Granulation device

Abstract

To provide a granulator capable of manufacturing granules having a round shape with reduced variations in grain diameter.SOLUTION: A granulator 1A manufactures granules by granulating wet powder. The granulator 1A includes: a cylindrical rotary vessel 2 extending laterally; a large number of blades 6 that rotate in the rotary vessel 2 and feed the wet powder toward one opening 2b in an axial direction of the rotary vessel 2 while kneading and crushing the wet powder; and a lid 8 which covers at least a part of the opening 2b by forming a gap G with the rotary vessel 2, and which discharge the wet powder from the gap G while bringing the wet powder into contact with the rotary vessel 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a granulating apparatus for producing granules from wet powder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in fields such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and foods, for example, granules have been produced from wet powder in which one type of powder is moistened or a plurality of types of powders are mixed and moistened. These powders are inferior in handling properties as powders, and their handling properties are improved by making them into granules.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a crushing and sizing apparatus that crushes and sizes granulated granules. This crushing and sizing apparatus includes a cylindrical casing that extends in the vertical direction and is fixed, and a rotating body that rotates within the casing. Granulated granules are introduced into an inlet located at the upper part of the casing. These granules are accumulated in a lower gap formed between the rotating body and the casing by the action of gravity and the centrifugal force of the rotating body. These granules are crushed and sized to a size suitable for the size of the gap and then discharged.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The crushing and sizing apparatus of Patent Document 1 crushes and sizes granulated granules. This crushing and sizing apparatus is different from a granulating apparatus for producing granules from wet powder. Also, this crushing and sizing apparatus can suppress the discharge of coarse granules, but the variation in the particle size of the discharged granules is large. Further, this crushing and sizing apparatus does not control the shape of the discharged granules.

[0006] The applicant's intention is to provide a granulation apparatus capable of producing granules that are round in shape and have suppressed variations in particle size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The granulation apparatus disclosed herein is a granulation apparatus for granulating a wet powder and producing granules. The granulation apparatus comprises a cylindrical rotating container extending laterally, a number of blades that rotate within the rotating container and feed the wet powder toward one axial opening of the rotating container while kneading and crushing it, and a lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This granulation device can produce granules that are round in shape and have reduced variation in particle size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a granulation apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view along the line II-II in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the main part of Figure 1. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a front cross-sectional view along the IVA-IVA line in Figure 3. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a front cross-sectional view of the state shown in Figure 4A with the lid removed. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the section indicated by the symbol V in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of a modified example of a granulation apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of another modified example of the granulation apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of yet another modified example of a granulation apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a partially enlarged view of a granulation apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the portion indicated by reference sign X in FIG. 9. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a modified example of a granulation apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partially enlarged view of another modified example of a granulation apparatus according to another embodiment.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail while appropriately referring to the drawings.

[0011] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a granulation apparatus 1A is shown. This granulation apparatus 1A is a so-called continuous granulation apparatus that continuously produces granules from wet powder. Here, the average particle size of the powder before wetting (generally, a mixture of a plurality of types of powder) used is, for example, from 30 μm to 70 μm. The average particle size of the granules to be granulated is, for example, from 80 μm to 250 μm.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the granulation apparatus 1A includes a horizontally extending cylindrical rotating container 2 and a frame 11 that rotatably supports the rotating container 2. The frame 11 includes a base 11a located on the side of the rotating container 2 and a pair of arms 11b and 11c protruding from the base 11a. The arms 11b and 11c rotatably support the rotating container 2 via bearings 21 and 22.

[0013] An electric motor 71 for rotating the rotating container 2 is attached to the base 11a of the frame 11. Bevel gears 72 and 73 are provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 71 and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating container 2, respectively, and these bevel gears 72 and 73 are meshed with each other.

[0014] The rotating container 2 has an inlet-side opening 2a and an outlet-side opening 2b. The inlet-side opening 2a is formed at the inlet-side end of the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating container 2, and the outlet-side opening 2b is formed at the outlet-side end of the inner peripheral surface 2c. In this granulating apparatus 1A, the inlet-side end of the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating container 2 protrudes radially inward, and the diameter of the inlet-side opening 2a is smaller than the diameter of the outlet-side opening 2b. That is, the inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotating container 2 is a cylindrical surface with a constant diameter D except at the inlet-side end.

