Abstract: A liquid fertilizer composition suitable for no-till farming contains a stabilizing amount of an admixture of calcium chloride and ammonium polyphosphate or similar nitrogen/phosphorous source in addition to a herbicide. As an improvement over clay suspensions, this liquid fertilizer can be used for one pass planting and herbicide application. Higher amounts of potash can be incorporated in the liquid fertilizer along with sulphur and nitrogen nutrients.

Abstract: Potassium phosphate useful as a low-chloride content fertilizer is prepared by reacting phosphoric acid, commercial or technical grade, with fertilizer-grade potassium chloride (Muriate of Potash, 60-63% K.sub.2 O) at a reaction temperature of about 130.degree. to about 200.degree. C. and a mole ratio of phosphorus to potassium of at least about 1.3:1. The vaporization of hydrogen chloride from the reaction mixture is effected by a novel technique combining air followed by steam stripping. The reaction product is used to produce various types as well as grades of fertilizers.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of traditional scale inhibitors as fertilizers enhancers. More particularly, this invention relates to compositions which comprise: (a) a phosphate fertilizer and (b) a scale inhibiting compound. Further, this invention relates to a method of stimulating and increasing plant growth, and corresponding yields, comprising adding the above-defined compositions to the soil in which the plants being treated grow.

Abstract: Synthetic inorganic chemical fertilizers are treated with lignosulfonate to harden and provide anti-caking and anti-dusting properties to the fertilizer particles. The fertilizer/lignosulfonate mixture includes up to about 5.0% by weight lignosulfonate on fertilizer. An improved method of treating inorganic fertilizers with lignosulfonate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizers containing water-soluble nutrients such as potassium nitrate which are easily leached from the fertilizer by moisture in the soil have a coating which more efficiently retards the release of the nutrients and also provides citric acid soluble silicon to the soil. Nutrient particles are first coated wtih a colloid formed by the acidification of preconditioned calcium metasilicate with citric acid and then mixed with cement. The calcium metasilicate is preconditioned by heating to a temperature of at least 1300.degree. C. to sinter at least a portion of the silicate. The nutrient particles are then pelletized and cured to form a silica gel matrix containing acicular calcium metasilicate and a cement coating on the pellets.

Abstract: An improved batch process for the production, in equipment readily available at the fertilizer dealer level, of high-analysis stable ammonium orthophosphate suspension fertilizers effected by the ammoniation of solid intermediates derived from wet-process orthophosphoric acids or combinations of the solid intermediates with such wet-process type acid or other impure phosphoric acids. Fluorosilicic acid, a by-product of the phosphate industry which is readily available and relatively inexpensive, is utilized as a source of fluoride. The fluorosilicic acid is added to the batch formulation prior to the ammoniation step thereby allowing the fluorosilicic acid to be converted to ammonium fluoride. Subsequently, the metallic impurities are allowed to precipitate as fluoride compounds instead of the usual troublesome impurity-phosphate-water gels which have been identified as causing complete destruction of suspension fluidity during storage.

Abstract: A process for preparing suspension fertilizers wherein nutrient material and at least one crystal growth inhibitor are mixed, potassium chloride is added, the resultant slurry mixed and subsequently a suspending aid, for example a clay, is added with mixing.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting precipitator dust obtained during production of elemental phosphorus into feedstock for the submerged-arc electric furnace. Precipitator dust is agglomerated and indurated to prepare furnace feedstock. A binder is made by reacting acidic phosphorus compounds with alkaline substances. The preferred acidic phosphorus compound is phosphoric acid, and the preferred alkaline substance is ground phosphate ore. Precipitator dust is tumbled with the binder to form agglomerates, and the agglomerates are then indurated by heating. Gases evolved during preparation of binder, agglomeration of precipitator dust, and induration of the agglomerates are scrubbed with an aqueous medium having a pH in the range of 5.5 to 6.0. Scrubber effluent is used as feedstock for the production of suspension fertilizer. The indurated agglomerates are smelted in a submerged-arc electric furnace.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method utilizing relatively high frequency oscillations for dispersing channelized 2:1 clays during the production of fertilizer suspensions to therein form gels as opposed to the use of mechanical energy such as, for example, that imparted by a pump or agitator. The instant sonic gelling method is effective for use with all fertilizer suspension systems containing the channelized 2:1 clays, sepiolite or attapulgite. The method involves situating the fluid fertilizer-clay mixture to be gelled in juxtaposition with ultrasonic (i.e., sonic) energy generating means.

