Discrete particle modeling of a fluidized bed granulator

Size-enlargement and structuration processes in fluidized beds such as granulation and agglomeration play an important role in the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries as well as in food technology to improve the flowability and the instant properties of solid products. Dustfree and free-flowing particles can be produced in a process with favourable heat- and mass transfer conditions. Furthermore, this technology allows the formulation of particles with novel functionalities by applying coating layers or via the encapsulation of active ingredients. Several interdependent micro mechanisms including particle collisions, wetting, drying and phase transitions govern the process dynamics and complicate predictions on the effect of variable operating conditions on product properties such as structure, strength and re-dissolution behaviour. Profound knowledge on these mechanisms is needed to understand the influence of individual process parameters on the final product properties.