Analysis of the start-up process in continuous fluidized bed spray granulation by population balance modelling

A physics-based population balance model is constructed for continuous fluidized bed spray granulation with internal and external separations. A balance area around the granulator and around the separator is described, including all input and output particle and mass flows. A simplified growth and attrition model is developed for the diameter change of the particles in the granulator. The population balances facilitate the calculation of the particle size distributions changing over time in the fluidized bed and in the product flow. It is demonstrated that an unsteady start-up phase occurred in every case, which possibly leads to instability (oscillating behaviour). This may be regulated by controlling the overall nuclei balance.

Subjects

Dynamic simulation

Fluidization

Fluidized bed

Granulation

Modelling

Population balance

Options

Analysis of the start-up process in continuous fluidized bed spray granulation by population balance modelling