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Compression testing of granular NPK fertilizers

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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.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, The Queen's University of Belfast, Belfast, BT9 5AG, Northern Ireland, UK

    G.M. Walker, T.R.A. Magee, C.R. Holland & M.N. Ahmad

  2. Irish Fertilizer Industries, Herdman Channel Road, Belfast, BT3 1AP, Northern Ireland, UK

    N. Fox & N.A. Moffatt

Authors
  1. G.M. Walker
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  2. T.R.A. Magee
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  3. C.R. Holland
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  4. M.N. Ahmad
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  5. N. Fox
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  6. N.A. Moffatt
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Walker, G., Magee, T., Holland, C. et al. Compression testing of granular NPK fertilizers. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 48, 231–234 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009714306464

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009714306464

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