Abstract: An apparatus for the preparation of an agglomerated material from a powder or a liquid or both and having a trough-shaped fluidizing path, in the bottom part of which fluidization gas is blown in with an essential component directed towards the center line of the bottom of the path, gives a very advantageous material flow, which makes an effective agglomeration possible under attainment of superior product properties. The apparatus makes it possible by a process according to the invention to carry through the agglomeration with a particularly big powder humidity and a subsequent low re-humidification.

Abstract: Glass microfibers having diameters of less than one micron are useful in engineered plastics to achieve very smooth surfaces and thermal stability in composite parts. As made, glass microfibers are very bulky and intertwined making it impossible to meter and feed the material using conventional equipment. The processes used for chopping and milling coarser glass fibers to prepare them for engineered plastic composites are unsatisfactory for glass microfibers for various reasons. It has been discovered that flowable glass microfiber agglomerate products can be made by processing the microfiber in a muller mill or in a self impact mill.

Abstract: A granulation water control apparatus for a granulating machine used in a granular fertilizer production process and its granulation water control method. A particle size weight distribution of a semi-fabricated fertilizer discharged from the granulating machine is calculated, and a central particle size of the particle size weight distribution is calculated. The calculated central particle size and a previously set target central particle size are compared, and if they do not agree, a quantity of the granulation water to be charged into the granulating machine is calculated in accordance with a difference between the calculated central particle size and the target central particle size and the past statistical data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for generating seed particles. In one technique, a spray of water droplets is discharged to intersect a spray of liquid sulphur droplets to effect contact between some of the sulphur droplets and water droplets. The cooling sulphur droplets form seed particles. In another technique, water is sprayed into dispersed sulphur granules moving through a processing region. Subsequently, as the water is evaporating from the granules, liquid sulphur is sprayed onto the granules. Some of the liquid sulphur droplets impinge upon the water film-coated granules and solidify to form new seed particles which become detached from the granules. In another technique, a stream of liquid sulphur is discharged under pressure into a receiving region. A plurality of jets of atomizing fluid are injected into the stream to form a spreading spray of liquid sulphur droplets which solidify into seed particles.

Abstract: Continuous agglomeration of an absorbent resin powder is accomplished by a method which comprises introducing the absorbent resin powder into a cylindrical member having an open lower end by means of a current of air through a dispersing member disposed in the upper part of the cylindrical member and, at the same time, spraying minute droplets of an aqueous liquid downwardly through a nozzle disposed inside the dispersing member thereby establishing mutual parallel flow contact between the absorbent resin powder descending toward the lower part of the cylindrical member as dispersed with the current of air and the liquid droplets descending toward the lower part of the cylindrical member as diffused in the radial direction, and removing the produced agglomerate having a plurality of particles of the absorbent resin powder cohesively united through the medium of the liquid droplets via the lower part of the cylindrical member. An apparatus for working the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing strip for a housing of a pelletizing machine has a one-piece sealing body with a central web with an upper side having two upper edges and a lower side having two lower edges, two sealing lips extending from the upper edges of the upper side of the central web at an angle relative to one another, and a clamping strip extending from a center of the lower side of the central web and provided with lateral webs.

Abstract: Granule production is based on particle growth in a fluidized bed (4), in which the liquid starting product is sprayed into the fluidized bed and the finished granular particle is discharged from the fluidized bed (4) with classification. The classification is carried out with the aid of a classifying air flow which is divided into individual single flows (6) to each of which is assigned a zigzag classifier module (7, 17) and a spray nozzle (5) or a group of spray nozzles. The course of the classifying process is such that the granular particles which are too small and have not yet reached the desired diameter are thrown back into the fluidized bed (4) by a return shaft (9, 18) seated on each of the zigzag classifier modules (7, 17) in parallel or radial zones without cross-mixing, in which the relatively small particles impinge at a relatively large distance from the return shaft (9, 18) and the large particles, which have already grown close to the discharge size, impinge at a relatively small distance.

