Content area
Abstract
The crush strength of granular NPK fertilizer has been accurately determined using Instron compression testing equipment. Stress-strain analysis shows a distinctive break point followed by break up of granule fragments. The force required to crush the granules is a function of the granule diameter but the calculated pressure required to crush each granule remained relatively constant. Factors such as moisture ingress and coating oils have been shown to affect granule strength. A direct link between caking of granular fertilizers and crush strength has been established.
Details
Title
Compression testing of granular NPK fertilizers
Author
Walker, G M 1 ; Magee, TRA 1 ; Holland, C R 1 ; Ahmad, M N 1 ; Fox, N 2 ; Moffatt, NA 2
1 Department of Chemical Engineering, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
2 Irish Fertilizer Industries, Northern Ireland, UK
1 Department of Chemical Engineering, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
2 Irish Fertilizer Industries, Northern Ireland, UK
Pages
231-234
Publication year
1997
Publication date
May 1997
ISSN
13851314
e-ISSN
15730867
Source type
Scholarly Journal
Language of publication
English
ProQuest document ID
2259828645
Copyright
Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems is a copyright of Springer, (1997). All Rights Reserved.