Particle coalescence, growth shape

Agglomeration in low density fluidized beds is different in that at least part of the drying takes already place during growth and in the equipment itself The stochastic movements of gases, droplets, and particles, the occurrence of coalescence and bonding and the mechanisms of drying can be modeled and mass, particle size, heat and moisture balances can be established [B.49, B.72, B.93]. Nevertheless, it is an art, performed by experienced personnel of specialized vendors, to successfully scale-up from the performance of test units to commercial equipment and systems. Capacity increases are often obtained by installation of multiple feed points (gas and powder inlets, liquid spray nozzles), which are housed in suitably sized and shaped containments (e.g., towers). 

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