The FEECO Innovation Center is the leading facility for batch- and pilot-scale testing of agitation agglomeration/wet granulation methods. The facility is capable of running small batch/feasibility tests on a single piece of equipment, or a continuous process loop integrating multiple pieces of equipment for processes such as:
- Conditioning/De-dusting (Pugmill mixer, pin mixer, rotary drum)
- Micro pelletizing (Pin mixer, disc pelletizer)
- Pelletizing/Granulation (Disc, drum)
- Mixing (Pugmill mixer, pin mixer, rotary drum)
- Coating (Rotary drum)
Through our batch-testing capabilities and pilot plant, we can offer comprehensive testing services in four categories:
Feasibility/Proof of Concept: An initial, non-witnessed batch testing phase in which the possibility of creating a product is explored.
Proof of Product: A more in-depth batch testing phase in which more time is spent determining whether a product can be made to desired specifications.
Proof of Process: A continuous testing phase that aims to establish the equipment setup and parameters required for continuous production of your specific material.
Process/Product Optimization: An in-depth study to optimize your specific material’s characteristics and/or production parameters in an industrial setting.
Data gathered during testing is then used to scale up the process and engineer the equipment needed to carry it out at commercial scale.
Questions Agglomeration Testing Can Answer
Testing agglomeration or granulation methods in the FEECO Innovation Center can answer a number of questions:
- Will my material agglomerate?
- Can agglomeration solve my material problem?
- Which method of agglomeration will best suit my material?
- What equipment configuration will be required to produce the results I’m looking for?
- What binder, if any, will work best for my material?
- Can my product be improved?
- How can I optimize my existing process?
- How much can dust/product loss be reduced?
COMMONLY TESTED MATERIALS
The FEECO Innovation Center has extensive experience in testing a wide range of materials. Materials that are frequently tested in the Innovation Center include:
- Industrial by-products (Fly ash, synthetic gypsum, coal fines, flue dust, etc.)
- Fertilizers (NPK, DAP, ammonium sulfate, potash, phosphates, manure & other organic materials, etc.)
- Soil amendments & minerals (Limestone, gypsum, iron, etc.)
- Chemical products (Animal feeds, adsorbents, carbons, catalysts, clays, kitty litter, pigments, etc.)
Target Particle Characteristics
Whether the goal is to mitigate dust, increase bulk density, or improve flowability (among other things), one of the major advantages of agglomeration is the ability to control particle characteristics through equipment and process design.
Throughout the testing process, FEECO can target a range of particle characteristics, ensuring your product meets appearance, handling, and performance goals. This includes:
- Attrition
- Bulk Density
- Compression
- Crush Strength
- Flowability
- Green/Wet Strength
- Moisture Content
- Physical Characteristics
- Particle Size Analysis
- Temperature
RESOURCES
AGGLOMERATION TESTING ARTICLES
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Material Characteristics to Consider when Pelletizing Limestone
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BROCHURES
Innovation Center Brochure
