(85e) Influence of Interface Energy of Primary Particles on the Shear Deformation Behaviour of Agglomerate Embedded in a Powder Bed

High shear mixer granulators are typically found in pharmaceutical and detergent industries, and are capable of reducing processing time and producing agglomerates with high strength and density. Generally, several granulation scaling-up stages are involved before reaching the production level. This is conducted to exert better understanding, control and optimisation at the smaller scales before proceeding to the larger scales in terms of geometric, kinematic and/or dynamic similarities. During granulation scaling-up stages, the mechanics of particle interactions and the prevailing level of compressive stresses and strains within the granulator are affected by the scale of operation, which in turn affects the final structure of the agglomerates. This paper aims to identify and analyse the parameters that affect the structure of agglomerates in a shearing bed of particles. The study is based on computer simulation using Distinct Element Method (DEM). A Single agglomerate is generated using DEM computer code and is placed in a bed of primary particles subjected to shearing. The behaviour of the agglomerate is then studied based on the level of applied stresses and strains to the bed. In particular, we present our recent results on the influence of interface energy between the primary particles on the deformation characteristics of agglomerate in a rapid shearing bed.