Yesterday, our factory completed loading of a custom-built bentonite granulation production line for a South African customer and is about to depart from Tianjin Port. This integrated mixing, granulation, and drying equipment set is specifically designed for the granulation needs of South African bentonite mines. It will promote the upgrading of local bentonite from powder raw materials to high-value-added granular products, setting a new benchmark for Sino-African mining equipment cooperation.
South Africa has abundant bentonite resources, but has long been exported in powder form with low added value. This customized granulation line utilizes a “dual-shaft mixing + disc granulation + fluidized bed drying” process to transform 325-mesh ultrafine bentonite powder into spherical granules measuring 2-8mm. These granules achieve a strength of 8N and increase water absorption by 30%, fully meeting the requirements of high-end markets such as environmentally friendly adsorbent materials and cat litter. The core disc pelletizer features a precisely adjustable tilt angle between 30° and 55°. Combined with an atomizing spray system, it maintains a stable pelletizing rate of over 92%, a 15% improvement over traditional pelletizing equipment.

The production line has been specifically optimized for South Africa’s hot and dusty environment. The pelletizer features a fully enclosed design and is equipped with a high-efficiency dust removal device, achieving a dust emission concentration of ≤8mg/m³, exceeding local environmental standards. The drying system utilizes waste heat recovery technology, reducing energy consumption by 25% and maintaining stable operation even at temperatures of 45°C. Key components, such as the pelletizing disc lining, are constructed from high-chromium cast iron, increasing wear resistance by 50% and extending their service life to 8,000 hours.

A refined logistics solution was implemented at the loading site: the pelletizer body is modularized and smoothly loaded into the container using hydraulic lifting equipment. The dryer’s hot air ducts are treated with anti-corrosion and fitted with sealing film to prevent moisture. A sand shield has been installed on the electrical system, and a temperature and humidity recorder is included for full monitoring. Also delivered were bilingual operating manuals in English and Zulu, 3D installation animations, and a spare parts package worth $30,000, including consumable parts such as granulator scrapers and dryer nozzles.

“This production line will double the value of our bentonite,” a customer representative stated during the on-site acceptance. Their mine produces 50,000 tons of bentonite powder annually, previously selling for just $80 per ton. Once operational, it will be able to produce 30,000 tons of granular products annually, selling them to the African water treatment and pet product markets at a premium of $150 per ton, generating an additional $4.5 million in annual revenue.

A follow-up service system has been pre-installed: a partnership with an industrial equipment service provider in Pretoria provides 48-hour on-site response; 24-hour online technical support is available, enabling remote adjustment of granulation parameters; and a team of engineers will arrive within seven days of the equipment’s arrival to complete installation and commissioning and conduct 10 days of localized training.

This shipment is a vivid example of how Chinese granulation technology is empowering resource utilization in Africa. We will continue to delve deeper into the field of mineral processing and help global customers maximize the value of their resources with customized equipment.