A Compact Granulation Unit Keeps Things Running Smoothly

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Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

Italvacuum, Srl

TRM Filter d.o.o.

L.B. Bohle Maschinen und Verfahren GmbH

Less Legwork

The Bohle tangential sieve makes a key contribution to smooth product transfer. If the flow of wet material is interrupted, it normally takes mechanical intervention to get it moving again. The new tangential sieve virtually eliminates the risk of blockage during material transfer. With the new sieve which comes in two sizes, there is no reduction at the transition from the outlet of the wet granulator to the tangential sieve. The material simply falls onto the unperforated bottom of the sieve housing through the force of gravity. From there, the material is fed by an impeller through a sieve insert which is mounted laterally in the cylindrical section of the housing. The material moves tangentially in the direction of the airflow without changing direction. With this design, blockage of suction shoes and transfer lines is a thing of the past.

Versatility

Naturally, the fluidized bed system can also be used on its own for other purposes. Optional spray nozzles are available for drying, spray granulation, pellet coating and layering. Product chamber changeover is not necessary for the different applications. Dr. Beyer cited another welcome factor: “Wiewelhove is a contract manufacturer. We need to handle as large a variety of products as possible on our production systems, so that we have the flexibility to react to customer needs.” The company also uses tangential spraying for pelletizing and for coating particles with a film. “The fluidized bed system uses tangential spray technology, which in my opinion is the best option at the moment and has definite advantages compared to top spraying,” added Beyer.

Safety Is a Top Priority

The entire section of the system which can contain dust and possibly alcohol-based solvents features an explosion-proof design (12 bar shock rated) to ensure safe operation.

The system was installed on the production floor at Wiewelhove last year. Following an extensive qualification phase, thorough testing has been carried out with the compact granulator. The quality of the end products produced during testing was very good.

“System operation is very logical, making it easy for our operators to understand and learn. From the operating standpoint, the granulator is similar to the two Bohle film coaters that we have at Wiewelhove. Our operators were already familiar with the basic operating concept, which made the introductory phase even easier for them,” said Dr. Becker.

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