Wet Granulation|Lödige CB-30
Next to the dry granulation route we now also have been offering what we would call wet agglomeration techniques. These techniques distinguish themselves from the dry granulation techniques in that water or a binder or a combination of these is used in order to bind the individual particles physically together. Via this route it is possible to produce granules that have completely different characteristics to those of granules produced via a dry granulation route.
Wet agglomeration improves (just like dry granulation) the flowing and dosing characteristics as well as the amount of dust in a product but it also creates a granule with a more open, porous structure with a lower density.
Within Custom Powders we offer batch as well as continuous wet agglomeration processing. In Helmond (NL) we have chosen to install a continuous system and in Crewe (UK) we have installed a batch agglomeration process.
The Lödige CB-30 is part of the continuous wet agglomeration system in Helmond (NL). What makes this unit unique is that we are in the position of being able to put in any of four different types of processors into this process which enables us to produce the specific type of granule you require. The fixed part of the unit consists of a continuous Shugi Fluid bed dryer that is directly connected to a continuous sieving and milling system. The processor of your choice can be fitted into this unit and the Lödige CB-30 is one of your choices.
The Lödige CB-30 is a fast turning continuous mixer that can process large quantities of product per hour. This machine was specifically designed for the homogenous granulation of dry carrier materials with liquid or viscous components. The produced granules typically have an average size (D50) of about 500 – 600 micron (µm) and a somewhat higher density in comparison with the granules produced on a Shugi Flexomix.
Please download the print version for further information on this process or read further below.
Wet Granulation | Lödige CB-30
The main difference between dry granulation (compaction) and wet agglomeration is found in the characteristics of the granules produced. With compaction the product is compressed under pressure which creates a rather sturdy granule with a high density that will not break down too easily. The disadvantage of granules produced this way is that the normally do not dissolve very easily.
With wet agglomeration the particles are not pressed together but are stuck together with the aid of a liquid or binder. Via this route a granule is produced that has a more open and porous structure and will have a more rounded shape. This type of technique is a good choice if you are interested in good dissolving and dispersing characteristics. Wet agglomeration improves the flow characteristics of the product, reduces the amount of dust in the product and it will give the product a higher density.
The process:
De Lödige CB-30 can be integrated in a unit where we have installed a continuous Shugi fluid bed dryer (2m²/ 5 zones), in combination with an integrated sieving and milling system. By means of a loss in weight system, up to three raw materials can be dosed to the CB-30 in the desired ratios. The powders are then fed into a horizontally cylindrical chamber where it will be agglomerated with the liquid (up to 4 streams). By means of pins and pedals the wet mass in the machine is transformed into granules. By adjusting the setting of the pins and pedals the residence time in the machine can be adjusted.
The wet granules that come out of the Lödige CB-30 are then dried (and/or cooled) and fed to the sieving part of the system. The oversize will be milled and then returned to the sieve and the fines are recycled back into the start of the process. The end product will be packed off after the sieve.
De Lödige CB-30 is typically designed to produce about 1,000 kg per hour, depending on the product characteristics, desired specification and packaging.
The end-product:
The Lödige CB-30 produces homogenous granules with a typical particle size of about 0.2 – 1.4 mm with an average size (D50) of about 500 - 600 micron. The structure of the granule will be slightly less porous and have a slightly higher density than granules produced on the Shugi Flexomix 160.
This unit is designed for continuous processing and therefore not really suitable for smaller quantities. Minimal quantities are in the range of 20 T per order. Due to the complexity of the unit and the amount of equipment used, the changeover costs (set up & clean down) for this unit are rather steep..
We look forward to hearing from you if you have an interest in this specific process.
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