Granulation time in fluidized bed granulators

Size enlargement of particles in fluidized bed granulation involves mixing of particles with a binder liquid to form larger wet granules and drying them to form dry granules. Identification of the time for completion of granulation process is critical as further fluidization of dry granules is providing extra energy for their attrition. Monitoring the bed pressure drop and bed temperature of a batch fluidized bed granulator with time can provide information on the time for completion of the granulation process. Experimental observations on granulation time and size of granules in a lab-scale batch fluidized bed granulator are presented. Model based equations are developed for the estimation of granulation time and size of granules.