‘Technological Solution for Designing Customised Products from Liquid and Powdered Raw Materials’

Technological Solution for Designing Customised Products from Liquid and Powdered Raw Materials

Lecture abstract

The processing of powdered and liquid materials into agglomerates and granules has significant advantages. These include the generation of a dust-free, free-flowing product that is easier to transport and dose, leading to better processing at subsequent stages. Technological solutions based on fluidized bed and spouted bed processes are the most suitable choice for the desired particle shaping and optimization of final properties.

Granules are typically produced from solutions, suspensions, or emulsions. These are introduced into the fluidized bed chamber, where the liquid evaporates, and initial granulation nuclei form. During the process, these nuclei are further built-up layer by layer into the final granule by continued spraying of the starting solution, allowing control over the product properties through adjustable process parameters.

Sulphur is an essential element for crop nutrition in agriculture. As a macronutrient, it is involved in the formation of important amino acids and vitamins, and it is an indispensable element in photosynthesis. Fertilizing with elemental, easily spreadable sulphur forms the basis for an adequate supply of cash crops and thus increases crop yields. Additional benefits include sustainable and disease-fighting effects, as well as a positive impact on soil microorganisms, leading to better nitrogen utilization.

But, processing powdered sulphur, can be challenging due to dust formation. Therefore, it is advantageous to convert sulphur into more easily processable agglomerates or granules. Process control can be achieved by utilizing the low melting temperature of sulphur. This enables the production of dust-free, free-flowing products through the aforementioned processes. Spray granulation of a sulphur suspension with appropriate additives results in a rapidly disintegrating granule, ensuring effective and fast conversion to plant-available sulphur. Due to its high-water solubility, the product can also be applied as foliar fertilizer in the form of a sulphur solution using a field sprayer.

The fluidization of solid particles in ascending gas streams can also be used for more complex reactions. For example, H₂S can serve as a reactant for the transformation of hydroxides and oxides into sulfidic ceramic materials with applications in energy storage and optical applications.

Thanks to its extensive experience in plant engineering in the field of fluidized bed technology, Glatt offers various possibilities for designing materials with customized properties and throughput rates.

Please note: The lecture will be given in English language.