[0015] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the granulating apparatus 1A includes a stationary member 3 that fits with the inlet-side opening 2a of the rotating container 2 and a rotating shaft 4. The rotating shaft 4 extends in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. The rotating shaft 4 is disposed inside the rotating container 2 as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 3.

[0016] The stationary member 3 is provided with a cylindrical supply hole 3a that communicates with the inside of the rotating container 2. A screw 5 is disposed in the supply hole 3a. In this granulating apparatus 1A, the supply hole 3a extends along the central axis 40 (see FIG. 3) of the rotating shaft 4, and the rotating shaft 4 is also disposed in the supply hole 3a. And the screw 5 is attached to the rotating shaft 4.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a support 16 is fixed to the base 11a of the frame 11, and a motor 75 for rotating the rotating shaft 4 is attached to this support 16.

[0018] Furthermore, a bearing 21 and a first closing member 12 that covers the inside thereof are fixed to the arm 11b of the frame 11, and a bearing 22 and a second closing member 13 that covers the inside thereof are fixed to the arm 11c. In this granulating apparatus 1A, the first closing member 12 is disk-shaped and is integrated with the stationary member 3. The second closing member 13 is annular and penetrates the rotating container 2. Also, a cover 15 that covers the space between them is attached to the arms 11b and 11c of the frame 11.

[0019] Granules are produced from the wet powder inside the rotating container 2, and these granules are discharged from the outlet-side opening 2b, which is an opening on one side of the axial direction. A chute 14 is attached to the second closure member 13 to guide the granules discharged from the outlet-side opening 2b of the rotating container 2.

[0020] Next, the structure inside and around the rotating container 2 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3, 4A, and 4B. The granulator 1A is equipped with a lid 8 and a position adjuster 9.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3, the lid 8 includes a main body 81 positioned at the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2, and a support shaft 82 that supports the main body 81.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4A, the lid 8 forms a gap G between itself and the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2, covering the central part of the outlet opening 2b. In the granulator 1A, the main body 81 has a circular outer surface 81a. The diameter of this outer surface 81a is smaller than the diameter D of the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2. The main body 81 faces the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2 with its outer surface 81a, forming a gap G between it and the outlet opening 2b. This gap G extends all the way around the circumferential direction of the rotating container 2. However, this gap G does not have to be formed all the way around the circumferential direction of the rotating container 2. The main body 81 only needs to form a gap G that extends along at least a part of the circumferential direction between itself and the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2, and does not need to cover the other part of the outlet opening 2b. The main body 81 may have an opening larger than the gap G, as long as it prevents wet powder from flowing out.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3, the support shaft 82 is attached to the chute 14 via a position adjuster 9. A male thread 82a is formed at the tip of the support shaft 82, which is fixed to the main body 81 and extends from the main body 81.

[0024] The position adjuster 9 includes a positioner 91 fixed to the chute 14 and a fixing nut 92 as a fixing device. The positioner 91 has a female thread 91a that engages with the male thread 82a of the lid 8. The male thread 82a is screwed into this female thread 91a, and the position adjuster 9 supports the lid 8 so that its position can be adjusted in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. The fixing nut 92 is then screwed onto the male thread 82a of the lid 8 and pressed against the positioner 91, and the position adjuster 9 positions the lid 8.

[0025] The position adjuster 9 uses a male screw 82a and a female screw 91a to position the lid 8 so that it can move in the axial direction of the rotating container 2, but the positioning is not limited to this. The position adjuster 9 is an example, and the positioning is not limited to any method that makes the lid 8 movable in the axial direction of the rotating container 2 and can be positioned at a predetermined position.

[0026] In the granulation apparatus 1A, the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2 is parallel to the horizontal direction. However, the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2 may be inclined downward from the inlet opening 2a to the outlet opening 2b, or it may be inclined upward. By inclining the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2 in this way, the residence time of the wet powder inside the rotating container 2 can be adjusted. The inclination angle of the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2, which extends horizontally, is not particularly limited, but the absolute value of the inclination angle that the central axis 20 makes with the horizontal plane is, for example, 15° or less.

[0027] Furthermore, in the granulation apparatus 1A, the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 is located below the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2. For example, the eccentricity e of the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 with respect to the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2 is between 1 / 6 and 1 / 12 of the diameter D of the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2.

