best yield of granulated rape straw ash marketable fraction is equal 46.43% and the greatest strength of granules - 33.9 N/gran., when approximately 19% of molasses amount was used in the granulation mixture. Respectively marketable fraction was equal 65.18% and the greatest strength of granules - 21.1 N/gran., when approximately 9% of molasses amount was used in the granulation mixture of sunflower husk ash. The results indicate a positive impact of molasses on the ash granulation process and product quality parameters.