Abstract: In the production of suspension fertilizers the addition of an additive comprising lignosulfonate to the wet-process acid prior to the ammoniation step prevents severe thickening of the suspension during its formation, which severe thickening is normally associated with in situ mass crystallization of monoammonium phosphate and which mass crystallization results in (1) the total prevention of further ammoniation of said acid or, at the very least, extremely slow further ammoniation thereof, and/or (2) excessive ammonia losses. Also, addition of said lignosulfonate to the acid prevents the formation of metallic impurity gel-like compounds which cause extremely high viscosities, nonpourability, and complete destruction of fluidity.

Abstract: New processes and equipment are disclosed for producing elemental phosphorus and thermal phosphoric acid. Benefits are listed below.1. Phosphorus-containing solids are recycled to smelting furnaces thus eliminating hazardous waste generation.2. Phosphorus furnace feedstock is upgraded and this permits unbeneficiated phosphate ore to be smelted.3. Energy is conserved during manufacture of elemental phosphorus and phosphoric acid.4. Electric energy is produced by cogeneration.5. Fluorine in phosphate ore is recovered as ammonium fluoride.6. Phosphorus-containing liquids are used as feedstock for production of suspension fertilizers.Benefits are achieved by agglomerating phosphate ore with monocalcium phosphate binder by a method which upgrades the ore. Phosphorus-containing solids are fluidized and burned to form an impure phosphoric acid mixture which is reacted with small sized phosphate ore to form monocalcium phosphate binder.

Abstract: Relatively pure monopotassium phosphate is produced from wet process phosphoric acid in a process wherein the phosphoric acid is mixed with potassium chloride and recycled components from downstream product and by-product recovery steps and heated to permit hydrogen and chloride to evolve from the melt as gases and wherein the melt is subsequently treated so as to remove impurities so that the monopotassium phosphate may be recovered as a relatively pure crystalline product with low chloride content.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of physically prepared slow-release fertilizer by coating fertilizer particles with at least one layer of a substantially water insoluble polymer possessing a three dimensional structure. The three dimensional structure results from a prepolymerized crosslinked unsaturated oil having between 12 to 20 carbon atoms and a iodine value of at least 120, the extent of crosslinking being above 5%. Optionally, the coating layer contains micronutrients and inert materials. In a preferred embodiment, the coating consists of three layers, the first being obtained with a high viscous unsaturated oil and the subsequent two layers with a lower viscosity unsaturated oil. The method is applicable for most of the known water-soluble fertilizers.

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 nutritional product for animals and for soils consists of aggregates of organic sea limestones of recent formation, part of which takes the form of at least one of the mono-, di- and tri-calcium phosphates resulting from the action of phosphoric acid on the limestones, the product containing a maximum of 20% phosphorus by weight. The manufacturing process involves reacting phosphoric acid with the limestones in the presence of water, at least part of which is sea water, to form the phosphate around the shell core, and extracting under reduced pressure the noxious gaseous products resulting from this reaction.

Abstract: Synthetic inorganic chemical fertilizers are treated with lignosulfonate to harden and provide anticaking and anti-dusting properties to the fertilizer particles. The fertilizer/lignosulfonate mixture includes up to about 5.0% by weight lignosulfonate on fertilizer. An improved method of treating inorganic fertilizers with lignosulfonate is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of producing monocalcium phosphate and products created therefrom are provided. The method includes the steps of mixing phosphoric acid and water with brown mud. Preferably, the phosphoric acid is added to water so that it comprises approximately 3% to about 50% of the phosphoric acid/water mixture by weight, and the water comprises approximately 50% to about 97% of the phosphoric acid/water mixture by weight. The brown mud is added to the phosphoric acid/water mixture in a weight ratio of approximately 1:1 to about 1:3. The method of the present invention results in improved monocalcium phosphate products.

