{"id":4048,"date":"2015-05-06T10:04:37","date_gmt":"2015-05-06T10:04:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mirror.s-vt.net\/agglomerieren\/"},"modified":"2026-10-26T17:26:17","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T16:26:17","slug":"agglomeration","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.s-vt.net\/en\/agglomeration\/","title":{"rendered":"Agglomeration"},"content":{"rendered":"

In process engineering, agglomeration generally means enlarging particles. It is also called grain enlargement or granulation. It requires many contact points between the primary particles and adhesive forces at these points. In principle, all solids can be agglomerated if they are fine enough.<\/p>

<\/i>Easier storage<\/strong>Larger particles are easier to handle.<\/span><\/div>
<\/i>Less dust<\/strong>Better flowability and mixability.<\/span><\/div>
<\/i>Stable emulsions<\/strong>Where clumping is a problem, homogenisation helps.<\/span><\/div><\/div>

Agglomeration techniques<\/h2>

The process works with or without binders, with binders being more common. There are three main techniques:<\/p>

<\/i>

Pelleting<\/h3>

Plastic waste, for example, is turned into granules with high bulk density. Friction plasticises them below the melting point.<\/p><\/div>

<\/i>

Sintering<\/h3>

Fine-grained solids are heated below their melting temperature. The particles bond at their contact points by diffusion, see sintering<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>

<\/i>

Flocculation<\/h3>

Solid particles in liquids join to form larger particles. This makes filtration easier.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

Wanted or unwanted?<\/h2>
<\/i>

Unwanted in emulsions<\/h3>

Emulsions need droplets that are as small as possible. Flocculation of the droplets is a precursor to coalescence and phase separation. Therefore, homogenisation<\/a> reduces the particle size and ensures a stable emulsion<\/a>.<\/p><\/div>

<\/i>

Wanted for powders and suspensions<\/h3>

Granulated instant powders such as milk, coffee or cocoa powder create less dust and dissolve faster. In pharmacy, granulation improves the flowability and tabletability of powder blends. In water treatment, targeted flocculation makes solids easier to separate.<\/p><\/div><\/div>

What matters in agglomeration<\/h2>