High-shear granulation: An investigation into granule breakage rates

Granule breakage is an important rate process in wet granulation that promotes product uniformity and controls size strength. In this work, a model to predict granule proposed experimentally validated. The assumes exponential of the surviving granules, dependent on probability breakage; function powder binder properties, as well operating parameters. Validation experiments were performed with breakage-only granulator, filled cohesive, non-granulating sand. Premade pellets made from lactose monohydrate silicone oils granulated at several impeller speeds, number survivors was observed over time. results revealed granules did indeed decay exponentially. It found overall inversely proportional capillary number. Moreover, pore saturation played role determining breakage, higher saturations reducing overall. A comparison experimental data literature developed models agrees qualitatively data, but unable fully capture effect properties powder-binder interaction.