Abstract: Whiskers having a diameter of 0.1-10 .mu.m and a length of 5-200 .mu.m are pelletized and granulated into agglomerates which have a size of 0.1-10 mm and a bulk density of 0.2-1.0 kg/liter.To pelletize, powders of whiskers are moistened with water while mixing to form primary aggregates. Then, the powders and the primary aggregates are subjected to a rolling movement to cause the primary aggregates to grow into secondary aggregates having desired size distribution. Finally, the secondary aggregates are dried to obtain pelletized or granulated agglomerates of whiskers.Handling of whiskers is facilitated because the agglomerates are less bulky and less likely to fly up in the air. When blended into molding materials for fiber reinforcement, however, the agglomerates are readily disintegrated back into separated individual fibers to provide homogeneous dispersion.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the production of agglomerated pellets from a polytetrafluoroethylene (PFTE) resin powder. Such agglomerated pellets are commonly used in molding apparatus. The pellets of this invention exhibit better and more consistent flowability and higher, more consistent bulk density than those made by previously known apparatus and methods. The apparatus includes a tilted, heated polygonal tube provided at its discharge end with an apertured plate.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical pellets from stack gas desulfurization residue filter cake. The process includes mixing dry fly ash with a filter cake in a mixer and discharging the blend onto a shallow pan disc pelletizer where pellets are produced. Additional fly ash produces pellets in a reroll ring. Instead of fly ash, cement kiln dust, portland cement, lime kiln dust or lime is utilized.

Abstract: Agglomerated particle size of ceramic materials is controlled by accurate determination of the proper final point of agglomeration. A part of a suspension in a cylindrical agitating region having agitation blades is circulated through a pipe having at least one transparent portion, the suspension which flows through the transparent pipe is irradiated with a light, preferably a laser beam and the final point of agglomeration is calculated based on the change in quantity of the transmitted light and/or the change in acoustic emission generated in the agitating region, thereby to stop the agglomeration.

Abstract: A process for producing spherical pellets from wet coal silt or also known as filter cake. The process involves mixing dry ash with the filter cake in a mixer. The blend thereof is discharged into a shallow pan disc pelletizer to produce pellets which are then coated in a reroll ring surrounding the disc pelletizer with more fly ash.

Abstract: Uniform spherical granules are produced from powder raw material without utilizing an agglomerating liquid by repeatedly and alternately compacting a dry powder raw material within a granulating vessel to cohesively form agglomerates of the material and fluidizing the powder material within the vessel to break up and form the agglomerates gradually into a uniform spherical shape.

Abstract: An agglomerating process and an apparatus therefor for preparation of sinter mix having the basis of kneading with vibration to make raw feed in capillary state and then agglomerating the kneaded material with tumbling vibration. By using the particular process, apparatus and various kinds of raw feeds, sintering characteristics of the product shows superiority in size distribution, permeability, strength, and activities, resulting cost, power and material consumptions of the process are remarkably improved.

Abstract: A method of melt granulation for powdery material is disclosed wherein the powdery material is discharged onto the upper surface of a heated rotary spreader for migration under centrifugal force to the periphery of the spreader accompanying by melting of a portion of the material and enrobing of non-melted particles by the melted material for discharge as enlarged granules from the periphery of the spreader. To improve the quality of the granules produced, the feed material is supplied to the spreader at two separate locations. The first location is the central portion of the spreader to provide the melted material and the second location is adjacent to the periphery of the spreader. The spreader is preferably in the form of a concave bowl or inverted truncated cone or dish.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for making a granular absorbent from cellulosic fibrous material includes a housing which defines an elongated internal cavity, and an inlet and an outlet communicating with the internal cavity. A rotatably driven shaft extends within the cavity of the housing, with the apparatus including an impeller arrangement mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith. The impeller arrangement includes resiliently flexible bristles which cooperate with the interior surface of the internal cavity for effecting agitation, blending, and agglomeration of the cellulosic fibrous feed stock. A pellet-like granular absorbent is produced.

Abstract: A granulating and coating apparatus in which a rotary drum containing powdery or granular material is rotated about the substantially horizontal axis for granulating and/or coating the powdery or granular material. The apparatus is provided with a disk valve mechanism for switching a gas supply or exhaust path to the rotary drum on the operating side of the rotary drum. The rotary drum is provided inside of itself with a baffle means for stirring powdery or granular material and a baffle displacing means for displacing the baffle means. Inside of the rotary drum is provided a temperature sensor for directly measuring a temperature of powdery or granular material. The rotary drum is composed of porous polygonal. Each side of the polygonal drum includes an outer enclosure mounted thereon and individual detachable.

