Development and Use of Computer Simulation of Feriliser Granulation.

Keywords: granulation model, dynamics, operator training, validation, fertilizer.

Summary:
This paper describes the development and use of a dynamic fertilizer granulation model within DSM. The objective is to use the model for dynamic optimisation of the plant, to investigate control strategies and to perform operator training. The model can also be used for equipment optimisation when it is run in steady state mode. The paper consists of the following sections: description, implementation, validation and use of the model.

First a description is given of the modelling of the different unit operations occurring within a fertilizer plant. The unit operations described are granulator, cooler/dryer, breakers and sieves. The simulation model has been implemented on a personal computer and provisions have been made so that process parameters can be changed during a simulation. This allows the opportunity of using the model for operator training. The model has been validated using three types of measurements: single equipment measurements, steady state production test runs and a dynamic production test run where a start-up of the granulation plant was monitored. The use of the model is demonstrated by simulating the effect of reducing the feed to the installation and monitoring the effect on the flows, moisture content of the product and granule size.

This investigation shows that dynamic fertilizer granulation models can be used in a real-time environment and have an added value for the use in a modern production organization.

Dr.ir. Pieter Vonk and Dr.ir. Stefan Schaafsma, Center for Technology and Analysis, Advanced Chemical Engineering Solutions, Center for Particle Technology, DSM Research, P.O. Box 18, 6160 MD Geleen, Netherlands.

15 Pages, 11 Figures, 4 References.


IFA / IFDC Fertilizer Training Workshops: Sharing the Experience.

Keywords: Training, Nitrogen workshop, Phosphorus workshop, Fertilizer.

Introduction:
At the end of the 1990s, the IFA Technical and Sub-Committee discussed on several occasions how to increase the participation of young engineers in international technical forums. The objective would be to imbue them with a global outlook of the fertilizer industry and to help to develop a network among those sharing the same interests to the benefit of their skills and of the industry.

During the talks, it quickly became obvious that offering the opportunity to attend an international event such as the IFA technical conference was a good idea but would not be sufficient to encourage developments in the fertilizer industry.

They was a need for a more specific event. During the discussions members were unanimous that the proposal of a workshop for the industry was a very good idea due to its large potential benefits. However, IFA is not in the business of training and was not willing to get involved in the organization of the workshop. IFA, through its management, has some connection with IFDC (International Fertilizer Development Center, Muscle Shoals, AL-35662, USA). Thus, it was decided to request their help in setting up this workshop.

Tibaut Theys, Prayon Technologies S.A., B 4480 Engis, Belgium.

7 Pages, 1 Table.