Granulátors

A granulator is a type of processing equipment used to reduce the size of solid materials into smaller, more uniform particles. This process, known as granulation, is employed across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, agriculture, food processing, and chemical manufacturing. The primary function of a granulator is to break down larger pieces of raw material or agglomerates into a desired granular form.

There are several types of granulators, each suited for different applications and material properties. Size reduction granulators, often referred to as crushers or mills, work by applying mechanical force to break down materials. This can involve impact, shearing, or compression. For instance, hammer mills use rotating hammers to shatter brittle materials, while knife mills use rotating blades to cut softer substances.

Another category is agglomerating granulators, which are used to form granules from fine powders or dust. These machines bind small particles together into larger, more manageable aggregates. Examples include pan granulators, where material tumbles in a rotating pan while binders are sprayed, and fluid bed granulators, where particles are suspended in an upward stream of air and coated with a binder.

The choice of granulator depends on factors such as the material's hardness, moisture content, desired particle size distribution, and production capacity. Granulation is often a crucial step in product development, as it can improve handling, flowability, dissolution rates, and product uniformity. It can also be used to prevent segregation of mixed components.