Use of experimental designs to optimize fluidized bed granulation of maltodextrin

• Optimization of the fluidized bed granulation of maltodextrin.
• Use of experimental design to detect the relevant variables.
• Consideration of size, size distribution, dissolution and flowability of granules.

The goal of this study was to use the experimental design approach in order to determine which process parameters are the most influent to granules properties. The agglomeration process was performed with a fluidized bed processor equipped with a top-spray tilted nozzle. The granules were obtained by binding fluidized particles of maltodextrin (DE 12) with an aqueous solution of maltodextrin. The variables considered in the experimental design were fluidization air flow rate, drying air temperature, spraying pressure and binder flow rate. The physical properties of the granules were evaluated in terms of granule size, particle size distribution, dissolution time and flowability. Moreover, the amount of binder for each experiment was noted. The statistical analysis performed with Statgraphics® Centurion version XVI software indicated that the best operating conditions were found for low fluidization air flow rate, high drying air temperature, high spraying pressure and high binder flow rate. The study also revealed the difficult task of acquiring all the optimum properties at the same time.

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