Control of segregation by non-uniform aeration in a fluidized bed spray granulator

• DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2023.119348
• Publication Date: 2024-01-18T10:05:10Z
• Authors: A. Atxutegi; M. Atzori; J. Bettien; T. Lichtenegger; S. Puttinger; S. Pirker; S. Heinrich
• Keywords: Fluidization; Distributor; CFD-DEM; Particle (ecology); Granulation

Controlling and influencing the rate of particle growth in spray granulators is key for consistent product quality size, while reducing energy consumption re-circulation. To this end, we have implemented a new control device to actively change fluidization topology fluidized influence local segregation areas affected by granulation, selectively growing fine fractions at will. Simulations using computational fluid dynamics coupled with discrete element method (CFD-DEM) demonstrate how different operational modes can be switched short period time, resulting full less than 40 s, without changing air or inlet temperature. It shown central spout preferentially drags big particles top bed, side aeration system, where two smaller spouts are opened outermost sides creates concentration fines spraying region. This process repeated as long velocity all sizes bed attained underway. The regime could used clean distributor plate undesired overgrown particles, grow finer homogeneous should default operation mode when no anomalies detected.