Granuleren

Granuleren is a process used in various industries to convert fine powders into larger, more manageable particles called granules. This transformation is achieved by binding the powder particles together, often with the addition of a liquid binder or through mechanical forces. The primary goals of granulation include improving flowability, reducing dust formation, enhancing compressibility for tablet manufacturing, and ensuring uniform content of active ingredients.

There are several methods for granulation. Wet granulation involves mixing the powder with a binder solution, then forming granules by forcing the mass through a sieve or using a granulator. The granules are then dried. Dry granulation, on the other hand, bypasses the use of liquids. It involves compacting the powder into large slugs or sheets, which are then milled into granules. Another technique is spray granulation, where liquid droplets containing dissolved or suspended material are sprayed onto seed particles, causing them to grow into granules.

The choice of granulation method depends on the properties of the material being processed, such as its sensitivity to moisture or heat, and the intended application of the final product. Granulation is widely employed in the pharmaceutical industry for tablet and capsule production, in the food industry for products like instant coffee and cereals, and in the chemical industry for fertilizers and detergents. The resulting granules offer advantages in handling, processing, and product performance.