The term agglomerate originates from Latin (agglomerare – to accumulate, to ball up) and describes in process engineering the accumulation or “balling up” of previously loose constituents – e.g. granules or powder – to form a solid compound.¹ The terms “lumpiness” or “grain enlargement” are also used in this context. The composite obtained in this way is produced by processes such as sintering or pressing and, in contrast to “conglomerate”, is characterized by relatively uniform grain or granule sizes.

Applications of agglomerates

Typical examples of agglomerates in food technology are soluble coffee powder, instant powder for beverages and other convenience products. Agglomerates are also frequently used in pharmaceuticals, for example in tablets or as a thickener in liquid meals.

Agglomeration process

Agglomeration is one of the four main process groups in mechanical process engineering. In the field of agglomerates, a basic distinction is made between pressing and build-up agglomeration processes, fluidized bed granulation, mixed agglomeration and remixing agglomeration.

In sintering, the fine-grained materials to be combined are heated to enable the molecules to bond at the melting surfaces of the individual particles.

Tablets, pellets or even briquettes are produced by press agglomeration – also called compression molding.

The flocculation process, on the other hand, allows solid particles in liquids to join together to form larger particle clusters, thus facilitating filtering.

Advantages of agglomeration

The aim of agglomeration is to improve the properties of substances – for example, by optimizing flowability or reducing dust in powders and mixtures. Agglomeration can also improve the storage and handling of substances.

Agglomerates, such as those resulting from fluid bed drying, are easy to dose and ideal for stirring into water or other liquids. Due to the low content of fine dust, the hygienic conditions in the processing environment can be improved and maintenance and cleaning efforts can be minimized.

Processing at Ebbecke Verfahrenstechnik

At Ebbecke Verfahrenstechnik in Bruchköbel, agglomerates are processed in contract grinding. Using various techniques such as Centrifugal Screening and machines such as the Fine Mill, these compounds can be broken up and further processed. Contact us and let us advise you, we are glad to be there for you!