IFDC Announces an International Workshop on Fertilizer Granulation and NPK Production Alternatives – Co-Sponsored by Thailand Department of Agricultural Extension, with support of the Thai Fertilizer Producer Trade Association (TFPTA)
Bangkok, Thailand
November 1-5, 2010
Program Fee: US $1,500 (by October 1, 2010) or $1,700 (after October 2, 2010)
THIS PROGRAM IS CURRENTLY FULL.
Background
The production of homogeneous granular fertilizers often involves complex manufacturing processes, particularly for NPKs. There are many variables involved in the granulation process, particularly the large number of raw materials and combinations that are routinely processed in a single plant. Additionally, variations in climatic conditions, equipment design and configurations and operator skills also affect the production process and product quality. Because granular fertilizers continue to play an important role in many fertilizer supply strategies worldwide, this workshop is organized to facilitate a better understanding of the technology and methods used for their production. Also, since urea is the most available and usually most cost-effective source of nitrogen worldwide, this workshop will examine the specialized plant engineering and manufacturing criteria required for the production of high-quality NPKs using urea as the primary source of nitrogen.
Workshop Objectives
The workshop is designed to:
- Provide an overview of alternatives for producing granular fertilizers.
- Expose participants to various processes and equipment used in producing granular fertilizers and the unique problems encountered during production.
- Increase understanding of appropriate methods for storing and handling raw materials and products of granulated, compacted, blended and fluid NPK fertilizers and the unique problems encountered in storing and handling these products.
- Explain quality issues related to producing, storing and handling granular fertilizers.
The workshop will consist of three days of classroom presentations/activities in Bangkok and two days of field trips visiting granular fertilizer production and storage facilities. In addition to presentations on production, storage and handling of fertilizer materials and methods for incorporating micronutrients, other presentations will be included, such as production of sulfur.
Venue
Situated in an ideal location in Bangkok, the Royal Benja Hotel has a definite advantage for in- and out-bound transportation. The first-class hotel is conveniently located in the heart of the popular Sukhumvit shopping and entertainment area of Bangkok and offers easy access to the BTS Skytrain and MRT underground services, which enable guests to avoid traffic. It is located only 30 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi Airport via the main expressway. Participants will be extended IFDC’s special deluxe single room rate of 1,800 baht/net/night (approximately US $55/person/night) inclusive of service charge, government tax and international breakfast buffet. Participants are responsible for reservation and payment of accommodations at the Royal Benja Hotel.
Royal Benja Hotel
39 Sukhumvit Road (Soi 5)
Bangkok 10110, THAILAND
Telephone: +66 2 655 2920
Fax: +66 2 655 2959
E-Mail: info@royalbenja.th.com
Website: www.royalbenja.th.com
Who Should Attend
The workshop is designed for new engineers; engineers who have recently assumed new responsibilities; technical managers engaged in the production, design, storage and handling of granulated, compacted, blended and fluid fertilizers; quality control, process and design engineers engaged in engineering, equipment supply and revamping granular fertilizer plants; and entrepreneurs contemplating the establishment of fertilizer granulation production facilities.The program will be conducted in English.
Workshop Content
- Technology, design and equipment for the production of granulated fertilizers and incorporation of micronutrients.
- Storage and handling of granulated, compacted, blended and fluid NPK fertilizers and the raw materials from which they are produced.
- Quality issues in production, storage and handling of granulated fertilizers.
- Presentations on closely related topics, such as physical and chemical properties of fertilizers, fertilizer anti-caking agents and sampling.
- Sessions will address DAP, MAP, GTSP, SCU and AS.
- NPK production alternatives covering compaction/granulation, bulk blending and fluid fertilizers.
- Field trips to granular fertilizer production plants.
The technical presentations and study tour will be conducted by IFDC fertilizer technology specialists with 25 to 35 years of experience in the fertilizer sector. In addition, invited experts from the fertilizer industry and fertilizer equipment manufacturers will also participate as faculty.
Methodology
Participants will be exposed to a range of topics through classroom presentations, classroom discussions, group problem-solving activities and field trips to visit granular fertilizer production and storage facilities.
Visa and Medical Insurance
APPLICATIONS FOR NECESSARY VISAS SHOULD BE MADE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE. Participants who are not eligible to enter Thailand without a visa should submit their application for a visa through the respective Thai embassy or consulate in their country of residence. All required immunizations and health formalities should be completed. Medical insurance should be obtained by participants. The workshop fee does not cover any medical insurance or expenses.
