Abstract
In many powder handling operations, inhomogeneity in powder mixtures caused by segregation could have significant adverse impact on the quality as well as economics of the production. Segregation of a minor component of a highly active substance could have serious deleterious effects, an example is the segregation of enzyme granules in detergent powders. In this study, the effects of particle properties and bulk cohesion on the segregation tendency of minor component are analysed. The minor component is made sticky while not adversely affecting the flowability of samples. The segregation extent is evaluated using image processing of the photographic records taken from the front face of the heap after the pouring process. The optimum average sieve cut size of components for which segregation could be reduced is reported. It is also shown that the extent of segregation is significantly reduced by applying a thin layer of liquid to the surfaces of minor component, promoting an ordered mixture.
Highlights
In many industries dealing with dry powder handling operation, such as pharmaceutical, food and agriculture segregation is encountered, during handling, transportation and storage of the product
To find a well-mixed ternary mixture, first 50/50 weight ratio binary mixtures with the mode size of distribution of enzyme placebo granules (655 μm, obtained by British standard sieve analysis presented in Fig. 1) and different average sieve cut sizes of Blown Powder (BP) and Tetra Acetyl Ethylene Diamine (TAED) were separately prepared
With the results shown earlier, it could be concluded that a relatively mixed ternary mixture could be generated by the addition of denser enzyme placebo particles with its mode size (655 μm) into the mixture of BP and TAED with average sieve cut size of 390 μm, balancing the effect of different material properties of particles
Summary
In many industries dealing with dry powder handling operation, such as pharmaceutical, food and agriculture segregation is encountered, during handling, transportation and storage of the product. Segregation could have significant impact on the quality as well as economics of the production This phenomenon mainly happens due to difference in particles physical properties such as size, density and shape [1, 2]. One of the important factors affecting segregation phenomenon is variation in material properties. Density variation of particles is another significant factor affecting segregation. Segregation of minor components such as expensive enzyme granules in detergent formulation could have significant economic impact on the production. The segregation tendency of minor component (less than 3 % weight ratio), such as enzyme placebo granules in a ternary mixture has been assessed. Desired properties for segregation reduction of enzyme placebo granules have been evaluated by finding the optimum material properties and/or controlling the particle cohesion. The optimum coating percentage is reported according the results of flowability of both bulk as well as enzyme placebo granules
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
