HORIZONTAL GRANULATION IN LÖDIGE MACHINES

Granulation is an important process in many industries. Granulation involves mixing fine particles together and converting them into larger, granular forms by adding binders or by applying moisture and then drying. This process is of particular importance in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, plastics, environmental technology, building materials and medicine. Products processed in the granulation sector include tablets, agglomerates, plastics, minerals, detergents and animal feed. LÖDIGE has established itself as a leading supplier in this field of expertise: Our solutions are characterised by continuous innovation, a high level of quality and experienced customer service.

THE LÖDIGE GRANULATION PROCESS

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1. Mixing:
   To achieve a homogeneous mix, the powder particles are first thoroughly mixed in the mixing drum.
2. Moisture addition:
   A defined amount of liquid (such as water, oil or a binder) can then be added to slightly wet the particle surface and promote granulation.
3. Agglomeration:
   The moistened particles begin to adhere to each other and form larger agglomerates or granules under the mixing effect of the Ploughshare® Shovels. The intensity of the movement and the geometry of the mixing elements assist this process.
4. Drying (if necessary):
   Once granules have been formed, the next step may be to dry them to remove excess moisture and achieve the desired strength and size of the granules.

GRANULATION IN A HORIZONTAL MIXER

Horizontal granulation with LÖDIGE systems offers many advantages. This technology enables uniform mixing and granulation, which are decisive for the quality and homogeneity of the end product. Applications are found in the processing of plastics, minerals, starch, dust, detergents and in the production of agglomerates. The horizontal arrangement of the mixing drum ensures efficient movement of the product and the best possible processes.

GRANULATION IN HORIZONTAL MIXING UNITS

Both horizontal and vertical mixers have their own specific advantages and fields of application, which are selected according to the requirements of the granulation process and the properties of the materials to be processed. The choice between a horizontal and a vertical mixer depends on several factors such as the physical properties of the raw materials, the production capacity required, the space available in the plant and the specific requirements of the end product. In some cases the most effective solution may be a combination of both types of mixer or the use of a specific mixer. The advantages of horizontal systems are:​​​​​​​

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• Uniform mixing:
  Horizontal mixing units such as Ploughshare® Mixers are well known for their ability to produce a very uniform mix. This is particularly important where the quality of the end product is highly dependent on the homogeneity of the mix.

• Scalability:
  Horizontal mixers can be manufactured in very large sizes, making them suitable for high volume industrial applications.

•  Flexibility:
  The mixers can be equipped with various mixing elements and other features to increase the efficiency of the granulation process, such as choppers or spray nozzles for the addition of binders.