Potash is a mined salt that contains potassium as a primary ingredient. Its formation is the result of the evaporation of bodies of water over hundreds of thousands of years, leaving potassium in their wake. The substance was then buried deep in soil hundreds of feet under the ground, and was originally discovered during the oil-drilling process in Saskatchewan, where the largest potash reserves are located to this day.
The term "potash" is derived from an ancient process of removing potassium from wood fire ashes and then evaporating the substance in iron pots, the remains of which were named pot-ash. Rich is potassium chloride, approximately 95 percent of potash is used in the agricultural industry, where its high potassium content makes it a natural fertilizer.
(click on picture to expand)
Potash crystals
Potash hit the headlines in a big way when ties between two of the world's largest potash producers, Russia's Uralkali and Belaruskali, unraveled. In the summer of 2013, Uralkali exited a key potash trade partnership known as the Belarusian Potash Company, or BPC, and the effects are still being sorted out today.
BPC combined with a North American consortium Canpotex, and was basically responsible for setting the price of potash, because the pair controlled more than half of global potash sales. However, when the Russian venture broke up, it sent the price for the crop nutrient tumbling, which hit the potash processing industry in the form of lower sales and volumes, and made it more difficult for producers to cover their costs. As of October 2014, the Russian partnership had yet to be repaired, prompting questions about the future stability of potash prices.
The damage, however, has not been as bad as initially feared amid higher potash demand stemming from regions such as Latin America and Asia. In light of persistently rising demand, potash producers are considering ramping up production, including the likes of Canada's PotashCorp, which may increase its annual capacity by approximately two million tons in 2015.
Whether consumers realize it or not, potash is probably what makes the plants in their gardens stand a little taller and shine a little greener. Its high potassium content also helps to keep pesky hindrances such as insects and weeds at bay.
Potash is a natural fertilizer that is relied upon by farmers around the world for crops in both developed and emerging countries. It provides soil with the nutrients that crops need to grow, and its unique composition leads to better crop quality and higher yields.
It also has a few industrial applications, although only a minor percentage of potash is produced for this purpose. It can be used to make materials such as glass, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other items.
Once potash is mined, it is wet and not quite ready to be to be used as a fertilizer or in any application. Mined potash has a moisture content of up to 10 percent in weight. In order for it to be usable, that percentage must drop to below one percent. Otherwise, potash processors will be left with unusable clumps of the substance. That is where potash drying equipment comes in.
Just as it has throughout history, potash must be dried to remove much of the moisture remaining within it. Thermal processing equipment such as the industrial dryers engineered by Heyl & Patterson are used instead of metal pots. Without this drying process, the potash would never be up to the standard for commercial applications.
Heyl & Patterson Renneburg dryers are energy efficient and rely on either rotary or fluid bed methods of heating, depending on the application. These machines can lead to higher production, lower temperatures and fewer gases released into the atmosphere. They can also be tailored to meet any customer's specific needs through pilot plant testing, whether old equipment is being replaced or a procees must start from scratch.
(click on picture to expand)
Rotary Dryer
While some industry headwinds persist, conditions do seem to be stabilizing somewhat in the potash industry. Demand is increasing, prices are becoming more competitive and equipment is at the ready to lend support. Meanwhile, even though industry participants may squabble, the value of potash for both agriculture and the environment cannot be denied because as there are no harsh chemicals associated with potash.
Heyl & Patterson: Potash Drying is Vital to the Fertilizer Industry
Potash Drying is Vital to the Fertilizer Industry
Potash is a mined salt that contains potassium as a primary ingredient. Its formation is the result of the evaporation of bodies of water over hundreds of thousands of years, leaving potassium in their wake. The substance was then buried deep in soil hundreds of feet under the ground, and was originally discovered during the oil-drilling process in Saskatchewan, where the largest potash reserves are located to this day.
The term "potash" is derived from an ancient process of removing potassium from wood fire ashes and then evaporating the substance in iron pots, the remains of which were named pot-ash. Rich is potassium chloride, approximately 95 percent of potash is used in the agricultural industry, where its high potassium content makes it a natural fertilizer.
(click on picture to expand)
Potash crystals
Potash hit the headlines in a big way when ties between two of the world's largest potash producers, Russia's Uralkali and Belaruskali, unraveled. In the summer of 2013, Uralkali exited a key potash trade partnership known as the Belarusian Potash Company, or BPC, and the effects are still being sorted out today.
BPC combined with a North American consortium Canpotex, and was basically responsible for setting the price of potash, because the pair controlled more than half of global potash sales. However, when the Russian venture broke up, it sent the price for the crop nutrient tumbling, which hit the potash processing industry in the form of lower sales and volumes, and made it more difficult for producers to cover their costs. As of October 2014, the Russian partnership had yet to be repaired, prompting questions about the future stability of potash prices.
The damage, however, has not been as bad as initially feared amid higher potash demand stemming from regions such as Latin America and Asia. In light of persistently rising demand, potash producers are considering ramping up production, including the likes of Canada's PotashCorp, which may increase its annual capacity by approximately two million tons in 2015.
Whether consumers realize it or not, potash is probably what makes the plants in their gardens stand a little taller and shine a little greener. Its high potassium content also helps to keep pesky hindrances such as insects and weeds at bay.
Potash is a natural fertilizer that is relied upon by farmers around the world for crops in both developed and emerging countries. It provides soil with the nutrients that crops need to grow, and its unique composition leads to better crop quality and higher yields.
It also has a few industrial applications, although only a minor percentage of potash is produced for this purpose. It can be used to make materials such as glass, plastics, pharmaceuticals and other items.
Once potash is mined, it is wet and not quite ready to be to be used as a fertilizer or in any application. Mined potash has a moisture content of up to 10 percent in weight. In order for it to be usable, that percentage must drop to below one percent. Otherwise, potash processors will be left with unusable clumps of the substance. That is where potash drying equipment comes in.
Just as it has throughout history, potash must be dried to remove much of the moisture remaining within it. Thermal processing equipment such as the industrial dryers engineered by Heyl & Patterson are used instead of metal pots. Without this drying process, the potash would never be up to the standard for commercial applications.
Heyl & Patterson Renneburg dryers are energy efficient and rely on either rotary or fluid bed methods of heating, depending on the application. These machines can lead to higher production, lower temperatures and fewer gases released into the atmosphere. They can also be tailored to meet any customer's specific needs through pilot plant testing, whether old equipment is being replaced or a procees must start from scratch.
(click on picture to expand)
Rotary Dryer
While some industry headwinds persist, conditions do seem to be stabilizing somewhat in the potash industry. Demand is increasing, prices are becoming more competitive and equipment is at the ready to lend support. Meanwhile, even though industry participants may squabble, the value of potash for both agriculture and the environment cannot be denied because as there are no harsh chemicals associated with potash.
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