Cost and Enrollment
The workshop fee for this training course is US $1,500 per participant. This fee is due with enrollment but no later than October 1, 2010. A non-refundable deposit of US $200 is required with each registration. The deposit will be credited toward the program fee, which is due four weeks before the program is scheduled. Thereafter, a Late Fee in the amount of US $200 will apply. The program fee, less the deposit, will be refunded for cancellations made two weeks before the commencement of the program; thereafter, 90 percent of the paid fee will be returned and 10 percent, in addition to the deposit, will be charged to cover administrative costs.
The workshop fee covers registration, training and reference material, coffee/tea breaks, all lunches and surface transportation when applicable. The fee does not include air travel, lodging and dinner expenses or medical and communication expenses. Participants should plan to arrive in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sunday, October 31.
Registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis. Paid participants will receive priority. Payment of the program fee can be made by (1) check or draft payable to IFDC; (2) wire transfer to IFDC account in the U.S.A. through First Metro Bank, 406 West Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, Alabama, U.S.A., ABA number 062203955 for credit to IFDC Account number 55281; or (3) major credit card—MasterCard, Visa or American Express.
About IFDC
IFDC is a nonprofit, public international organization (PIO) dedicated to increasing agricultural productivity and food production through the development and use of plant nutrients in sustainable crop production systems. Headquartered in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, U.S.A., IFDC is involved in human resource development, research and technical assistance in collaboration with public, private, national and international organizations throughout the world. IFDC has conducted more than 700 formal workshops, study tours and training programs for about 10,000 participants from 150 countries since 1974. The programs have covered a wide range of subjects including integrated soil fertility management and fertilizer use efficiency, fertilizer production technology, agro-input dealership, competitive marketing, supply chain management, investment analysis, policy reforms and numerous specialized topics.
About Thailand Department of Agricultural Extension
Agriculture is the foundation of Thailand's national economy. With a total population of approximately 66 million, 62.5 percent are involved in the agricultural sector. The major economic crops are rice, cassava, para rubber, maize, pineapple, oil palm, soybean and mungbean. Half of the country's cultivated area is devoted to paddy rice.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE) is directly responsible for integrating the concepts and strategies of crop promotion and cooperating with research institutes, universities, agricultural credits, marketing organizations and other related agencies in order to provide extension services and technology transfer to farmers to help increase farm productivity, both qualitatively and quantitatively and to meet market demands and standards. The ultimate goal is to improve standards of living and quality of life of the stakeholders, who are mainly farmers in rural areas.
As previously mentioned, the Thai economy is mainly driven by agriculture, especially crop production. Therefore, crop promotion and extension are vital to the success of national projects focused on crop production.
About Thai Fertilizer Producer Trade Association (TFPTA)
The Thai Fertilizer Producer Trade Association was set up in 1975 by a group of factory owners producing mixed fertilizers comprising of 10 factories. The first founder of the association is Mr. Chet Tansakun. Presently, the Thai Fertilizer Producer Trade Association has 40 members and it’s total capacity has been increased to 2-2.5 million tons per year providing both bulk-blended chemical fertilizer and organic fertilizer.
The association has the following objectives, to promote, to support and to develop members’ activities in upgrading production standards, fertilizers, and distributing channels, thus enabling Thai farmers to use good fertilizers with the same quality as that of imported fertilizers. The farmers will then be able to export agricultural products competitively with other countries. To help the members solve different problems and give advice related to their business operations, as well as coordinate with government sectors, supporting academics research on factors influencing agricultural production is also one of our important objectives.
The Thai Fertilizer Producer Trade Association encourages: revision of laws on fertilizers, for the benefit of society, of country as a whole and among members of fertilizer producer; the development of relationships and cooperation with government sectors such as, the Ministry of Agriculture and Industry, Ministry of Commerce, other associations, organizations, and foundations, by sponsoring and helping in social works; and the continuous development of academic knowledge among members.
For More Information:
Training and Workshop Coordination Unit
IFDC
P.O. Box 2040
Muscle Shoals, Alabama 35662, U.S.A.
Telephone: +1 (256) 381-6600
Telefax: +1 (256) 381-7408
E-Mail: hrd@ifdc.org
Website: www.ifdc.org
As a nonprofit organization, IFDC does not finance or sponsor any participant.