What is dry granulation

If you're involved in the process manufacturing, there is a Granulating Machine you need to be familiar with - Dry Granulator (Or called Roller compactor).

Regarding to the granulation, What is this processing method? How does it work? Why do we use it in the process industries?

This article will give you a comprehensive insight into dry granulation. We will discuss its definition, and typical applications. Let's get started!

What is dry granulation?

Before diving into the dry granulation definition, let's first figure out what granulation is.

As you know, one of the first steps in making tablets or capsules is to create a homogeneous blend of ingredients. Compared to bulk powders, granular materials flow better and are easier to handle. They also don't stick together as much, even after being stored for a long time.

Steps of the roller compaction process for dry granulation

• The bulk material is first introduced into a funnel. The funnel is fitted with an agitator, feed auger, and tamp auger to transfer the material toward the rotating rollers.
• A given force is then applied to compact the material passing through the rollers.
• The high pressure applied onto the material works to form the material into a ribbon-shaped compact mass.
• The ribbons are then moved to a rotor sieve mill to create the final granules at the desired particle size.
• Fine particles that are smaller than the desired size have a higher chance of getting stuck together again, so they are sent back to the funnel for a second round of granulation. This keeps product loss to a minimum.

Applications of dry granulation

The dry granulation method can be found in a diverse selection of industries.

Pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, the dry granulation process is mostly used to make materials flow better. The method helps create the desired particle size. This allows you to produce tablets or capsules with adequate strength and uniform weight.

Chemical industry

As for the chemical industry, dry granulation techniques can greatly streamline the production process. It's commonly used to mass-produce batteries, fine chemicals, fertilizer, and other agricultural products.

Food industry

In the food industry, dry granulation is an effective method to help produce dietary supplements, instant mixes, flavoring extracts, and other food powders.