Chemical Engineering April 2022 - 34

Cover Story
Part 1
Controlling Particle
Characteristics with
Agglomeration
T
Carrie Carlson
and Chris Kozicki
FEECO International
IN BRIEF
PARTICLE ENGINEERING
BENEFITS
PARTICLE PARAMETERS
AGITATION
AGGLOMERATION
EQUIPMENT
EVALUATING EQUIPMENT
ADJUSTMENTS DURING
PRODUCTION
CONCLUDING REMARKS
hroughout the diverse
sectors of the chemical
process industries (CPI),
the ability to control the
particle characteristics of bulk solids
is crucial. Controlling particle
characteristics allows producers
to manage product performance,
ensure shelf life, regulate downstream
processes and more. One
technique that is especially useful
in controlling particle characteristics
is agglomeration (particle size
enlargement), which converts
powders and fines into granules. There are
several different forms of agglomeration -
some that utilize extreme pressure to form
agglomerates, others that use heat, and so
on. Agitation agglomeration utilizes motion,
typically along with a liquid binder, to form
granules. This technique is also sometimes
referred to as wet granulation, pelletizing, or
tumble-growth agglomeration. The flexible
nature of the agitation agglomeration approach
allows producers to achieve a specific
set of desired particle characteristics.
This article provides information on why
Solids-handling processes and downstream process steps can benefit greatly from carefully
controlled particle characteristics. Presented here is guidance on how agitation agglomeration
techniques can achieve desired particle properties
FEECO
FIGURE 1. Paint pigment micropellets, such as the ones shown here, were
produced in a pin mixer, and are an example of how particle characteristics
can impact desired product qualities
essential in meeting market demands and
being able to do so efficiently.
controlling particle characteristics is so essential,
which particle characteristics can be
controlled through agglomeration, and how
the various types of agitation agglomeration
equipment provide the opportunity to reach
the sought-after specifications.
Particle engineering benefits
Chemical producers can use particle characteristics
both as a tool in the production
line, as well as a way to manage the quality
and performance of their finished (or intermediate)
product (Figure 1). In each case,
their ability to control these parameters is
34
Particle characteristics in the production
line. From catalysts and fertilizers, to specialty
chemicals, fillers and more, particle
characteristics are often the foundation of
every step in a production line. By controlling
them, producers can improve flowability
and precisely control metering and dosing of
process components, allowing them to ensure
that products meet a guaranteed analysis,
or have the precise chemical composition
needed to do their job. Further, particle
characteristics can be used to make handling
and transporting the material around
a facility cleaner and less dusty, minimizing
the amount of raw material or product lost to
dust. The ability to control particle characteristics
also goes beyond the initial production
line by allowing producers to control how the
solids perform in downstream processes,
such as in the smelting process, where particle
characteristics are used to promote enhanced
gas-solid heat transfer.
Particle characteristics in the product.
In an intermediate or finished product, particle
parameters are used to reduce shipping
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