Machinery and Granulation Technology: How to Turn Powder into "Gold"?

A Panorama of Granulation Technologies: Multiple Paths from Agglomeration to Forming

Based on the principle of granule formation and process characteristics, modern granulation technologies are mainly divided into the following major pathways:

1. Wet Granulation
One of the most widely used technologies. The core principle involves adding a liquid binder (e.g., water, solution) to powder, wetting and agglomerating the fines under mechanical action, followed by drying and solidification into granules.

Rotary Drum Granulation: Material is fed into a slowly rotating drum. Binder is sprayed in, causing particles to grow in layers through rolling, forming solid spherical granules.

2. Dry Granulation
No liquid is added. Powder is directly compacted into sheets or briquettes under mechanical pressure, then crushed and screened to obtain granules. This method is particularly suitable for moisture- or heat-sensitive materials.

Roller Compaction: Two high-pressure rollers compact powder into dense sheets (flakes), which are subsequently milled and sized.

Extrusion Granulation: Material is forced through a die by a powerful screw, forming cylindrical strands that are then cut into pellets.

Spray Cooling Granulation: Operates on a similar principle, suitable for materials with lower melting points.

Core Equipment Overview: The Physical Enablers of Technology

Each granulation technology relies on its "arsenal":

Rotary Drum Granulator: The core is an inclined rotating drum, often internally fitted with lifters to cascade the material for thorough mixing and balling.

Double Roller Press Granulator: The heart is a pair of precisely machined hydraulic or mechanical press rolls, whose surfaces can be grooved to form specific shapes.

The Technological Core: Creating Value Beyond Forming

Granulation is far more than simple shaping. By selecting different technologies and parameters, engineers can precisely control:

Bulk Density & Flowability: Affecting packaging, transportation, and application efficiency.

Mechanical Strength: Reducing breakage and dust generation during storage and handling.

Dissolution & Release Profile: Enabling functions like quick-release or controlled/slow release.

Dust Control & Anti-Caking Properties: Improving product storage stability and user experience.

Composition Uniformity: Ensuring every single granule meets the formula specification.