Wet Granulation

High-shear granulation for dust-free and compact granules from powder

Wet granulation (also wet blending) in the high-shear mixer is a classic process for building up granules from powder. This process is used when rapid agglomeration to form relatively compact granules is desired and the solid, pre-applied starting materials have low adhesive properties of their own. Powdered substances, such as vitamins, trace elements and other food supplements, can be adjusted to the desired dosage in suitable carriers and mixed homogeneously. But liquid active ingredients, such as enzymes, can also be incorporated and distributed in a matrix – for example starch or cellulose – by means of wet granulation. The wet granules are then dried to dust-free particles.

The agglomerates/granules produced in this way have a compact, extremely stable structure with a higher density than spray agglomerates from the fluid bed. They have good flowability and can be pressed.

Alternatively, the moist mass also serves as a starting mixture for further processing into pellets by means of low-pressure extrusion.

The dried granules or extrudates can be protected or functionalized (release control, color branding, taste/odor masking and others) against external influences (moisture, UV light, …) with a subsequent coating.

The process is also suitable for dedusting powders. Here, oils are mixed into the powders very quickly and homogeneously. Application examples for this can be found in products for hair cosmetics, among others.

For this process, Glatt offers high-shear granulators with different batch sizes for use in the bulk solids processing industry.

Product properties of agglomerates from highshear wet granulation at a glance: