Study reveals how Nynas naphthenic specialty oils can improve fertilisers
Nynas has released the findings of a new study showing how fertiliser coatings can be significantly improved with the use of NYTEX® and NYFLEX® naphthenic oils.
With the global supply of API Group I oils under pressure, fertiliser producers and formulators are looking for alternatives for their coatings. To support this change in the market, Nynas investigated the use of naphthenic process oils in fertilisers, revealing a reduction in both dust and caking issues.
“Being hygroscopic, solid fertilisers tend to absorb moisture, leading to caking and handling issues. The fertiliser can also generate dust, creating a hazardous work environment,” said Emma Öberg, Development Engineer at Nynas. “However, both these issues can be addressed using anti-caking and anti-dusting coatings. The coatings can come as a form of neat process oil or as formulated products, which can contain process oil, wax and hydrophobic amines.”
Compared to paraffinic grades, the unique characteristics of NYTEX® 820 and other naphthenic oils allow the fertiliser coating to be sprayed at lower temperatures, which is a clear advantage for processors looking at potential cost reductions.
Nynas study also shows that the caking tendency of NPK and CAN fertilisers decreases significantly when coated with NYTEX 840 compared to untreated fertilisers, as well as those treated with paraffinic oils. Furthermore, the treatment of NPK fertilisers with NYTEX 846 reduces dusting by 50% compared with untreated fertilisers.
“These results are of great interest to coating and fertiliser manufacturers, as they prove the efficacy of Nynas naphthenic process oils in such formulations, providing a better alternative to Group I oils, where the global supply is under pressure,” said Dr Gaia Franzolin, Nynas Global Marketing Director.
Remaining committed to providing consistent and high-quality specialty naphthenic oils worldwide, Nynas is making the NYTEX and NYFLEX specialty oils available globally through its extensive supply and distribution network.
