High-shear granulation is an effective means for turning powders into dense granules for tableting or coating. To create the granules, powders are loaded into the mixing bowl and the bowl is sealed. If necessary, a dry binder may be mixed into the powder or dispersed into the granulating liquid.

To begin the process, a large, bottom-driven impeller tool rotates at a slow speed, spinning the powders into a vortex. After the powders are blended together, liquid is added to the product using a pump or pressurized container.

While the impeller rotates, a chopper tool located in the bowl spins at high speeds, shearing the granules and removing air. The mixing continues until the desired end granule size and density is achieved. End point is often determined via power consumption or torque on the main mixing tool drive.

The granulated product may then be dried in the mixing bowl, if equipped for vacuum drying, or discharged for fluid bed drying.