OPTIMIZATION AND VALIDATION OF AN IMAGE-PROCESSING SYSTEM IN FLUIDIZED-BED GRANULATION

In a previous paper (Watano et al., Powder Technol. 83, 55-60 (1995)), we developed a particle image probe and an image processing system to continuously monitor granule growth in fluidized bed granulation. Thi s paper describes optimization of the image processing system in agita tion fluidized bed granulation. First, the effects of operating parame ters of the image processing system (e.g. the sensor location and the number of particles analyzed) on the results of granule measurements w ere investigated experimentally, and the optimum operating parameters were determined. Secondly, the performance and validity of the optimiz ed system were investigated under various liquid how rates in actual a gitation fluidized bed granulation. It was concluded that the optimize d system could measure granule number median diameter and shape factor in fluidized bed granulation with high accuracy under various operati ng conditions.