Agglomeration granulation

Polydextrose was developed by Pfizer and is now marketed by Danisco under the Litesse brand. Polydextrose is produced from glucose, sorbitol and citric acid and, under tightly controlled processing conditions, a randomised glucose polymer is produced. It is soluble in water, neutral in taste and is available in liquid (70% solution) or dry format, as an amorphous powder or agglomerated granule. It is extremely stable to extremes of pH and temperature. 

Crushers and pulverizers Jet mills Ball mills Agglomerators Granulators Tableting presses... 

For a theoretical system of moist, spherical, monodisperse agglomerates, granule strength is given by the following equation ... 

Carbon black Fluid bed, mixer agglomeration, granulation by compaction Build-up, caking, flow problems... 

One of the earliest drum mixers that was applied in the fertilizer industry for agglomeration (granulation) produced a curtain of solid materials as sketched in Fig. 7.24. If acid and ammonia are sprayed onto the curtain and/or added by sparger tubes granulation occurs during ammoniation. The co-processing (ammoniation and granulation) makes this technique a most beneficial one. 

Tab. 7.4 Parameters in fluid bed agglomeration/granulation (based on information from CEA/NIRO, Soeborg, Denmark).

W. Pietsch and H. Ries, Agglomerieren - Granulieren. (Agglomeration - Granulation.) Course notes, Technische Akademie Wuppertal e.V., Wuppertal-Elberfeld, Germany (1992) (revised). 

Many other patents on the production of detergents by agglomeration, granulation or two step processes have issued. Several advantages are often claimed for such processes such as control of particle size, better properties for the finished material, economy, etc. In most of these processes, the silicates play an important role due to their ability to act as a structure former-binder as well as for their effect on detergency. 

To give physical structure (i.e., porosity, surface properties) to facilitate agglomeration, granulation, mixing with other powders, and to improve flowability and rehydration... 

The fluidized bed process offers wide flexibility to adjust the particle properties according to the requirements. So it is possible to generate only slightly agglomerated granules with excellent dissolution properties, but also very spherical particles with an even particle surface and low risk of... 

Five primary methods exist to form an agglomerated granule. They are formation of solid bridges, sintering, chemical reaction, crystallization, or deposition of colloidal particles. Binding can also be achieved through adhesion and cohesion forces in highly viscous binders. 

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