Built-in versatility - The High Shear Granulator
is a multi-purpose processor equally suitable for high speed dispersion of dry
powders, aqueous or solvent granulations, effervescent products and wet and
melt pelletization.
High Shear Pellet Processing
To form granules out of
powders a granulation liquid and mechanical energy is needed. The formation of
pellets can be considered as granulation taken one step further, to achieve
spherical granules.
For high shear pelletisation, a special mixing tool is available to optimise
the process and maximise the output.
Wet
Pelletizing
This process uses a Niro Rotary Atomiser spray to
achieve excellent dispersion of binder liquid through the mix, and a special
high-speed rotation blade for maximum movement of the product, for more
efficient pelletization. A PTFE container-lining minimises the need for ‘top
and tailing’, even with the most cohesive of products. Studies have shown that
the PTFE liner - unique to Aeromatic-Fielder - can increase production
efficiency by as much as 40%. Alternatively, an extruder may be used, similar
to those used for the manufacture of pellets. In a typical set-up all
ingredients are pre-blended in a container after dispensing. Depending on the
extruder design the liquid can be added in the extruder or mixed separately to
the correct consistency.
The material produced by the extruder is now not rounded in a spheronizer
(as it would be for pellet manufacture) but transferred directly into a
continuous fluid bed where it is dried to the desired moisture level.
Melt pelletization
This is an exceptionally fast method
of producing pellets in a single step. The active material and binder are mixed
in binder form then heated until the binder melts. A single batch is processed
typically in just 15-20 minutes, and needs no further drying.