Pelletizing limestone creates a product with a multitude of benefits. Consequently, pelletized limestone is becoming increasingly popular for residential, agricultural, and commercial users. However, there are a number of material characteristics to contend with before a quality limestone pellet is produced. The following article highlights three challenging material characteristics associated with pelletizing limestone, as well as the benefits that occur when limestone is processed into a pelletized form.
Limestone’s Material Characteristics
The following material characteristics are key influences in the limestone pelletizing process:
1. Particle Size Distribution
Limestone is crushed into a very fine powder prior to use in end products such as cement or soil amendments. However, this powdered form is difficult to handle unless mixed or formed into another state. This holds especially true for soil applications, because powdered limestone can blow erratically around a field, making it difficult to know the application rate, or where the material will eventually end up, not to mention it results in product waste. This can also be a nuisance to neighboring areas that don’t need limestone applications.
2. Abrasive
Mined limestone is abrasive as a raw material. As a result, robust equipment is needed in order to prepare the rock for various manufacturing purposes. For example, a rotary dryer is a preferred choice in instances where a drying step is used. Rotary dryers are customizable to withstand abrasive applications and handle the rigors of high-volume materials while reducing the overall moisture content within the limestone rock.
3. Varying Composition
Limestone can vary considerably in texture, porosity, and composition. For this reason, testing is recommended to define the best processing methods.
Characteristics of Pelletized Limestone
Pelletized Limestone is gaining popularity due to the following beneficial product characteristics found in pelletized limestone soil amendments:
Reduced Dusting
By processing the material into a pellet form, pelletized limestone is easier to store, handle, and properly apply in soil-related applications.
Uniformity
Pelletized limestone is more consistent in composition and shape, improving application rates and providing the right amount of nutrients where they are needed. It is evenly applied via mechanical spreading machines and also resists clumping in its pelletized form.
Nutrient Delivery
Crushed limestone has a coarse grit that sometimes takes several months to break down. In comparison, limestone pellets quickly break down when exposed to rain or moisture, making nutrients immediately available to the targeted plants and the most reliable choice in terms of nutrient delivery. When applied to soil, limestone neutralizes soil pH and adds calcium and magnesium carbonates.
FEECO is experienced with multiple stages of limestone processing, from material testing, to customizing complete limestone pelletizing systems. By combining our substantial material knowledge with our expertise in limestone equipment manufacturing, FEECO is able to create the best processing solutions for our customers. For more information on limestone’s material characteristics before and after pelletization, contact us today!