PacFert has just commissioned and new 90kW hammermill for fine grinding minerals in Brisbane.
This is in addition to the other operational 37 and 110kW mills and the sister 90kW mill under construction for Sydney.
The mills assist in fine particle size reduction after the primary jaw, secondary and tertiary cone crushers in the circuit.
Pacific Fertiliser recently added more gypsum pits to a study it undertook in 2015 for detailed research into the bulk agricultural gypsum products available on the eastern seaboard of Australia. This research continues on from the NSW Department of Primary Industries work in 1996 which was reported in the AgFact AC.10 (Agdex 514) document.
The numerous gypsum samples were obtained from various agricultural gypsum sources either ex mine pit or from product landed on the farm. Pacific Fertiliser natural gypsum and REGYP recycled gypsum products were tested during the research and these were taken from our finished product stockpiles.
The main items we tested for were gypsum purity, sizing and solubility. The results enable us to benchmark our products against others, but also to help customers in their evaluation of which gypsum to use when they are looking to purchase gypsum for their farm or project.
When testing for gypsum solubility, we employed the method used in the AgFact AC.10 paper. This test method is more indicative of what happens in the paddock rather than the normal method to test solubility, where gypsum samples are finely ground up before being analysed. Due to the river bed gypsum having higher salt contents we had to adjust the solubility results to reflect the true gypsum solubility.
If you have any questions or would like to view the full report please feel free to call 1300473497 or visit our website www.pacificfertiliser.com
Test Laboratory:
Pacific Fertiliser commissioned Cement Australia to do the gypsum analysis work in 2015 through to 2017 for our research. Cement Australia’s laboratory in Darra QLD is NATA approved and very proficient and experienced in testing gypsum and other minerals.
Test Methods:
Gypsum Purity:- Calculated from Sulphur (S) content. (18.6% Sulphur is 100% CaSO4.2H2O)
Sulphur Content: – X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
Total Calcium:- XRF
Total Oxides:- XRF
Moisture Content:- AS 4489.8.1, modified for gypsum by limiting heat to 40ºC for 24 hrs.
Particle Size:- Analysis Dry sieve
Gypsum Solubility:- As per the method used in the NSW AGFACTS AC.10. Solubility is expressed as electrical conductivity (EC) of solution obtained by adding the equivalent of 10g of pure gypsum (CaSO4.2H2O) to 1 litre of demineralised water. This solution is gently shaken (20 times end over end) and placed in a centrifuge for 10 minutes. The unit of electrical conductivity is dS/m.
Adjusted solubility:- Pacific Fertiliser added a modified column to the analysis results in the above table, to allow for the effect on electrical conductivity in the gypsum samples with a higher salt content. The measured electrical conductivity (EC) of a solution is influenced by the concentration and composition of dissolved salts. In the 1996 results Bourke solubility was 0.4 dS/m and Balranald was 1.0 dS/m.
Please download a full copy of the research report here (17mB)
Pacific Fertiliser has just bought a Finlay 883 screener to add to the fleet. This screen will be used at the gypsum and dolomite pits as well as refining fine minerals for resale at the Brisbane and Bundaberg plants.
Solubility in soil conditioners, such as gypsum, lime and dolomite are very important. The key to solubility is mainly in particle size. The finer the product, whether it be in gypsum, lime, dolomite or any other natural occurring mineral the quicker the result.
Natural raw gypsum, aglime and dolomite should be applied at least six months before cropping to achieve worthwhile results. Products such as Mine2g gypsum which have a mean particle size below 0.5mm and 99% passing 2mm mesh will have a high solubility compared to standard natural gypsum.
Recycled gypsum, superfine lime and dolomite however are a different story. Recycled gypsum from plaster board has been refined to very small particles in the production of the plaster board, making it far more soluble than raw gypsum, in other words, you can apply it just before cropping and get a good result.
In the case of Superfine lime and dolomite against aglime, you will achieve a much quicker response. The smaller particles are the secret to quicker results and of course higher yielding crops.
Pacific Fertiliser releases its new Mine2 gypsum product.
The Mine2 product is sub 2mm natural gypsum with a purity of 96+%.
This product is available ex Brisbane in bulk or bulkbag.
The finer grade gypsum makes it perfect for applications where high solubility and fast uptake of sulphur or calcium is critical.
Suitable for applications such as:
• Horticulture & vegetables
• Nut crops & viticulture
• Golf courses & sporting fields
