Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University have enhanced fertilizer flow by adjusting the anti-caking component in the mix. Their findings appear in a conference collection focused on Chemistry, Ecology, and Urbanism.
Potassium chloride stands as a primary potash fertilizer and plays a crucial role on large farms. The product remains relatively costly and is frequently shipped to other regions. A common problem with potassium chloride is its tendency to clump, which adversely affects handling and flowability, especially in bulk storage and application.
Traditionally, manufacturers use an amine-based anti-caking agent to keep the granules free-flowing. However, these amines can increase dust formation during storage and transport, making logistics more challenging and costly. This dustiness can elevate control issues at loading points and raise occupational exposure concerns for workers and handlers.
In this study, Russian researchers evaluated the performance of a standard amine treatment against an alternative approach that employs an amine hydrochloride solution for the anti-caking step. The aim was to determine whether the chlorine-containing salt could better preserve granule integrity while maintaining dispersion during practical handling, compared with conventional amines alone.
The experimental procedure involved treating halurgic potassium chloride with an anti-caking system and then subjecting the treated material to a substantial mechanical load. The material was pressed with a force equal to thirty times its own weight and held for a full day to simulate extreme storage conditions that might occur in commercial warehouses or during long-haul transportation.
Following this conditioning, the team measured the granularity and particle size distribution using a sieve-based method. Senior lecturer Konstantin Kuzminykh from the Department of Chemical Technologies explained the assessment approach and emphasized the importance of precise granulometry in predicting flow behavior under real-world handling conditions.
The results indicate that, when compared to the traditional amine treatment, the amine hydrochloride solution can mitigate the deterioration of larger sodium chloride crystals within the fertilizer matrix. In practical terms, this means the fertilizer continues to flow more readily after storage, reducing the risks of blockages, bridging, or uneven discharge during spreading operations. The authors suggest that this alternative formulation could offer an improved balance between anti-caking performance and dust suppression, contributing to smoother logistics and lower handling costs for distributors and farmers alike.
Experts note that these findings address a common bottleneck for bulk shipments of potassium chloride, especially in regions that rely heavily on imports to meet agricultural demand. By optimizing the anti-caking system, producers can deliver a product that remains free-flowing under varied environmental and handling pressures, while potentially reducing the need for additional mechanical intervention during loading and unloading processes. The practical takeaway for industry stakeholders is clear: selecting an anti-caking strategy that preserves flow while minimizing dust can contribute to more efficient storage and distribution workflows, as well as safer handling practices for personnel involved in fertilizer operations.
Further research is expected to explore long-term stability, compatibility with different harvest mixes, and the economic implications of adopting amine hydrochloride-based anti-caking formulations on a large scale. These investigations will help determine whether the observed benefits hold across different production lines and geographic markets, including North America and other major agricultural regions. Markers of success will likely include sustained flowability after storage, reduced dust emissions, and a favorable cost-to-performance ratio that aligns with industry demand for reliable bulk fertilizers. The ongoing work also opens avenues for evaluating environmental and safety aspects associated with various anti-caking agents, ensuring that performance does not come at the expense of worker health or air quality in storage facilities and transport hubs.