Abstract: Fluorine in phosphate ores is present as the mineral fluorapatite. When the ores are digested with sulfuric acid a slurry is formed which can be filtered to make wet-process phosphoric acid. But fluorine compounds are discharged into the surrounding air during digestion and filtration. The fluorine-containing air is scrubbed with water to prevent air pollution. Scrubber water is cooled in ponds and is recycled to the scrubber. However, fluorine compounds are emitted from the cooling ponds and cause air pollution. In the present invention, processes are disclosed for treating fluorine-containing gases without use of cooling ponds thereby eliminating the air pollution problem. A facility is provided for treating fluorine-containing gases wherein fluosilicic acid or fluosilicate salts are converted to a fluoride salt by the addition of an alkaline substance. A slightly acidic scrubber water is concentrated in an absorption tower.

Abstract: Improved, simple, energy-efficient, and easy-to-operate process for producing granular diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizers from anhydrous ammonia, phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid, and water utilizing a rotating drum granulator and a pipe reactor in combination with a specially designed slurry distributor. The pipe reactor operates at pressures of more than 80 pounds per square inch gage and utilizes a special low-impact distributor to uniformly distribute a wide-angle spray of slurry onto the bed of recycled solids in the drum granulator and to provide for a minimum of bed disruption and deformation. This energy-efficient process produces dry, free-flowing granular DAP with little or no fossil-fuel heating requirements for drying and with low recycle ratios which allow for high production rates or increases in production rates when the process is retrofitted into existing plants.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the manufacture of granular diammonium phosphate (DAP) by reacting anhydrous ammonia with phosphoric acid in a reactor to form reaction product consisting of a partially reacted slurry of monoammonium phosphate and diammonium phosphate. The slurry is pumped to a rotary granulator-reactor where it is further reacted with anhydrous ammonia to form a solid granular diammonium phosphate mixture having a range of particle sizes consisting of undersize, oversize and product. After drying the diammonium phosphate mixture, a portion of the dried granular diammonium phosphate mixture is diverted back to the granulator-reactor prior to delivery to a classifying means. The portion of dried granular diammonium phosphate mixture not diverted to the granulator-reactor, is introduced to a classifying means set to a narrow separation to separate undersize and oversize granular particles from the desired product granular particles.

Abstract: A stable ammonium polyphosphate liquid fertilizer is prepared from concentrated wet-process phosphoric acid of 54-62% P.sub.2 O.sub.5, which prior to concentration is treated with a cation exchange resin to remove magnesium and calcium without appreciable reduction of iron and aluminum. The liquid fertilizer will remain substantially sludge-free when stored at 25.degree. C. for six months without the addition of any sequestering or suspending agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of monopotassium phosphate of a high purity without utilizing organic solvents. According to the process, monopotassium sulfate is reacted, at a temperature in the range of between 40 to 100 degrees with a phosphate constituent selected from phosphate rock, dicalcium phosphate or mixtures thereof in the presence of phosphoric acid. The common metal impurities, organic matter and fluorides present in the starting phosphate rock are substantially elininated, with the calcium sulfate resulted thereto. After separating out the calcium sulfate, the filtrate is neutralized to a pH in the range of between 3 to 7, with a calcium-containing compound comprising Ca(OH).sub.2, CaO or CaCO.sub.3, or mixtures thereof. From the filtrate obtained, pure monopotassium phosphate is crystallized out. The process is characterized by a high recovery of the P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and K.sub.2 O values, the monopotassium phosphate produced being completely free of chloride ion.

Abstract: A controlled slow release fertilizer composition comprising an encapsulated fertilizer, carbon and plaster.

Abstract: An improved continuous process for the production of fertilizers, wherein the reactions, mixing, sizing, and moisture removal required to produce a resultant product are carried out on a simple, flat surface that moves horizontally, and wherein, in the reactor-mixing zone of said surface, the surface movement, the shearing action of moving blades, the moving spargers for distributing reactants and reaction products, the unusually wide dispersion of the reactants and reaction products, and the unusually long retention time and extensive aeration of the final reaction products and reacted product have the useful benefits of low consumption of energy, close product size control, elimination of the need for recycling produced materials as a means of wetness control in the reactor-mixing zone, and of achieving relatively simple, low cost processing.

Abstract: A vegetable activator is proposed which is manufactured by causing an aqueous solution of an electrolytic neutral salt to penetrate into a clay mineral to cause the exchangeable cations adsorbed on the clay mineral to elute by displacement, and adding a phosphate.

