PROCESS VARIABLES OF INSTANT GRANULATOR AND SPHERONISER .1. PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES OF GRANULES, EXTRUDATE AND PELLETS

The influence of process variables of a continuously working instant N ica granulator, and those of a spheroniser on the stability of moistur e content during the process, the surface morphology, friability, pack ing and flow properties of pellets was evaluated. A complete six-facto r, two-level study design was used. The moisture content of granules a nd extrudate corresponded well to the amount of water used as a granul ation liquid. Hence, until the spheronisation stage, the stability of moisture content was maintained. During spheronisation, the moisture c ontent decreased due to the effect of residence time and friction plat e speed. The surface morphology of pellets was dependent on the amount of water used; with a higher water amount the surface was smoother. T he process variables of the spheroniser explained most significantly t he changes in packing properties of pellets: the bulk and tapped densi ty increased with increasing load, time and speed in the spheroniser.