Fluidized bed granulation: gas flow, particle motion and moisture distribution

Abstract In fluidized bed granulation the liquid is often distributed by means of a two-fluid-nozzle that is positioned inside the bed. Then the wetting process takes place in the jet that is formed by the atomizing air. A model has been derived for a free jet to calculate the particle and gas velocities, the void fraction and the cross-sectional area of the jet. The results are compared with experimental data for the particle circulation time in the fluidized bed. Based on the particle and gas motion the liquid deposition is calculated, resulting in particle moisture distributions. The influence of different parameters on the moisture distribution and possible consequences on the granulation process are discussed.