Abstract: Residue produced by incineration of commercial, industrial or municipal waste is treated on-site at the point of generation or storage. Moist residue, such as incinerator bottom ash, is mixed in a multi-segment rotary drum with a heavy metals treatment agent in a first section of the drum. An aggregation agent is added to the mixture, and the mixture separates under the shearing force imposed by the rotating drum into individual pieces which are rolled into balls. A cementitious coating material is added to coat the balls, and the coated balls are classified by size. The classified coated balls are conveyed to a bagging plant, where they are packaged in flexible containers formed from material selected to retard water loss, and tagged with identifying information. Toxic contaminants such as cadmium, lead and mercury are immobilized in the cured balls, which can be used as a construction aggregate. Leaching of heavy metals from the incinerator residue is strongly inhibited by the process.

Abstract: In apparatus for spraying water on granular material in a rotating cylindrical pan and for compressing the mixture into pellets. A moisture sensor on said pan provide a signal to a programmable computer controller for providing a constant moisture content on the surface of the pellets. In one embodiment, a liquid nozzle is controlled by a control valve such as to maintain the constant moisture content. In another embodiment, a high intensity mixture is provided for mixing dry powder in varying amount with high moisture material to produce pellets having substantially constant surface moisture when discharged from the pelletizing disc.

Abstract: A granulating and coating apparatus comprising a rotary drum to be charged therein a powdery or granular material, and a baffle plate provided in the rotary drum and not rotatable together with the rotary drum. The rotary drum is formed to be a polygonal shape. This polygonal shape may be, for example, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon or a decagon. The baffle plate may be positionally fixedly supported. Or, the baffle plate can be made to change a position in a rocking direction, a position of the rotary drum in the axial direction, a depth of insertion into a layer of a powdery or granular material or an angle of insertion by use of plurality of actuators.

Abstract: By agglomeration in a high speed mixer spherical granules having a desired granule size distribution are obtained by supplying the agglomeration liquid by means of an atomizer wheel axially positioned in the high speed mixer and by controlling the quantity and evaporation of said liquid in consideration of the changes occurring with respect to water binding ability of the agglomerates during compaction. An apparatus for carrying out the method includes a mixer bowl with an impeller on a central shaft through the bottom of the bowl and an atomizer with an atomizer wheel with its shaft in alignment with the shaft of the impeller.

Abstract: An agglomeration device having a rigid cylindrical casing in which a shaft rotates having outer end portions of reduced diameter. The larger diameter portion of the shaft has relatively small rotating rings at the ends thereof which rotate in notched out cavities of plastic rings which are stationarily fixed to end plates of the agglomeration device. Triple labyrinth seals surround end portions of reduced diameter of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the formation of granules of a larger size or mass of a desired range from a feed stock of smaller particles comprising feeding a meltable powdery material to be granulated, or a non-meltable powdery material with a meltable binder to the surface of a rotating spreader means in the form of a disk or bowl, at least a portion of which has been heated to a temperature above the melting point of the meltable component of the feed material wherein the rate of feeding, the energy input to the spreader means and the rotational speed of the spreader means are controlled so that there is sufficient time for at least a partial melting of the meltable component of the feed material substantially solely by contact with the heated surface of the spreader means, centrifugally spreading the material across the surface of the disk or bowl and dispersing the same from the edge thereof into an atmosphere cooler than the melting temperature to form the granulated product.

