Applications	AGGLOMERATION "Wet Granulation"

GRANULATION is the process of combining smaller particles into larger-sized agglomerates. This agglomeration process usually produces an open, more porous particle structure and is often desirable for these reasons:

	The larger and more uniform particle size distribution improves the flow and handling properties of the product for better tabletting, briquetting, package filling, extrusion, or powder compression
	Agglomeration increases product dispersion and solubility
	Granulation often changes the bulk density
	Product "dusting" can be controlled by agglomeration

FOOD products are frequently agglomerated to increase their dispersion rate in liquids. Fruit and chocolate drink mixes, for example, must "dissolve" quickly with minimum stirring.

PHARMACEUTICAL granulation produces the material handling characteristics and absolute uniformity of die-fill needed to assure rigid doseage accuracy on high-speed tabletting presses.

In the CHEMICAL industry, agglomeration controls dusting of such materials as fly ash, fertilizer, and other hazardous powders.

POWDERED METAL and CERAMICS processors granulate to prevent component segregation, to improve material flow, and to adjust density to modify die compression ratios.

The correct moisture level, an appropriate binding agent, or a solubilizing agent to control surface tension can all be used to affect particle size and density.

Conventional spray and fluid-bed granulation techniques require heavy capital investment, involve elaborate and time-consuming clean-up, do not readily handle materials with different bulk or particle densities, require a large amount of floor space, and often need the expense of post-granulation drying equipment.

Typical Applications:

	Food
	Chemical
	Powder
	Metal
	Ceramics

In Processall's MIXMILL line of mixing granulators, medium-intensity blending elements lift and disperse the product to produce a "mechanically fluidized bed" which rapidly and efficiency blends materials of widely different density and particle size, while an integral high-intensity chopping mill system distributes the agglomerating solutions and binders and controls particle size. Post milling is usually unnecessary. The high efficiency of the chopping mills often permits using less granulating solution and eliminates the need for subsequent drying. When postdrying is necessary, a Processall Mixmill equipped with a heating jacket takes advantage of the excellent heat and mass transfer rates of fluidized bed systems to rapidly and efficiently dry the agglomerated product. Processall can provide a complete vacuum drying system with a solvent recovery/reuse capability.

4500HL Liter Mixmill Pharmaceutical Granulator

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