[0028] Furthermore, in the granulation apparatus 1A, the rotation direction of the rotating shaft 4 is the same as the rotation direction of the rotating container 2, and the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 4 is faster than the rotation speed of the rotating container 2. The rotation speed of the rotating shaft 4 is set so that the peripheral speed at the tip of the blade 6, which will be described later, is between 5 m / s and 13 m / s, and the rotation speed of the rotating container 2 is set so that the peripheral speed at the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2 is between 0.5 m / s and 1 m / s.

[0029] The stationary member 3 includes an eccentric portion 31 that fits with the inlet-side opening 2a of the rotating container 2, and a tubular portion 32 located further from the rotating container 2 than the eccentric portion 31. The aforementioned supply hole 3a is provided spanning both the eccentric portion 31 and the tubular portion 32.

[0030] The contour of the eccentric portion 31 is circular. The center of the eccentric portion 31 coincides with the center of the rotating container 2, and the center of the tubular portion 32 (which is also the center of the supply hole 3a) coincides with the center of the rotating shaft 4. The stationary member 3 may be a single part or may be divided into multiple parts.

[0031] A first closure member 12 is joined to the end of the eccentric portion 31 on the pipe portion 32 side. Compressed air is introduced from a compressor (not shown) into the space between the first closure member 12 and the inlet end face of the rotating container 2 to prevent powder or wet powder from flowing into the space through the gap between the inlet opening 2a of the rotating container 2 and the eccentric portion 31. This compressed air flows out into the interior of the rotating container 2 through the gap between the inlet opening 2a of the rotating container 2 and the eccentric portion 31.

[0032] The pipe section 32 of the stationary member 3 is provided with an upward-opening inlet 3b. A hopper 35 is connected to this inlet 3b. In this embodiment, moist powder, which has been moistened by the addition of processing liquid, is fed into the hopper 35.

[0033] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 4B, in the granulation apparatus 1A, the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 4 inside the supply hole 3a and the rotating container 2 is square. However, the shape of the rotating shaft 4 is not limited to this, as long as it can rotate together with the blades 6.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, the screw 5 attached to the rotating shaft 4 within the supply hole 3a includes a central tube 51 inserted into the rotating shaft 4 and helical screw blades 52 provided on the outer surface of the central tube 51. The length of the screw 5 is approximately the same as the length of the supply hole 3a. The cross-sectional shape of the inner surface of the central tube 51 is square to match the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 4 within the supply hole 3a.

[0035] Inside the rotating container 2, multiple blades 6 are attached to the rotating shaft 4. Each blade 6 is plate-shaped with a through-hole 6a formed therein through which the rotating shaft 4 is inserted. However, the shape of the blades 6 is not limited to this.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4B, the blades 6 have a roughly diamond shape, with a through hole 6a formed in the center. That is, each blade 6 has a pair of blades that protrude from the through hole 6a in opposite directions. As described above, since the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 4 inside the rotating container 2 is square, the through hole 6a is also square.

[0037] Furthermore, each blade of each fan 6 has a knife edge 6b that is pointed in the direction of rotation. The knife edge 6b is inclined in the direction of rotation so as to move closer to the inlet opening 2a (away from the outlet opening 2b). Therefore, when the fan 6 rotates, the knife edge 6b applies a feeding force to the wet powder toward the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2.

[0038] The length Lf of each blade 6 is set such that the shortest distance between each blade 6 and the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2 (the clearance directly below the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2) is a few millimeters (for example, 1 mm to 5 mm).

[0039] As shown in Figure 4B, the blades 6 are mounted on the rotating shaft 4 so that their orientation alternates by 90 degrees. As shown in Figure 3, spacer rings 61 are placed between adjacent blades 6. Each spacer ring 61 has a square through-hole 61a similar to the through-hole 6a of the blade 6 and is inserted through the rotating shaft 4. Note that the spacer rings 61 only need to be mounted on the rotating shaft 4 and positioned between adjacent blades 6, and the shape of the through-hole 61a is not limited to a square. A retaining member 62 is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft 4.