Abstract: One or more powders are placed in a leaktight vessel (12) having a substantially vertical axis and comprising a bottom blade rotating about an axis parallel to the axis of said vessel, and a spheronizing tool (28) having a substantially discoidal rotating form; said powders are mutually mixed by means of the rotation of said bottom blade, and a binder solution is added thereto. The composition of mixed powders thus added to is spheronized by immersing said spheronizing tool (28) in said composition and causing it to rotate simultaneously with said blade (18).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of treating power station residues in the form of bulk material, particularly the filter ash from power stations, by hydrating the lime content by adding moisture and by further wetting of the bulk material, with an opportunity for constantly feeding in material to be processed and discharging processed material, and also to an apparatus for carrying out the method. In order to provide a method and an apparatus by which large quantities of power stations residues (ash) can be quickly and safely treated at economic and comparatively low cost, it is according to the invention proposed that the bulk material supplied should pass through a succession of different spatially substantially separate treatment zones be moved mechanically at adjustable intensity throughout the entire process, be differently treated in each treatment zone, be caused to react and transported along a reaction line under control.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for dry-pelletizing carbon black, allowing to control pellet quality and increasing the output of any particular pelletizing apparatus. The method calls for pre-compacting the material to be pelletized by means of vacuum before or during pelletizing. The invention also includes two apparatus to carry out the single-stage method version, comprising a pelletizing drum in which are mounted vacuum filter surfaces to pre-compact the powdery initial material in parallel with the on-going prepelletizing procedure. In one apparatus, the inside surface of the drum is a filter surface, in the other apparatus, bundles of stationary filter pipes are provided in the lower drum space.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of grains using the rolling layer technique. The apparatus has a container formed from multiple concentric sections, a truncated cone shaped lower section, a cylindrical shaped middle section, and, at least one cylindrical shaped upper section, and is supported for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the container. The lower section tapers outward from a lower end face plate to an upper end which communicates with the lower end of the middle section to form a transfer port between the lower and middle sections, while the upper end of the middle section communicates with the holed lower face of the upper section to form a transport port between the upper and the middle sections. An annular ridge-like structure exists on the interior surface of the lower face of the upper section, circumferentially surrounding the transfer port. The cross-sectional diameters and the heights of the sections vary relative to each other.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a fixed cylindrical housing and a centrifugal disc closing the housing in the manner of a base, which disc is rigidly connected to a motor driven shaft. Above the centrifugal disc a ring is fitted into the housing. The distance of that ring from the centrifugal disc is such that material propelled outwards by the centrifugal disc and upwards at the wall of the housing is positively deflected at the lower curved surface of the ring.

Abstract: A powder spheroidiser has a housing in which is rotatable a paddle blade having two concave surfaces 8, 9 defining chambers 40, 41 with a surrounding surface 33. Powder admitted through closable inlet 51 is agglomerated into granules by rotating the paddle, the powder rolling over curved surfaces 8, 9, 33. The granules may be removed through closable outlet 52.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for forming a thermoplastic structure on the exterior surface of the heated mold form. A mold is heated to approximately two times the melting temperature of a thermoplastic material and particulate thermoplastic material then sprinkled onto the exterior surface of the heated mold. An adhesively bondable material may then be added to the semi-molten thermoplastic material structure. The mold is then cooled and the resulting thermoplastic structure removed.An apparatus for practicing the above process comprising a mold form, heating system, and particulate thermoplastic material dispensing system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a fluidized-bed granulating apparatus for continuously producing granular particles from a powdered raw material, while a granulated product is continuously exhausted in a substantially constant amount from the bottom or bottom side wall of a fluidizing chamber and is introduced into a classifying section where the granulated product is classified by classifying means thereby selecting and delivering the granules granulated to particle size greater than the desired size and returning ungranulated material to the fluidizing chamber, the pressure drop of the fluidized bed is detected to adjust the charging rate of the powdered raw material into the fluidized bed and the moisture content of the material to be granulated in the bed is detected to adjust the feed rate of a binding liquid, thereby producing a granulated product of a desired particle size.

Abstract: A device for preparing a very homogeneous and finely divided fine-ceramics mass from ceramic raw materials, liquids, aggregates, and similar materials, whereby the starting materials are finely ground, and liquid is added and later partly removed. The starting materials are ground dry or moist and all or some of the starting materials are first allowed to fall free in and through an upright container while being contacted with all or some of the liquid, which is injected in subject to turbulence, and then agglomerated into a granulate.

Abstract: An agglomeration device having a driven shaft and a plurality of pins extending radially outwardly thereof of such length as to sweep closely to the inner surface of the casing of the device. The improvement therein is a layer of high density plastic material attached to the inner surface of the casing and the provision of a ceramic sleeve in the end portion of the pins of extremely hard material such as tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, alumina or boron carbide.

