The meso- and macropores generating process via modification of NH4NO3 granules: Thermodynamic regime impact on the granule structure

The article deals with justification to choose optimal thermodynamic condiions to generate porous ammonium nitrate in the vortex granulators. Advantages of granules modification are justified by way of humidification and further thermal treatment. The necessity to improve technologies for porous ammonium nitrate generation is shown with aim to form meso- and macropores on the surface of the granule and inside it. The internal and surface structure of granules is studied under different thermal treatment regimes. The results of experimental research allow to define the temperature of heat transfer agent in the working area of the vortex granulator during the proper time and to implement this index to calculate heating up kinetics and granule dehydration. Specification of the heat transfer agent's temperature index lets to perform computations, determining minimum time for granule drying, in order to avoid its unintended overheating and core destruction.