Abstract: Fluorine in phosphate ores is present as the mineral fluorapatite. When the ores are digested with sulfuric acid a slurry is formed which can be filtered to make wet-process phosphoric acid. But fluorine compounds are discharged into the surrounding air during digestion and filtration. The fluorine-containing air is scrubbed with water to prevent air pollution. Scrubber water is cooled in ponds and is recycled to the scrubber. However, fluorine compounds are emitted from the cooling ponds and cause air pollution. In the present invention, processes are disclosed for treating fluorine-containing gases without use of cooling ponds thereby eliminating the air pollution problem. A facility is provided for treating fluorine-containing gases wherein fluosilicic acid or fluosilicate salts are converted to a fluoride salt by the addition of an alkaline substance. A slightly acidic scrubber water is concentrated in an absorption tower.

Abstract: Process for producing diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer from phosphoric and sulfuric acids, anhydrous ammonia, and water in a specially designed reactor operated at high pressures to granulate diammonium phosphate at low recycle ratios and with relatively small fossil fuel requirement drying per ton of product. Previously operated reactors employed pressures ranging from 0 to 10 psig pressures. This reactor operates at 40 to 80 psig. The process substantially increases production in existing DAP granulation plants and has helped reduce grade deficiencies. Also, use of this reactor for DAP production results in about the same levels of ammonia loss to the scrubber as the prior-art tank preneutralizer, higher operating factors, less maintenance and no transfer pump plugging. Operation is at a temperature of 300.degree. or more .degree.F., while the tank preneutralizer operates normally at 240.degree. F.

Abstract: There is provided a solid composition of an organic fertilizer which is the solid product obtained by desalting a vinasse with phosphoric acid in the presence of ethanol. The product contains at least 1.5% of nitrogen, at least 4% of P.sub.2 O.sub.5, at least 5% of K.sub.2 O and at least 8% of carbon. Another composition, this one comprising a mixture of the foregoing with one or more inorganic or organic nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium compounds to yield a complex organo-mineral fertilizer, is also described.

Abstract: Granular fertilizer solids comprising ammonium phosphate, advantageously particulate NP/NPK fertilizers, are prepared by (i) granulating a liquid/dry solids admixture of fertilizer values in a granulation zone, (ii) next transferring said admixture to, and drying same, in a drying zone, (iii) while simultaneously injecting into said drying zone a jet spray of a slurry of ammonia neutralized acid values discharged from a pipe reactor, such that (iv) said jet spray directly impinges upon drying particles of wet solids transferred from said granulation zone, and whereby (v) dried final product simultaneously results therefrom, and (vi) then recovering a fraction of said dried final product, while (vii) recycling another fraction thereof, as dry solids, to said granulation zone.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of granular ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer of a nominal 11-56-0 grade resulting from the pressure ammoniation of phosphoric acid without the use of a preneutralizer and using a specially designed pipe reactor to effect coating and granulation of an anhydrous melt onto cascading granules of ammonium polyphosphate with polyphosphate contents thereof ranging from about 15 percent to 30 percent of the total P.sub.2 O.sub.5. The instant invention defines the operating parameters which allow for the practice of a process wherein there is essentially no degradation in the amount of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 values produced as polyphosphate in the melt as said melt is further processed in the remaining steps therein through the step of product recovery, i.e., we have discovered the parameters for operating a process wherein essentially no hydrolysis of the polyphosphate P.sub.2 O.sub.5 values in the melt occurs.

Abstract: Corrosion of carbon steel storage and mixing equipment is inhibited by admixing an effective amount of a member selected from the group consisting of ammonium polyphosphate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, ammonium thiosulfate, sodium thiosulfate and potassium thiosulfate with an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate useful as a fertilizer.

Abstract: A novel method is provided to produce di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer by operating a DAP reactor and granulator in such a manner that part of the hot exhaust gases from the DAP reactor are diverted into a vaporizer where liquid ammonia is vaporized for use in the DAP reactor and the granulator. Considerable savings in energy and other advantages are achieved through such operation.

