Studies on Granulation in Fluidized Bed I. Methods for Testing the Physical Properties of Granulates

Abstract

The knowledge of the properties of granulates is of considerable importance, both as regards application and scientific research work. Methods for the determination of the most important physical characteristics of granules (such as grain-size distribution, density characteristics, pore space fraction, rolling tendency characteristics and mechanical strength) published in literature, are described. The result of the research work aimed at checking the applicability of the testing methods and the development of new techniques are reported. the concepts of "loosened bulk density" and "rolling tendency coefficient" are introduced and measuring techniques enabling the determination of these quantities are described. A simple measuring technique is proposed for the determination of the pore space fraction. The technique is based on the identical space filling characteristics of particles of an identical shape. A new measuring method for the determination of the abrasion strength (abrasion resistance) of the granulates is described, which is based on the measurement of the mechanical stress acting in the fluidized layer.