Raw Material Moisture Control for Stable Disc Granulation Performance

In biofertilizer and organic fertilizer production, disc granulation is widely used due to its flexible operation and good control over particle size. However, one of the most critical factors affecting stable disc granulating performance is raw material moisture. Improper moisture content often leads to poor granule formation, excessive fines, or unstable pellet size distribution.

Understanding moisture control requirements is essential for anyone operating a disc granulator, also known as a pan granulating machine, disc pelletizer, or plate granulator.

Why Moisture Matters in Disc Granulation

Disc granulation relies on rolling and layering mechanisms rather than mechanical compression. During rotation, fine particles gradually adhere to each other through surface tension and capillary forces created by water.

If the raw material moisture is too low, particles fail to bond effectively, resulting in dust, weak pellets, or no granulation at all. On the other hand, excessive moisture causes material to stick to the disc surface, form oversized lumps, or collapse into slurry. Therefore, moisture balance directly affects granule strength, uniformity, and production stability in a disc granulation system.

Recommended Moisture Range for Biofertilizer Materials

For most bio organic fertilizer raw materials—such as composted manure, fermented organic waste, or bio-based powder blends—the ideal moisture content before disc granulation typically falls between 20% and 30%.

Below 18%, granulation efficiency drops sharply

Between 22%–28%, granules form smoothly and grow uniformly

Above 32%, material flow becomes unstable and difficult to control

The exact moisture window depends on particle size distribution, organic matter content, and binder usage, which is why moisture adjustment is often done gradually during operation. Learn more! 

disc pelletizer for biofertilizer production

How Moisture Is Adjusted During Disc Pelletizing

In practical production, moisture control is rarely achieved by pre-mixing alone. Most disc granulating machines are equipped with water spraying systems that allow operators to fine-tune moisture during pellet growth.

Uniform spraying is critical. Local over-wetting can cause uneven granule sizes, while insufficient spraying leads to excessive recycling of fines. In larger biofertilizer disc granulation lines, moisture adjustment is often combined with material pre-conditioning using mixers or aging bins.

Interaction Between Moisture and Disc Parameters

Raw material moisture does not work independently. It interacts closely with disc angle, rotational speed, and feed rate. Higher moisture generally requires a slightly lower disc angle or slower rotation to maintain stable rolling behavior.

Operators often find that stable disc granulating performance is achieved through coordinated adjustment rather than relying on moisture control alone.

Common Moisture-Related Problems and Solutions

Unstable pellet size, high return material ratio, and poor granule hardness are often linked to moisture imbalance. Regular moisture testing, controlled spraying, and consistent raw material preparation help maintain stable operation in disc granulator-based fertilizer production lines.

Final Notes on Stable Disc Granulation

Effective moisture control is not about hitting a fixed number, but maintaining a controllable range throughout production. For biofertilizer manufacturers using disc pelletizers, mastering raw material moisture management is key to achieving consistent granule quality and long-term production stability. If you need a high-quality pan granulator, welcome to visit: https://www.biofertilizerproduction.com/product/disc-pelletizer-for-biofertilizer-making/