Granulation device

Abstract

To provide a granulator capable of manufacturing granules having a larger specific gravity than conventional ones by using a treatment vessel extending laterally.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 while kneading and crushing the wet powder; and a roller 7 that rotates in the rotary vessel 2 and kneads the wet powder between the roller and an inner peripheral surface 2c of the rotary vessel 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a granulation 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, as powders, have poor handling properties, and their handling properties are improved by making them into granules.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a granulation apparatus (referred to as a "continuous stirring treatment apparatus" in Patent Document 1) for producing granules from wet powder. This granulation apparatus includes a horizontally extending cylindrical treatment vessel, an agitator that rotates within the treatment vessel, and a scraper. The wet powder introduced into this treatment vessel is sent toward an outlet on one axial side of the treatment vessel while being stirred, mixed, and crushed by the agitator and the scraper. In this way, this granulation apparatus produces granules from wet powder.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] [[ID=__38]] The granulation apparatus of Patent Document I stirs, mixes, and crushes wet powder with an agitator and a scraper that rotate within a horizontally extending cylindrical treatment vessel. The specific gravity of the granules obtained by such a continuous stirring granulation apparatus tends to be smaller than that of the granules obtained by a batch-type stirring granulation apparatus.

[0006] The applicant's intention is to provide a granulation apparatus capable of producing granules with a higher specific gravity than conventional granulations using a processing container that extends horizontally. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The granulation apparatus disclosed herein granulates a wet powder to produce 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 rollers that rotate within the rotating container and knead the wet powder between themselves and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] This granulation apparatus uses a processing container that extends horizontally, enabling the production of granules with a higher specific gravity compared to conventional methods. [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 4] Figure 4 is a front cross-sectional view along the line IV-IV in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a front cross-sectional view along the VV line in Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of a granulation apparatus according to another embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a front cross-sectional view along line VII-VII in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a partially enlarged view of a granulation apparatus according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Preferred embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to drawings as appropriate.

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

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

[0013] An electric motor 23 for rotating the rotating container 2 is attached to the base 11a of the frame 11. Bevel gears 24 and 25 are provided on the output shaft of the electric motor 23 and on the outer surface of the rotating container 2, respectively, and these bevel gears 24 and 25 mesh with each other.

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

[0015] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the granulation apparatus 1A includes a stationary member 3 that fits into the inlet 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 located inside the rotating container 2, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 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 granulation 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 41 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 granulation apparatus 1A, the first closing member 12 is disc-shaped and is integrated with the stationary member 3. The second closing member 13 is annular and penetrates the rotating container 2. Also, covers 15 that cover the space between them are attached to the arms 11b and 11c of the frame 11.

[0019] In the rotating container 2, granules are produced from the wet powder, and the granules are discharged from the outlet-side opening 2b, which is an opening on one axial side. A chute 14 for guiding the granules discharged from the outlet-side opening 2b of the rotating container 2 is attached to the second closing member 13.

[0020] Next, referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the structure inside the rotating container 2 and around it will be described in detail.

[0021] 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] As shown by the dashed line in Figure 4, in the granulation apparatus 1A, the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 4 within the supply hole 3a and the rotating container 2 is square. However, the shape of the rotating shaft 4 is not limited to this.

[0029] 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.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, multiple blades 6 and rollers 7 are attached to the rotating shaft 4 inside the rotating container 2.

[0031] 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 blade 6 is not limited to this.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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).

[0035] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, 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-shaped 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 6a is not limited to a square shape. A retaining member 62 is attached to the tip of the rotating shaft 4.

[0036] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the roller 7 is cylindrical and has an outer circumferential surface 7a. The roller 7 is attached to the rotating shaft 4 and is rotatable together with the rotating shaft 4 around the central axis 40 as the axis of rotation.

[0037] The material of roller 7 is, for example, stainless steel. This material is not particularly limited. This material may be any of the following: metal such as stainless steel, resin, or rubber. Furthermore, if the material of roller 7 is fluororesin, the adhesion of wet powder can be suppressed.

