The interaction of drying and agglomeration
Process engineers who have specific final particle characteristics in mind when designing a bulk solids production line have a complex task. Each step in the production process has the potential to change the size and shape of individual particles. Since drying and agglomeration usually occur in the final steps of a production process, they have a particularly strong impact on particle characteristics. The purpose of this article is to classify various methods of drying and agglomeration and show how they interact.
Drying is the removal of liquid from a solid using heat transfer as opposed to mechanical means. It typically requires agitation of solids in a contained environment or transfer between two points; mixing and conveyance are a major concern in process design. The goal is to achieve low levels of volatile materials for safety, product quality, and cost savings in shipping.