Abstract: A large first package, and method of its production, for providing soluble plant macronutrients and micronutrients in a timed-release form from a contained second package to an extensive plant community. The bale-like first package comprises a biodegradable cellulosic matrix of municipal waste or other energy-rich organic matter within which the second package is supported. The second package contains insoluble rock mineral and rock phosphate particles and bacterial second microorganisms in a nourishing and hydrated microenvironment which allows the microorganisms to grow, and to produce enzymes and organic acids which act on the mineral particles and thereby create soluble nutrient compounds. Alternatively, the second package contains commercially refined fertilizers packaged to dissolve in a timed-release fashion.The biodegradable package functions as it is introduced onto/into soil in association with vector plants.

Abstract: A process for treating wet-process weak phosphoric acid solution is disclosed which significantly lowers the magnesium impurities in the acid (as well as certain other impurities) permitting subsequent concentration of the acid to levels for use in preparation of liquid fertilizers which are less prone to settling out of the impurities during storage than would be the case without such treatment. It has unexpectedly been found that by limiting evaporation of water from the initial 26% to 32% P.sub.2 O.sub.5 wet-process acid to a level such that the acid has a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 content of from about 42% to about 45% and thereafter maintaining the semi-concentrated acid at a temperature within the range of from about 145.degree. F. to about 270.degree. F.

Abstract: Corrosion of carbon steel storage and mixing equipment is inhibited by admixing an effective amount of a member selected from the group consisting of ammonium polyphosphate, sodium nitrite, potassium nitrite, ammonium thiosulfate, sodium thiosulfate and potassium thiosulfate with an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate useful as a fertilizer.

Abstract: Processes and compositions of matter are disclosed for the production of liquid fertilizers wherein wastewater from a phosphorus smelting furnace is incorporated in liquid fertilizer processes. The wastewater replaces water evaporated and the wastewater dissolves fertilizer salts. A serious water pollution problem is avoided when wastewater is incorporated in liquid fertilizers. The invention discloses a process for making orthophosphate suspension fertilizer wherein impure phosphoric acid is neutralized in the condensing system, water from the condensing system is bled off, and a suspending clay is added to produce orthophosphate suspension fertilizer. In this process, phosphorus sludge made at phosphorus furnaces is used to produce suspension fertilizer, and wastewater from phosphate smelting furnaces is recovered. New compositions of matter are disclosed.

Abstract: Phosphorus uptake in plant tissues is increased by applying to immature plants, as a foliar spray, an aqueous composition consisting of a mixture of polyphosphates and activated carbon wherein the polyphosphates are selected from the group consisting of polyphosphoric acid, potassium polyphosphate and ammonium polyphosphate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A rapid, low temperature process for solubilizing phosphate rocks having high content of foreign matter or a low phosphorus content to obtain: (a) a slow release fertilizer of the NP type; (b) phosphoric acid of high concentration plus MAP; and (c) DAP.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of highly concentrated (N-P.sub.2 O.sub.5) suspension fertilizers effected by the ammoniation of wet-process or other impure orthophosphoric acids in batch-type equipment. The underlying concept which goes to the gist of the instant invention involves the use of a heel of product from a previously prepared batch to provide nuclei and a suitable environment for the conversion of the metallic impurities therein into crystalline habits rather than the usual highly undesirable form of metallic impurity gel-like compounds, which gels cause extremely high viscosities, nonpourability, and complete destruction of fluidity in concentrated ammonium phosphate suspension fertilizers prepared by prior-art procedure.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemical removal of phosphorus compounds from waste water, this waste water being treated with one or more metal compounds, without any problems presenting themselves as regards the separation of the metal phosphate compounds. To achieve this, the waste water is treated with the metal compound in a fluidized bed of metal phosphate particles.The invention also relates to a process for the purification of waste water in which the effluent from a biological purification is subjected to the above-mentioned method for the removal of phosphorus.

Abstract: The process for producing liquid combined fertilizers according to the present invention comprises neutralization of extraction-type phosphoric acid with an excess of gaseous ammonia taken in an amount of 1-1.2 parts by weight relative to the content thereof in the final product at a temperature of the reagents of from 60.degree. to 250.degree. C., mixing of the resulting neutralization products with a liquid phase consisting of water or ammonia water and a portion of the final product recycled to the process; said mixing is conducted under a pressure of 0.05-0.7 atm and at an excess of water in the liquid phase of 1.05-2.0 parts by weight relative to the content thereof in the final product; the process is carried out at a ratio of circulation of the final product of 2 to 40 and at a pressure differential at the stages of neutralization and mixing of from 0.1 to 6 atm.The process according to the present invention may be useful in the agriculture.

