Why the right cooling option matters
For fertilizer producers, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to selecting the best cooling technology to handle their process needs. Each technology offers distinct advantages, whether it is minimizing emissions, ensuring product quality or helping to meet decarbonization goals. Selecting the right technology is, therefore, crucial for today’s fertilizer operators.
In the March/April issue of Fertilizer International magazine, Igor Makarenko of Solex Thermal Science reviews three commonly used fertilizer cooling technologies:
• Rotary drums
• Fluidized beds
• Plate-based moving bed heat exchangers
As part of his analysis, Makarenko assesses how each technology compares regarding heat transfer efficiency, energy consumption and maintenance demands. He also provides insights into other considerations that fertilizer operators should consider when selecting the right cooling solution, including:
• Fertilizer type
• Product integrity
• Throughput requirements
• CAPEX/OPEX
Finally, Makarenko examines how each type of cooling technology supports sustainability and decarbonization efforts.
"Selecting the right cooling technology requires a careful evaluation of many factors – from process requirements to energy efficiency," writes Makarenko. "As such, each operator must weigh up the pros and cons to find the best fit for their production process. In doing so, they have an opportunity to meet their operational and decarbonization goals while still feeding the world."
This entry was tagged Cooling, and last updated on 2025-4-30
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