This week’s photo highlights a paddle mixer’s binder spray system.
When working with the tumble-growth agglomeration method, paddle mixers and other agglomeration equipment such as pin mixers or disc pelletizers regularly use a binding agent during processing. In fact, binder selection is one of the most important aspects of designing an agglomeration process that will meet desired process and product specifications. A binder is needed to 1) achieve the desired final pellet crush strength, 2) achieve the desired green strength, and 3) assist in the physical agglomeration process.
Because binder plays such an important role in agglomeration, the spray system itself is also vital to the operation. A binder system must be flexible, allowing for spray location adjustment, flow rate adjustment, and should also be able to accept various binding options. This flexibility is especially beneficial during the lab testing phase, as technicians can more easily fine-tune these binder variables throughout each test.
Because binders come in hundreds of forms, and spray system variables can affect processing and product outcome, testing is recommended to determine not only which works best with the material to be agglomerated, but also what the spray system setup will need to look like to achieve desired results.
For more information on binders or spray systems, contact us today!