Abstract: A process for the partial removal of impurities present in a wet process phosphoric acid used in the production of granulated mono- or di-ammonium phosphate fertilizers in order to control the grade of the final product. All or a portion of the liquid from the primary scrubbers is clarified to remove the precipitated impurities and the clarified flow is then fed into the reactor along with any unclarified portions of the primary scrubber liquid.

Abstract: The effectiveness of a potassium polyphosphate fertilizer is enhanced resulting in higher intake of phosphorus and potassium into plant tissues and higher crop yields by the foliar application to growing plants of a composition comprising a blend of potassium and ammonium polyphosphates which also contains an effective amount of a protein hydrolysate.

Abstract: A substantially dry, granulated, relatively dust free, and commercially valuable fertilizer product is obtained by treating the waste dross product from resmelting and purification of scrap aluminum with phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Solid particles of metal peroxide are coated by means of a coating agent containing a water-soluble condensed phospahte.

Abstract: Processes and compositions of matter are disclosed for the production of liquid fertilizers wherein wastewater from a phosphorus smelting furnace is incorporated in lqiuid fertilizer processes. The wastewater replaces water evaporated and the wastewater dissolves fertilizer salts. A serious water pollution problem is avoided when wastewater is incorporated in liquid fertilizers. The invention discloses a process for making orthophosphate suspension fertilizer wherein impure phosphoric acid is neutralized in the condensing system, water from the condensing system is bled off, and a suspending clay is added to produce orthophosphate suspension fertilizer. In this process, phosphorus sludge made at phosphorus furnaces is used to produce suspension fertilizer, and wastewater from phosphate smelting furnaces is recovered. New compositions of matter are disclosed.

Abstract: Phosphoric acids of significantly different content of soluble impurities, especially magnesium compounds, can be blended to produce a phosphoric acid with a decreased tendency for forming detrimental solids when converted to a liquid fertilizer or on storage, or during transportation as when the acid is transported by ocean vessel or railroad tank car. The blending can be effected either before or after a concentration step or steps (e.g., evaporation to "merchant grade" or to superphosphoric acid). For example, wet process phosphoric acid produced by a dihydrate or gypsum process can be blended with a phosphoric acid produced by a hemihydrate process.

Abstract: Method for production of granular ammonium polyphosphate fertilizer in which ammonium polyphosphate melt is prepared in a simple inline reactor and distributed onto a bed of solids in a drum granulator to bind smaller fertilizer particles into granules. The desired polyphosphate content can be obtained in the granular product by adjusting the total heat input of the feed reactants to the reactor by means of energy conservation modifications to the system. Energy losses are controlled by use of a predetermined quantity of insulation so that varying amounts of the maximum theoretical heat input can be utilized to produce products of polyphosphate contents as desired.

Abstract: Process for producing diammonium phosphate (DAP) fertilizer from phosphoric and sulfuric acids, anhydrous ammonia and water in a specially designed reactor operated at high pressures to granulate diammonium phosphate at low recycle ratios and with either no, or relatively small, fossil fuel requirement drying per ton of product. By operating at elevated pressures, it is possible to force ammonia into a high temperature (250.degree. to 300.degree. F.) melt without exceeding the recovery capacity of the acid fed to the scrubber. The high pressure slurry from the reactor is forced into the bed of materials in a rotary granulator. Previously operated reactors employed pressures ranging from 0 to 10 psig pressures. This reactor operates at 40 to 80 psig. The process substantially increases production in existing DAP granulation plants and has helped reduce grade deficiencies.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of highly concentrated (N-P.sub.2 O.sub.5) suspension fertilizers effected by the ammoniation of wet-process or other impure orthophosphoric acids in batch-type equipment. The underlying concept which goes to the gist of the instant invention involves the use of a heel of product from a previously prepared batch to provide nuclei and a suitable environment for the conversion of the metallic impurities therein into crystalline habits rather than the usual highly undesirable form of metallic impurity gel-like compounds, which gels cause extremely high viscosities, nonpourability, and complete destruction of fluidity in concentrated ammonium phosphate suspension fertilizers prepared by prior-art procedures.