[0040] Figure 5 is a magnified view of the part indicated by the symbol V in Figure 3. The double arrow L in Figure 5 represents the length of the gap G in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. The length L is determined as the distance between the outer circumferential surface 81a of the main body 81 and the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2. This length L is not particularly limited, but for example, it could be the cube root of the diameter D of the outlet side opening 2b ( 3 It is 0.5 times or more of √D, and the cube root of diameter D ( 3 It is less than or equal to 5 times √D). The double arrow t represents the width of the gap G in the radial direction of the rotating container 2. The width t is determined as the distance between the inner surface 2c and the outer surface 81a in the radial direction of the rotating container 2. This width t can be set according to the application of the granules and is not particularly limited, but for example it is 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0041] In the granulation apparatus 1A with the configuration described above, wet powder is fed into the supply hole 3a through the hopper 35 and inlet 3b shown in Figure 3. The wet powder is then supplied into the rotating container 2 by the screw 5. Inside the rotating container 2, the wet powder is fluidized as the container 2 rotates, and the blades 6 rotate together with the rotating shaft 4, causing the wet powder to be mixed, kneaded, and crushed as it is sent towards the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2.

[0042] The wet powder that reaches the outlet opening 2b is fed into the gap G formed by the lid 8 and the rotating container 2. Through this gap G, the granules formed from the wet powder are discharged from the rotating container 2. The discharged granules are guided to the chute 14 and sent to the next process.

[0043] In this granulation apparatus 1A, the mixing, kneading, and crushing of the wet powder are promoted by the rotation of a horizontally extending cylindrical rotating container 2 and the rotation of numerous blades 6. The wet powder is then brought into contact with the rotating container 2 by the lid 8 through a gap G. As it passes through this gap G, the wet powder is discharged while in contact with the lid 8 and the rotating container 2. As a result, the wet powder is sphericalized in the gap G. This allows the granulation apparatus 1A to produce round granules and suppress variations in particle size.

[0044] In this granulation apparatus 1A, the lid 8 is fixed, but the lid 8 may be rotatable. In this case, for example, the lid 8 is made rotatable about the rotation axis of the rotating container 2 as the center of rotation. As the rotating container 2 rotates relative to the rotating lid 8, the wet powder is sphereized in the gap G.

[0045] Furthermore, the granulator 1A may have a rotary drive device that rotates the lid 8, thereby controlling the angular velocity of the rotating lid 8 and controlling the relative angular velocity of the lid 8 with respect to the rotating container 2. By adjusting the relative angular velocity between the rotating container 2 and the lid 8, the granulator 1A can adjust the shape and particle size of the granules. This granulator 1A can adjust the shape and particle size of the granules according to their intended use. The circumferential rotation direction of the lid 8 may be the same as that of the rotating container 2, or it may be in the opposite direction.

[0046] In the granulation apparatus 1A, the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2 and the outer circumferential surface 81a of the lid 8, which form the gap G, extend in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. This gap G extends in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. By adjusting the length L of the gap G, the granulation apparatus 1A can adjust the residence time in the gap G. By adjusting this length L, the granulation apparatus 1A can adjust the shape and particle size of the granules.

[0047] The granulation apparatus 1A is equipped with a position adjuster 9 that changes the position of the lid 8 in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. By changing the position of the lid 8 using this position adjuster 9, the length L of the gap G is adjusted. As a result, the granulation apparatus 1A can adjust the shape and particle size of the granules to suit the application without having to replace the lid 8 with another lid to change the length L of the gap G.

[0048] In this granulation apparatus 1A, a number of protrusions may be formed on the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2, protruding from the inner circumferential surface 2c. For example, the number of protrusions may be arranged at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating container 2. Each protrusion may be formed in a ridge-like shape extending in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. By forming these protrusions on the inner circumferential surface 2c in the area where the number of blades 6 are located in the axial direction, the sliding of the wet powder against the inner circumferential surface 2c is suppressed, and the crushing and mixing of the wet powder is promoted.

[0049] Furthermore, in the granulation apparatus 1A, the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 does not necessarily have to be located below the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2; the central axis 40 and the central axis 20 may coincide.

[0050] However, as shown in Figure 3, if the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 is located below the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2, space is secured above the blades 6. Therefore, when the wet powder that has been lifted along the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2 separates from the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2 above the blades 6 and falls, it collides with the blades 6 and is crushed. Consequently, the granulation effect can be improved compared to the case where the central axis 40 of the rotating shaft 4 and the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2 coincide.