Abstract: A process for producing desired sized product granules characterized by dispensing on a flat moving horizontal bed product particulates from a heat exchange assembly, then mixing the product particulates with seed material by a mixing means for a period of time to produce the desired sized product granules.

Abstract: A carbon black beader drum having a plow-like member extending into the moving bed of beads within the drum. The member parts the surface of the moving bed, and carbon black in powder form is added to the beader drum by placement into the impression or furrow created in the moving bed by the member. The added powder is covered a short distance behind the member, preventing the powder from depositing on the inner surface of the beader drum.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a technique and provides for apparatus eminently useful for producing closely sized, high-strength granular particulates from low-strength prills such as, for example, urea and ammoniu m nitrate which are nitrogen fertilizers, i.e., an essential plant nutrient. Advantages and benefits derived from the practice of the present invention relate to the production of closely sized high-strength particulates useful to the chemical fertilizer industry by virtue of their having favorable properties for custom fertilizer blending, direct applications, and as a substrate for sulfur coating to produce a controlled release fertilizer. Further advantages and benefits derived from the practice of the present invention relate to the utilization of low-cost surplus prills of low stren gth as feedstock in the production of the closely sized, high-strength granu lar particulates.

Abstract: Apparatus particularly for agglomerating particles of different products. A rotatable drum, which has a wall which defines a cylinder and a cylinder void, is mounted on a frame in a horizontal or inclined position. The apparatus includes provision for rotating the cylinder in one direction thereby defining ascending and descending halves of the cylinder. A first part of the cylinder receives particles of a product and has means, such as projecting elements, to rotate the particles for forming a vortex of particles about an axis within the ascending half of the cylinder void such that the axis of the vortex is displaced from and substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cylinder.

Abstract: Carbon black pelletizer comprising a pug-mill and rotor with at least one helix of pins attached to the rotor, the improvement which consists essentially inproviding a double wall cylindrical housing with an annulus therebetween. The inner wall being fabricated of a rigid metal grating, to the inside of which is bonded rubber or a similar resilient material, the annulus being supplied with a means to increase and/or decrease the volume therewithin thereby causing the resilient inner wall to flex removing from the inner wall the build up of black which forms during operation of the pelletizer. The improvement negates the need for alloy metals in the pelletizer housing, eliminates the carbon black build-up on the inner surface of the mill, and lessens the power requirements of the mill, the wear on the mill pins, and the tendency of the mill to discharge irregular, off-specification product.

Abstract: In an inclined rotary drum, a vortex of a particulate main product is formed about an inclined axis, an agglomerating agent is sprayed onto the vortex from outside and a particulate secondary product is distributed in the vortex from inside.

Abstract: In a rotation granulator, the injection nozzles for the powder are provided along the jacket surface of the granulator container over the rotary table, so that the powder will arrive directly in the range of the stronger flow. In order to prevent any interruptions of the operation due to the filter part, a two-chamber system is proposed in which the first and second chambers may be alternately cut off. This makes it possible to operate the installation without any interruption. In order to control the air supply, the rotary table is mounted so that it may be moved up and down, in order that the width of the air gap between the rotary table and the inner wall of the conical casing may be adjusted. Lastly, a device for taking of samples provides a system of sluices or channels by which the low-pressure space of the granulator is actively prevented from being in direct contact with the free atmosphere.

Abstract: This granulating device (1) comprises a drum (2) mounted so as to rotate around a substantially horizontal axis. On its inner periphery, this drum (2) carries lifters (20) intended to entrain and lift granules of a substance which is crystallized over a part of its path and it is associated with an entry channel (7) for fine granules which opens into the vicinity of a first end, which is away from that at which the granules are discharged from the drum. A spraying bar (5) is provided inside the latter for spraying the product to be granulated. According to the invention, a fluidized bed device (3) is arranged inside the drum for cooling the granules which are stirred and lifted in the drum, as they become coated by spraying. This device enables the granules to grow uniformly and to cool and dry efficiently, resulting in the production of granules of a very good quality and controlled particle size.

