Affiliation: | a Particle Products Group, Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK b Department of Chemical Engineering, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, Nijenburgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen, Netherlands c Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Pembroke St., Cambridge CB2 3RA, UK d Product Development Department, Organon, RK2216, PO Box 20, 5340 BH, Oss, Netherlands e Unilever Research Port Sunlight Laboratory, Quarry Road East, Bebington, Wirral L63 3JW, UK |
Abstract: | It is possible to link granulation rates to granule properties. The linkage is by multiple dimension population balance equations that, by means of simplifying assumptions, can be reduced to multiple one-dimensional (1-D) population balance equations (PBEs). Using simple physically based models, this paper demonstrates how multiple one-dimensional population balance equations can describe the results of high-shear granulation experiments of two different materials, calcium carbonate and lactose. Good agreement between experimental and simulated results was achieved enabling the granulation rates to be defined by two model parameters: the critical binder volume fraction and the aggregation rate constant. The modelling framework presented in this paper also provides a basis for the kinetic analysis of granulation experiments so that with further work, it is possible to determine the effect of process conditions and material properties on the model parameters. |