2026/05/15
The moisture content of materials used in organic fertilizer ball shaping machines is extremely critical, serving as the "lifeline" for their efficient and stable operation. The core principle is to utilize the material's inherent viscosity, allowing it to adhere, compact, and polish during rolling. Moisture is the key "switch" for controlling viscosity.
Generally, the ideal material moisture content should be controlled between 20% and 40%, depending on the processing technology. If using the conventional "granulation followed by rounding" process, where pre-formed columnar or blocky granules are refined, the moisture content should be controlled at 20%-25%. At this state, the material has moderate plasticity, effectively rounding to achieve a smooth surface without clumping or sticking to the walls due to excessive stickiness. If the rounding machine is used for "direct granulation," rolling powdered material into balls in one step, a higher moisture content, typically 30%-40%, is required to provide sufficient initial adhesion.
Excessive moisture content (e.g., exceeding 40%) will cause the material to resemble wet mud, resulting in excessive sticking and clumping within the drum. This not only prevents it from forming into round balls but also clogs the discharge port, causing equipment malfunction and generating unpleasant odors. Conversely, insufficient moisture content (e.g., below 15%) will cause the material to resemble loose sand, lacking the necessary binding force. It will only slide without rolling within the drum, failing to form balls and generating significant dust, polluting the environment and wasting raw materials.
Therefore, precise moisture management is essential. Before production, moisture content must be tested by touch or with a professional moisture meter. A simple "touch" standard is: grab a handful of material, squeeze it firmly to form a ball, and then release it to drop it freely from a height of about 1 meter. If the clump naturally disperses, the moisture content is approximately appropriate. For materials with insufficient moisture, excess moisture must be absorbed by adding dry materials (such as sawdust or rice husks) or by spraying a small amount of water/binder to adjust the moisture level, ensuring the material enters the rounding machine in optimal condition.