Abstract: A disc pelletizer wherein the inner sides and an adjacent annular portion of the bottom of the pan are covered with ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or the like. The uncovered bottom portion of the pan is cleaned by vertical rods having tungsten carbide tipped bottoms, which rods are carried by an arm which is rotatable about a circular path corresponding to a radius of the bottom of the pan, so that as the pan slowly rotates, sucessive circular paths are described by the tungsten carbide tipped bottoms to effectively clean the bottom of the pan with minimum expenditure of electrical energy.

Abstract: Fluid-assisted granulating and coating apparatus having a circular planar material circulation plate assembly rotatably mounted coaxilly within a cylindrical work area of an upright vessel, the plate assembly including a plurality of concentric circular slots opening radially outwardly into the work area for directing a suspension fluid radially outwardly thereinto for enhanced material circulation in a circularly spiraling fashion without undesirable concentration or stagnation of charge material within the work area and without undesirable material loss through or clogging of the fluid flow slots. This remarkable effectiveness of the apparatus enables its operation under either fluidized or non-fluidized conditions to provide significant flexibility in controlling the characteristics of granules produced.

Abstract: A control method for a granulating apparatus of the type in which a binder liquid is added to powder material having high moisture absorbing properties while fluidizing the powder material thereby producing granules or granular material of a desired particle size. In this control method, the moisture content of powder material to be granulated is continuously detected with a high degree of accuracy by a moisture content detector and in accordance with the detected value the rotation speed of a binder feed pump or the like is adjusted through a moisture content regulator thus varying for example the rate of addition of the binder and thereby controlling the moisture content of the powder material.

Abstract: Process for granulating chemical products, according to which process, recycled granules are conveyed to a rotary drum through an end thereof and are lifted by blades protruding from the drum inner surface, thus falling onto an inner fixed structure, which cause the forming of a vertical curtain of granules, onto which curtain a solution containing the product to be granulated is sprayed; the product solidifies on the granules, which granules, after subsequent falls, are coated with a plurality of layers of solid product before leaving the drum through the other end. The process is characterized in that said inner fixed structure is conveying the falling granules in at least two vertical curtains parallel to each other and to the drum axis, while a portion of the granules, on the side of the downward movement of the drum, directly falls, without passing through a vertical curtain, onto a fixed baffle, which is arranged substantially in the lower half of the drum, on the side of the downward movement.

Abstract: A granulating apparatus particularly adapted for advanced ceramic materials having a granulation vessel with a cylindrical main body in which are coaxially-mounted rotatably an annular cage-like stirring rotor having peripheral stirring blades and a central impulse rotor having impulse blades and pins. The stirring blades are mounted in diverging pairs relative to their rotational direction to channel charge material axially centrally within the container, while the impulse blades are V-shaped convergingly in their rotational direction to impel charge material both radially and axially outwardly within the vessel, for enhanced charge material circulation. Nozzles mounted on the end cover of the vessel inject agglomerating liquid axially into the open granulation area between the rotors for direct impingement of liquid essentially only onto the charge material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for pelletizing finely divided particulate or pulverant materials. The apparatus is particularly effective in pelletizing large quantities of such particulate materials to a desirable spheroidal pellet size.

Abstract: A pulverulent, water soluble material is agglomerated by projecting the material in a stream through a moistening zone, directing steam or mist towards the stream in the moistening zone so that the stream is surrounded by steam or mist flowing inwardly towards the stream, thereby moistening and fusing the particles, and then drying the material. Particles of the material may be engaged with one another to form chunks before moistening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a powdery substance to a particulate material contained within a rotary granulator. The powdery material is contained in a feeding hopper that is positioned above a nozzle that is in communication with a source of compressed air. The compressed air issues from the nozzle and draws from the supply funnel powdery material that is conveyed through a conduit that extends into the rotary granulator and is so oriented as to introduce the powdery material to the particulate material as it is being rotated. The compressed air can be introduced in the form of pulses by periodically interrupting the flow of air to thereby control the apportionment of the powdery substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and implementation, including apparatus comprising a two-stage, single-unit, and energy-efficient rotary drum-type granulator-dryer device having a granulator section and a separate dryer section in a new and novel combination designed for continuously granulating and/or ammoniating, and subsequently drying, respectively, a variety of materials together with specific processes for effecting such granulating and/or ammoniating, and subsequent drying.