Powder Shaping & Granulation

Agglomeration involves binding fine particles together to form agglomerates of a controlled size and cohesion. It relies in particular on the controlled spraying of a binder solution, which promotes the formation of bonds between the particles.

The process improves the flowability and handling of powders, while reducing their dustiness.

Granulation enables fine particles to be transformed into granules with controlled size, shape and cohesion characteristics.

It relies on the gradual growth of the granules via the build-up of successive layers of material, with particles adhering to their surface until the target size and characteristics are achieved.

Particle coating involves applying a layer of material to the surface of particles in order to modify their properties or impart a specific function.

In particular, it can be used to alter surface properties, protect a material, or control the interactions between the particles and their environment.

Powder drying removes any water or solvent present in the product.

It can be carried out as a standalone operation or directly integrated into a shaping process, in particular during wet granulation.

Encapsulation involves incorporating a material within a shell or matrix.

In particular, it can be used to protect an active substance, isolate it from its environment, or modify its behaviour and release.

Prilling enables the formation of solid particles from a liquid or molten product. The process relies on the formation of droplets, followed by their solidification.

The mixer granulator enables the simultaneous mixing and granulation of powders.

The powder is set in motion by an agitation system whilst a binder liquid is introduced under controlled conditions. The mechanical action, combined with the addition of the liquid, promotes the gradual agglomeration of the particles and the formation of granules.

Controlling the operating conditions makes it possible to act on the growth and cohesion of the granules.

SDTech Micro offers several mixing and granulation technologies:

• Ploughshare mixer granulator;
• Ribbon mixer granulator;
• High shear mixer granulator.

This range allows the process to be tailored to the nature of the powders, their properties and the characteristics sought for the final product.

Fluidised-bed granulation (FBG) involves suspending particles in a stream of air.

A solution or a suspension is sprayed onto the moving particles in order to facilitate their agglomeration, granulation or coating. Drying can also be carried out directly within the equipment, allowing multiple operations to be combined into a single process.

SDTech Micro operates a GLATT ProCell LabSystem, designed for feasibility trials and small-scale production runs.

This equipment features a variety of modules, allowing the operating conditions to be tailored to the characteristics of the materials.

The interchangeable inserts enable operation in fluidised-bed mode or in Venturi-bed mode, offering the possibility of processing heat-sensitive materials or materials that are difficult to fluidise.

The equipment also allows different spraying configurations, in particular:

• Top spray;
• Bottom spray.

In addition, a selector switch allows for switching between batch and continuous operation.

This flexibility means that several shaping operations can be carried out on a single piece of equipment: agglomeration, granulation, coating, drying and encapsulation.