granulátory

Granulátory are machines used in various industries, primarily in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing, to transform fine powders into larger, more uniform granules. This process, known as granulation, is crucial for improving the handling, flowability, and compressibility of powders. Granules are easier to weigh, transfer, and process into final products like tablets or pellets.

There are several types of granulators, each employing different mechanisms. Wet granulation is a common method where a binder solution is added to the powder, creating agglomerates. These agglomerates are then dried and sieved into granules. Dry granulation, on the other hand, uses mechanical force to compress the powder into larger compacts, which are then broken down into granules. This method is suitable for powders that are sensitive to moisture or heat. Roller compactors are a prominent example of dry granulation equipment, where powders are fed between two counter-rotating rollers to form dense sheets that are subsequently milled. Fluid bed granulators are another important type, where powder particles are suspended in an upward stream of air, and a binder solution is sprayed onto them, leading to granule formation within the fluidizing air.

The advantages of granulation include improved bulk density, reduced dust generation, enhanced content uniformity, and better dissolution rates for certain active ingredients. The choice of granulator and granulation method depends on the specific properties of the powder, the desired granule characteristics, and the intended application of the final product.