An introduction to continuous fluidized-bed agglomeration and spray granulation
Continuous fluidized-bed processing is becoming increasingly popular for producing food, chemical, and pharmaceutical powders and granules. This article introduces you to two forms of fluidized-bed processing: agglomeration and spray granulation. Sections detail these processes, describe equipment that provides them, and explain how each process can be controlled to achieve a final product with the desired properties.
Continuous fluidized-bed processing provides high intensity mixing of dry particles and allows intimate, efficient contact of the fluidizing air with the particles. These advantages make the technology ideal for agglomerating and spray-granulating a range of food, chemical, and pharmaceutical products. Common examples are homogeneous, free-flowing instant food- and drink-mix powders that are easy to wet and quick to dissolve, and dust-free, spray-granulated fine chemicals with high bulk density and high abrasion resistance