Fluid Beds

 

   
Products
Theory and Principles - Granulation
  Basic Operation
  Drying
  Granulation
  Wurster Coating
   
  The fluid bed granulation process (also known as agglomeration) involves suspending particulates in an air stream and spraying a liquid from the top down onto the fluidized bed. Particles in the path of the spray get slightly wetted and become tacky. The tacky particles collide with other particles and adhere to them to form a granule.
   
   
  There are two different modes of fluid bed granulating: Dry stage and Wet stage. In Dry stage granulation, the particles only require a slight wetting to become tacky and stick to each other. The granulating solution is applied at a rate less than or equal to the evaporation rate. Thus the particles remain "dry" through the entire process. In Wet stage granulation, the particles require significant wetting before they become tacky enough to stick to each other. The granulating solution is applied at a rate higher than the evaporation rate until the particles build up enough moisture to granulate. The characteristics of the particles when wet and the type of granulating solution being used will determine which mode of granulating is most appropriate. While Dry stage is more common, Wet stage granulating allows for denser products.