[0051] Furthermore, for example, when producing granules from wet powder, dry powder may be introduced into the hopper 35. In this case, the powder is introduced into the supply hole 3a through the hopper 35 and the inlet 3b. The powder is then supplied into the rotating container 2 by the screw 5. Inside the rotating container 2, a processing liquid is added to the powder to wet it. That is, although not shown in the diagram, a nozzle for spraying the processing liquid is provided inside the rotating container 2.

[0052] Furthermore, the direction of rotation of the rotating shaft 4 may be opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating container 2, but in that case, the wet powder tends to accumulate at the bottom of the rotating container 2. On the other hand, if the direction of rotation of the rotating shaft 4 and the rotating container 2 are the same, the wet powder is less likely to accumulate at the bottom of the rotating container 2.

[0053] Figure 6 shows the gap G of granulator 1B, which is a modified example of granulator 1A. Granulator 1B has the same configuration as granulator 1A, except that it has a main body 83 instead of the main body 81 of the lid 8.

[0054] The main body 83 has an outer circumferential surface 83a formed with a constant radius and a tapered surface 83b that extends radially outward from the inlet opening 2a toward the outlet opening 2b. The double arrow θ1 in Figure 6 represents the angle between the inner circumferential surface 2c and the tapered surface 83b in the cross-section shown in Figure 6.

[0055] In this granulation apparatus 1B, the gap G is formed by the outer circumferential surface 83a and tapered surface 83b of the main body 83 and the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2. The length L of the gap G is determined as the opposing lengths of the outer circumferential surface 83a and tapered surface 83b and the inner circumferential surface 2c in the axial direction of the rotating container 2.

[0056] The granulator 1B has a tapered surface 83b, so that the width of the inlet of the gap G is greater than the width of the outlet of the gap G. This makes it easier for the wet powder to enter the gap G. Furthermore, with this tapered surface 83b, the width of the gap G gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet. This allows the wet powder to be smoothly fed from the wider inlet to the narrower outlet.

[0057] Figure 7 shows the gap G of granulator 1C, which is a modified example of granulator 1A. Granulator 1C has the same configuration as granulator 1A, except that it has a main body 84 instead of the main body 81 of the lid 8.

[0058] The main body 84 has an outer circumferential surface 84a and a plane 84b that extends radially opposite the axial end face 2d of the rotating container 2. In Figure 7, the double arrow t represents the width of the gap G between the outer circumferential surface 84a and the inner circumferential surface 2c, and the double arrow t' represents the width of the gap G between the plane 84b and the end face 2d. The double arrow L1 represents the length of the gap G with width t, and the double arrow L2 represents the length of the gap G with width t'. In this granulation apparatus 1C, the length L of the gap G is determined as the sum of length L1 and length L2. Note that this width t' can be set according to the application of the granules and is not particularly limited, but for example, it is 0.3 mm or more and 3 mm or less. This width t' is preferably smaller than the width t.

[0059] In this granulator 1C, the gap G is bent between the inlet and outlet. The bending of the gap G increases the residence time of the wet powder compared to a straight gap G, even if the length L of the gap G is the same. By bending the gap G, the granulator 1C can adjust the shape and particle size of the granules. In this granulator 1C, the gap G is reduced from width t to width t'. This allows the granulator 1C to further improve the uniformity of the granule shape and particle size. Here, the gap G is bent at a right angle radially from the axial direction of the rotating container 2, but this bending angle may be greater or less than a right angle.

[0060] Figure 8 shows a modified version of the granulation apparatus 1A. In this modified version, numerous recesses 81b are formed on the outer circumferential surface 81a of the main body 81. Each recess 81b encircles the outer circumferential surface 81a. Numerous protrusions 2e are formed on the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2. Each protrusion 2e encircles the inner circumferential surface 2c. In this case, the other configurations are the same as those of the granulation apparatus 1A.

[0061] In this modified example, the recess 81b on the outer circumferential surface 81a and the protrusion 2e on the inner circumferential surface 2c increase the residence time of the wet powder. This modification allows for adjustment of the granule shape and particle size. Here, a recess 81b is formed on the outer circumferential surface 81a, but a protrusion may be formed instead of the recess 81b, or a protrusion may be formed in addition to the recess 81b. Similarly, a protrusion 2e is formed on the inner circumferential surface 2c, but a recess may be formed instead of the protrusion 2e, or a recess may be formed in addition to the protrusion 2e. Furthermore, the shapes of the recess 81b and protrusion 2e are illustrative and not limiting. For example, the body 83 and rotating container 2 of the granulator 1B, or either one of them, may have irregularities formed on them, or the body 84 and rotating container 2 of the granulator 1C, or either one of them. Also, the irregularity shape does not have to be a full circle in the circumferential direction, but may be formed in a spiral shape.

