Prilled Urea
What is Prilled Urea?
Prilled urea is a solid, spherical fertilizer with a nitrogen concentration of about 46%. Its smooth, small granules are specifically designed for even distribution, making it ideal for agricultural use. Compared to granular urea, prilled urea has smaller particles, which dissolve faster and deliver nutrients efficiently to plants.
How is Prilled Urea Produced?
1. Synthesis of Urea
The production of prilled urea begins with the chemical combination of ammonia and carbon dioxide under high pressure and temperature. This reaction forms ammonium carbamate, which is dehydrated to produce molten urea.
2. Prilling Process
- The molten urea is passed through a prilling tower, where it is sprayed from the top.
- As the liquid droplets fall, they solidify into small, spherical prills due to air cooling.
- The result is a uniform, free-flowing fertilizer with excellent storage and application properties.
3. Screening and Quality Control
The prills are screened for uniform size and quality. Oversized or undersized particles are recycled to ensure consistency.
Packaging Options for Prilled Urea
Prilled urea is packaged to meet various user needs, ensuring it remains free of moisture and clumping during transportation and storage. Common packaging options include:
25-50 kg Bags:
These moisture-resistant bags are ideal for small farms or retail use. They are made from woven polypropylene with an inner liner for added protection.Jumbo Bags (500-1000 kg):
Large-scale agricultural and industrial users prefer these bulk bags for reduced handling time and cost.Bulk Transport:
For high-demand users, prilled urea is shipped in bulk using specialized containers or trucks.
Applications of Prilled Urea
1. Agricultural Use
Prilled urea is primarily used as a nitrogen fertilizer to enhance crop yields. Its high solubility ensures quick nutrient availability to plants, making it suitable for cereals, vegetables, and fruit crops.
2. Industrial Applications
Prilled urea is a key raw material in industries such as:
- Chemical Production: Used in the manufacture of urea-formaldehyde resins and adhesives.
- Environmental Applications: Acts as a reducing agent in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems to control NOx emissions in industries.
3. Blending for Customized Fertilizers
Prilled urea can be mixed with other fertilizers to create balanced blends tailored for specific soil and crop needs.
Check out our article on customized fertilizer blends.
Advantages of Using Prilled Urea
- High Nitrogen Content: Contains 46% nitrogen, making it an efficient source of nutrients for crops.
- Quick Dissolution: Ideal for irrigation and foliar application due to its high solubility.
- Cost-Effective: Prilled urea provides excellent value for its nutrient density.
- Easy to Apply: The uniform prill size ensures even distribution.
Environmental Considerations
While prilled urea is highly effective, improper application can lead to nitrogen loss through volatilization or leaching. To mitigate this:
- Use urease inhibitors.
- Apply during favorable weather conditions.
- Incorporate urea into the soil immediately after application.
Prilled urea is a versatile and efficient fertilizer with applications spanning agriculture, industry, and environmental solutions. Its production process ensures consistent quality, while its packaging options cater to diverse user needs. With proper usage, prilled urea supports sustainable farming and industrial efficiency.
