Co-Nele Lab Granulator Achieves Over 90% Sphericity in Zinc Sulfate Powder Tests

Qingdao Co-Nele Machinery has completed granulation tests on zinc sulfate powder using its laboratory-type intensive mixer-granulator, reporting the successful production of pellets between 1.5 and 3mm in size with over 90% sphericity. This development aims to solve persistent problems associated with traditional granulation equipment, such as uneven particle size, excessive fine powder waste, and low forming rates.

Zinc sulfate powder is utilized in various applications including trace-element fertilizers, chemical raw materials, and feed additives. Conventional equipment like disc or roller granulators have often struggled to precisely control pellet diameters within the desired range. Problems with oversized or undersized particles can lead to uneven nutrient release, dust pollution, and reduced product value, issues that have troubled manufacturers for years.

Co-Nele detailed a staged granulation process that takes approximately six minutes. The initial minute involves mixing the dry powder with a binder in a high-shear environment. The next three minutes focus on particle growth, guided by a reverse-rotating rotor and inclined cylinder. Fine-tuning of speed parameters and binder addition during the final stages reportedly prevents oversized particles and ensures consistent size and sphericity.

The company highlights its integrated mixing-granulating-shaping technology, which ensures even rolling force on each particle and allows for precise particle size control between 0.5mm and 5mm. This flexibility is said to cater to diverse requirements across chemical, ceramic, and battery industries, among others.

Co-Nele offers laboratory-scale testing as a service to clients before they commit to full-scale industrial production. The company states that the data obtained from lab tests provide reliable parameters for larger production lines, significantly shortening trial periods and reducing material waste. The laboratory granulation equipment mentioned has reportedly obtained CE and ISO certifications.