Fluidised bed agglomeration: Agglomerates shape and end-use properties

Agglomerated powders properties depend on the process used and on the operating conditions during agglomeration. Fluidised bed agglomeration in one of the suitable processes to produce instant powders. Agglomerates obtained exhibit different shapes, structures and therefore end-use properties depending on the type of binder used, its amount, the way it is introduced…. In this study physical (size, shape) and end-use properties (wettability, friability, flowability) of zein particles agglomerated with maltodextrin introduced as a liquid solution (A) or as a powder (B) were compared. (A) type agglomerates were larger, more irregular and more fragile than (B) type ones. In case (A) the use of less concentrated binder solutions was found advantageous for the properties of agglomerates. In case (B), better agglomerates properties were obtained using binder particles smaller than the solid ones and limiting the duration of the operation by spraying limited amount of water.