Twin screw granulation: A simpler re-derivation of quantifying fill level

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Fill level, the proportion of occupied volume in twin-screw granulators (TSG), is crucial for granule properties.
• Accurate fill level prediction is essential for process design and quality control in TSG.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple geometrical model for predicting barrel channel fill level in TSG.
• To validate the model through experimental measurement of mass hold-up and assess its impact on granulation.

Main Methods:

• A geometrical model was developed relating volumetric flow rate to screw conveying rate.
• Mass hold-up was analytically measured to validate the predicted fill level.
• The model's correlation with granulation extent was investigated.

Main Results:

• The proposed geometrical model accurately predicts the fill level in TSG.
• Experimental validation using mass hold-up showed good agreement across various screw elements.
• The model offers a practical approach for fill level assessment in TSG.

Conclusions:

• The developed geometrical model provides a reliable method for predicting fill level in twin-screw granulation.
• This model facilitates better process design and control for consistent granule quality.
• The findings contribute to advancing quantitative prediction in TSG processes.