Introduction

Abstract

Fine powders are a pain. They are difficult to handle and to process. Granulation converts fine powders to granular materials with controlled physical properties. Granulation and related processes cover a wide range of techniques used to form agglomerates that range in size from ~ 100μm to 20mm and varying in structure from loose aggregates to dense compacts. Sometimes even the fine powder feeds are avoided with granules formed from liquid (solution, slurry, melt) feed. Particle size enlargement techniques are used in every processing industry which handles particulate feeds, intermediates or products. This in itself is testimony to the value of the operation. Table 1-1 summarises the many reasons for granulating fine powders.