Is this the same as lubricating seed?

No. Seed is a separate record. Here the flowing material is fertilizer.

Is it mixed with the fertilizer or coated on the hopper?

According to the equipment: on the material, on hopper walls, or in ducts. Method is set by the product and the planter.

Does it alter the fertilizer?

Graphite is a flow additive. Any effect on the agricultural formulation is validated with the fertilizer manufacturer and the plant.

Industrial hopper with a graphite coating for material flow

Additives / Formulation

Fertilizer meter lubrication

Graphite to reduce friction and bridging in fertilizer meters, hoppers, and ducts, and to keep an even flow.

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Flow additive for fertilizer

Also known as: Graphite for fertilizer meters · Fertilizer flow lubricant · Anti-stick for fertilizer in the hopper · Flow additive for fertilizer

Flow graphite for fertilizer meters and ducts.

[ Technical summary ]

Fertilizer picks up moisture, cakes, and jams discs and ducts. A graphite powder reduces friction and improves flow. Seed lubrication and grain-hopper lubrication are separate records: here the material is fertilizer. Dose is set by the equipment and the product; this record does not publish a recipe.

Each process needs a specific product and application method. ESGRAF selects the solution according to temperature, material, load, cycle, and application method.

[ Problem it solves ]

Keep an even fertilizer flow without jams from friction or caking.

Processes

Fertilizer metering
Hopper and duct transfer

Operating conditions

Dry or slightly moist fertilizer
Discs, hoppers, and drop tubes

When it is suitable

Fertilizer jams in the meter
There is caking in the hopper or duct
The flow is not even

When it may not be suitable

The fertilizer tolerates no black additive
The meter manufacturer forbids flow additives
The material is wet and requires another process

Process challenges

Jams in the metering disc
Caking from moisture
Uneven flow

Advantages

Reduces friction in meter and duct
Improves flow of caked fertilizer
It is not a grease that contaminates the equipment

Limitations

Does not dry wet fertilizer
May tint black if over-applied
Dose is not published in this record

[ Critical selection variables ]

These variables define the grade and the geometry. Actual values are confirmed against the grade datasheet.

Particle sizeDecisive
Dosage and application frequencyDecisive
Humidity and ambient conditionsDecisive
Application methodRelevant
Presence of abrasives or solidsRelevant
Required purity and allowable contaminationRelevant

[ Required material properties ]

Properties that guide selection. Numerical values come from each grade's datasheet.

Critical properties

Particle size distribution
Friction coefficient
Self-lubrication

Secondary properties

Dispersibility
Purity

[ Related ]

[ Frequently asked questions ]

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Technical content reviewed by ESGRAF — Last reviewed: October 28, 2026

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