Kuivaagglomerointiin

Kuiva-agglomerointiin, known in English as dry agglomeration or dry granulation, is a size enlargement process used in various industries, particularly in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors. It involves consolidating fine powder particles into larger, free-flowing granules or pellets without the use of a liquid binder. This method is distinct from wet granulation, which relies on liquids to bind particles together.

The primary mechanism in dry agglomeration is mechanical force. Two common techniques are roller compaction and slugging. In roller compaction, powders are fed between two counter-rotating rollers that apply high pressure, forming dense sheets or flakes. These sheets are then broken down and sieved into granules of the desired size. Slugging involves compressing the powder into large tablets or "slugs" using a tablet press, which are subsequently milled into granules.

Dry agglomeration is favored for materials that are sensitive to moisture or heat, or that have poor compressibility when wet. It is also a suitable method for reducing dust generation and improving the handling characteristics of fine powders. The resulting granules typically exhibit improved flowability and bulk density, which are beneficial for downstream processing, such as tablet compression or capsule filling. The absence of liquid binders eliminates drying steps, potentially saving time and energy, and avoids issues related to residual solvent content.