TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES

In commonly used prilling technologies the prill size can only be controlled to a very limited extent. It depends on the opening size in prilling buckets (heads) and the melt flow. There is no systematic mechanizm of controlling the prill size distribution, which is random, where liquid streams outflowing through small holes by laminar or slightly turbulent motion and break into droplets as a result of surface tension and irregular (random) vibration from different sources break. During the process many droplets of different diameters and micro-droplets called satellites or Plato balls form. They are raised by the outlet air to the atmosphere causing significant production loses and environmental pollution.

By introducing a new control element – vibrations – it is possible to predict and control the prill size and prill size distribution in a precise manner that has been never known in any prilling technology. The effect will be achieved when, through vibrations, a standing wave will be introduced to the melt of an appropriate frequency and amplitude. In this case the outflow stream will break up into droplets of the same diameter, without satellites. The desired prill fractions reach the proportions of up to 98% of the product.

Liquid flowing out from bucket without vibrations

Liquid flowing out from bucket with vibrations