Prediction of coating uniformity in batch fluidized-bed coating process

Coating of particulate materials in fluidized beds is a widely used technique to eliminate particle agglom-eration, provide slow release of an active substance, or protect active ingredients. When thin polymer shells are applied on a particle surface, it is important to determine the process parameters that provide coating uniformity. In this study, the degree of coverage, defined as the fraction of the coated surface of the particles, is proposed as a quantitative criterion of coating uniformity. A new model for the batch fluidized-bed coating process is presented. The model allows prediction of the function of particle dis-tribution according to the degree of coverage at a given process time and thereby enables assessment of coating uniformity. An algorithm for the numerical solution of model equations for a batch fluidized-bed coater is described. The influences of the main process parameters on the coating uniformity were shown. (c) 2021 Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new model for the batch fluidized-bed coating process and evaluates coating uniformity based on the degree of coverage. The numerical solution algorithm predicts particle distribution and analyzes the influence of main process parameters on coating uniformity.