A new approach to the mechanisms of agglomeration in fluidized beds based on Spatial Filter Velocimetry measurements

Spatial Filter Velocimetry (SFV) is a technique that has been used for agglomeration processes during the past few years as it can monitor, control, and understand granulation and its implications in particle size distribution. This work has considered and aimed to analyze the evolution of the process as time goes on and in real-time and the influence of operating conditions on the process. A Plackett-Burman design was proposed with seven factors and three replicates at the central point condition, using microcrystalline cellulose (CMC) as the raw material and a maltodextrin solution as a liquid binder. Binder concentration, binder flow rate, powder initial moisture content, and fluidizing air temperature were significant at a 90% confidence level. A new approach was proposed for delimiting the stages of the fluidized bed agglomeration process, based on particle size classes that were obtained from the SFV probe data.