[0062] In the granulation apparatus 1A, the gap G is formed between the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2 and the outer circumferential surface 81a of the lid 8, but it is not limited to this. It is sufficient that the rotating container 2 and the lid 8 each have opposing surfaces that form the gap G. For example, in the granulation apparatus 1A, the lid 8 may have an inner circumferential surface larger than the outer circumferential surface of the rotating container 2, and a gap G may be formed between the outer circumferential surface of the rotating container 2 and the inner circumferential surface of the lid 8, and the granules may be discharged from this gap G.

[0063] Figure 9 shows a granulation apparatus 1D according to another embodiment. This granulation apparatus 1D includes a rotating container 10 instead of a rotating container 2. The lid 8 includes a body 85 instead of a body 81. The other components of the granulation apparatus 1D are the same as those of the granulation apparatus 1A. The rotating container 10 has an inlet opening 10a and an outlet opening 10b. The rotating container 10 has an inner circumferential surface 10c.

[0064] Figure 10 is a magnified view of the part indicated by the symbol X in Figure 9. As shown in Figure 10, in the rotating vessel 10, a tapered surface 10e is formed between the inner circumferential surface 10c and the end surface 10d at the outlet side opening 10b. This tapered surface 10e is inclined radially outward in the axial direction of the rotating vessel 10, from the inlet side opening 10a toward the outlet side opening 10b.

[0065] The body 85 of the lid 8 has a tapered surface 85a that faces the tapered surface 10e of the rotating container 10. This tapered surface 85a is inclined radially outward in the axial direction of the rotating container 10, from the inlet opening 10a toward the outlet opening 10b. In this granulation apparatus 1D, the inclination angle of the tapered surface 10e is the same as the inclination angle of the tapered surface 85a of the body 85.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, this gap G extends at an inclination with respect to the axial direction of the rotating container 10. The double arrow t in Figure 10 represents the width of the gap G formed by the tapered surface 10e and the tapered surface 85a. The width t of this gap G is determined by a straight line perpendicular to the tapered surface 10e. This width t is kept constant from the inlet to the outlet of the gap G. As the wet powder passes through this gap G, it is discharged while in contact with the tapered surface 10e and the tapered surface 85a. As a result, the wet powder is made spherical. The granulator 1D can produce round granules and suppress variations in particle size.

[0067] The granulation apparatus 1D is equipped with a position adjuster 9 that changes the position of the lid 8 in the axial direction of the rotating container 10. By changing the position of the main body 85 using this position adjuster 9, the width t of the gap G is adjusted. This allows the granulation apparatus 1D to adjust the size of the discharged granules. As a result, the granulation apparatus 1D can adjust the particle size of the granules according to the application.

[0068] Figure 11 shows the gap G of a granulator 1E, which is a modified example of the granulator 1D. This granulator 1E has the same configuration as the granulator 1D, except that it has a body 86 instead of the body 85 of the lid 8.

[0069] The main body 86 has a tapered surface 86a that faces the tapered surface 10e of the rotating container 10. This tapered surface 86a is inclined radially outward in the axial direction of the rotating container 10, from the inlet opening 10a toward the outlet opening 10b.

[0070] The double-headed arrow θ2 in Figure 11 represents the angle between the inner circumferential surface 10c and the tapered surface 10e in the cross-section shown in Figure 11. The double-headed arrow θ3 represents the angle between the inner circumferential surface 10c and the tapered surface 86a in the cross-section shown in Figure 11. In this granulation apparatus 1E, the inclination angle of the tapered surface 10e and the inclination angle of the tapered surface 86a are different.

[0071] In the granulation apparatus 1E, the width of the inlet of the gap G formed by the tapered surface 10e and the tapered surface 86a is greater than the width of the outlet. This makes it easier for wet powder to enter the gap G. Furthermore, the width of the gap G gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet due to the tapered surface 10e and the tapered surface 86a. This allows the wet powder to be smoothly fed from the wide inlet to the narrow outlet. The granulation apparatus 1E can adjust the particle size of the granules according to the application.

