Spray agglomeration

Fluid bed spray agglomeration is also often in colloquial terms refered to as fluid bed granulation. Powders are fluidized and a binder solution or suspension is sprayed onto the fluidized particles, creating liquid bridges which form agglomerates from the powder. As soon as the desired size of the agglomerates is achieved, spraying is stopped and the liquid evaporated. The structures created by the liquid bridges are then maintained by solid binder bonds. Whatever has been liquid inside the agglomerates is now void, as such permitting modified size and porosity of the agglomerates for their intended function, e.g. for compression into tables or fast dissolving instant drink applications. The lack of kinetic energy in the agglomeration zone results in light structures with plenty of internal capillaries. The usual size range found on the market is approximately 0.2 to 2.5 mm.