Binder selection is dependent upon a few key factors: cost, industry, and the anticipated end-use and desired specifications of the agglomerates.
Binders are available by the hundreds, from water and oil, to starch and molasses. With such a wide variance in binding options, testing is almost always recommended to confirm which binders will not only perform best in the agglomeration process, but also which binders will most closely align with your budget and desired end product needs.
Industry and end-use can quickly narrow down binder options as well. An example comes from the fertilizer industry, with the environment being a prime concern. While coal tar may work well during the agglomeration process, it also contains toxins that could be passed to the soil and plants. Subsequently, it would not be an ideal binder for fertilizer pellets, but may be more suited to other industrial applications.
For a more in-depth look at selecting the right binder, read our blog post: Choosing a Binder in the Agglomeration Process, or contact us today.