[0072] Figure 12 shows a modified version of the granulation apparatus 1D. In this modified version, numerous recesses 85b are formed on the tapered surface 85a of the main body 85. Each recess 85b encircles the tapered surface 85a in the circumferential direction. Numerous recesses 10f are formed on the tapered surface 10e of the rotating container 10. Each recess 10f encircles the tapered surface 10e in the circumferential direction. In this case, the other configurations are the same as those of the granulation apparatus 1D.

[0073] In this modified example, the recess 85b of the tapered surface 85a and the recess 10f of the tapered surface 10e increase the residence time of the wet powder. As a result, the shape and particle size of the granules can be adjusted in this modified example. Here, a recess 85b is formed on the tapered surface 85a, but a protrusion may be formed instead of the recess 85b, or a protrusion may be formed in addition to the recess 85b. Similarly, a recess 10f is formed on the tapered surface 10e, but a protrusion may be formed instead of the recess 10f, or a protrusion may be formed in addition to the recess 10f. Furthermore, the shapes of the recesses 85b and 10f are illustrative and not limited to them. For example, the surface may have irregularities formed on both or either the main body 85 and the rotating container 10. Also, the irregularity shape does not have to be a full circle in the circumferential direction, but may be formed in a spiral shape.

[0074] Although not shown in the figures, in the granulator 1D, the gap G may also bend between the inlet and outlet, similar to the granulator 1C. Furthermore, the main body 86 and the rotating container 10 of the granulator 1E may have similar irregularities, and the gap G may also bend between the inlet and outlet.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0076] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0077] [Item 1] A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. A granulation apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0078] [Item 2] The granulation apparatus according to item 1, wherein the rotating container rotates relative to the lid.

[0079] [Item 3] The granulation apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the gap extends axially in a cross section along the axial direction of the rotating container.

[0080] [Item 4] The granulation apparatus according to item 1 or 2, wherein the gap extends inclined with respect to the axial direction in a cross-section along the axial direction of the rotating container.

[0081] [Item 5] The granulation apparatus according to item 3 or 4, further comprising a position adjuster for changing the position of the lid in the axial direction of the rotating container.

[0082] [Item 6] A granulation apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the width of the opening of the gap is greater than the width of the exit of the gap.

[0083] [Item 7] The granulation apparatus described in item 6, wherein the width of the gap gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet.

[0084] [Item 8] A granulation apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the gap is bent between the inlet and outlet.

[0085] [Item 9] A granulation apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 8, wherein a recess, a protrusion, or an uneven surface extending in the circumferential direction of the rotating container is formed on the opposing surface of the rotating container that faces the lid and forms the gap.

[0086] [Item 10] A granulation apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 9, wherein a recess, a protrusion, or an uneven surface extending in the circumferential direction of the rotating container is formed on the opposing surface of the lid that faces the rotating container and forms the gap. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E... Granulation equipment 2, 10... Rotating containers 2b...Exit side opening (opening) 2c...Inner peripheral surface (opposing surface) 2d...End face (opposite face) 2e···Convex part 10e... Tapered surface (opposing surface) 10f, 81b, 85b... recessed 6 feathers 8...lid 81a, 83a, 84a...outer surface (opposing surface) 83b, 85a, 86a... Tapered surface (opposing surface) 84b...Plane (opposite surface) G... Gap

Claims

1. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which the rotating container rotates relative to the lid.

2. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which the gap extends axially in a cross-section along the axial direction of the rotating container.

3. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which the gap extends inclined with respect to the axial direction in a cross-section along the axial direction of the rotating container.

4. The granulation apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, further comprising a position adjuster for changing the position of the lid in the axial direction of the rotating container.

5. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which the width of the opening of the gap is greater than the width of the exit of the gap.

6. The granulation apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the width of the gap gradually decreases from the inlet to the outlet.

7. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which the aforementioned gap is bent between the inlet and outlet.

8. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which a recess, a protrusion, or an uneven surface extending in the circumferential direction of the rotating container is formed on the opposing surface of the rotating container that faces the lid and forms the gap.

9. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharges the wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container. Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which a recess, a protrusion, or an uneven surface extending in the circumferential direction of the rotating container is formed on the opposing surface of the lid that faces the rotating container and forms the gap.

Images