[0038] As shown in Figure 3, in the axial direction of the rotating container 2, the roller 7 is positioned between a number of blades 6. The number of blades 6 to be positioned is not particularly limited, but in this granulator 1A, nine blades 6 are positioned between the roller 7 and the inlet opening 2a in the axial direction of the rotating container 2, and eight blades 6 are positioned between the roller 7 and the outlet opening 2b.

[0039] In Figure 3, the double-headed arrow Lr represents the axial length of the roller 7, and the double-headed arrow Dr represents the diameter of the roller 7. The length Lr of the roller 7 is not particularly limited, but is preferably set to be at least 0.7 times the diameter Dr and at least 1.5 times the diameter Dr. The diameter Dr of the roller 7 is not particularly limited, but is, for example, set to be the same as or greater than the length Lf of the blade 6 (see Figure 4).

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the roller 7 has a through hole 7b through which the rotating shaft 4 is inserted. The through hole 7b is square in shape because the cross-sectional shape of the rotating shaft 4 inside the rotating container 2 is square. The shortest distance C (clearance directly below the central axis 20 of the rotating container 2) between the outer circumferential surface 7a of the roller 7 and the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2 is set to be a few millimeters (for example, 1 mm to 5 mm). Preferably, this shortest distance C is set to be the same as the shortest distance between the blade 6 and the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2, or to be smaller than the shortest distance between the blade 6 and the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2.

[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 roller 7.

[0042] The wet powder that reaches the roller 7 is pressed against the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2, which rotates at a different peripheral speed than the roller 7, by the outer surface 7a of the rotating roller 7. The wet powder is kneaded between the roller 7 and the inner surface 2c of the rotating container 2. The wet powder kneaded by the roller 7 is sent to the blade 6, which is located on the outlet side opening 2b of the roller 7.

[0043] The wet powder mixed by the roller 7 is mixed, kneaded, and crushed by the rotation of the rotating container 2 and the rotation of the numerous blades 6 as it is sent toward the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2. In this way, 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.

[0044] In this granulation apparatus 1A, the wet powder is mixed, kneaded, and crushed by the rotation of the horizontally extending rotating container 2 and the rotation of numerous blades 6. As a result, granules in which numerous powders are uniformly mixed are obtained.

[0045] In this granulation apparatus 1A, the wet powder is kneaded by the roller 7. The wet powder is crushed and kneaded vigorously by the roller 7. The voids within the wet powder are crushed by the roller 7. As a result, even when using a rotating container 2 that extends horizontally, granules with a high specific gravity can be obtained.

[0046] In this granulation apparatus 1A, a roller 7 is positioned between numerous blades 6 in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. The wet powder supplied to the rotating container 2 is first mixed, kneaded, and crushed by the numerous blades 6 closer to the inlet opening 2a than the roller 7. This first mixed, kneaded, and crushed wet powder is then kneaded by the roller 7. The wet powder kneaded by the roller 7 is then secondarily mixed, kneaded, and crushed by the numerous blades 6 closer to the outlet opening 2b than the roller 7. As a result, granules with a high specific gravity and uniform shape and particle size are obtained.

[0047] The granulation apparatus 1A is located inside a rotating container 2 and includes a rotating shaft 4 to which a number of blades 6 and rollers 7 are attached. These rollers 7 are attached to the rotating shaft 4 that rotates the number of blades 6. These rollers 7 do not require any other shafts besides the rotating shaft 4, nor do they require any other electric motors besides the electric motor 41. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the number of blades 6 and rollers 7 are attached to the rotating shaft 4. In this granulation apparatus 1A, the rollers 7 may be attached to a shaft other than the rotating shaft 4 and rotated by an electric motor other than the electric motor 41.

[0048] The granulation apparatus 1A has a roller 7 with a through hole 7b through which the rotating shaft 4 is inserted, and each blade 6 with a through hole 6a through which the rotating shaft 4 is inserted. The position of the roller 7 can be swapped with the position of the blades 6. This allows the granulation apparatus 1A to adjust the position of the roller 7 in the axial direction of the rotating container 2 according to the application of the granules. Furthermore, the roller 7 can be replaced with other rollers that differ in length, diameter, and outer surface condition. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the roller 7 has a through hole 7b and each blade 6 has a through hole 6a. Moreover, from this viewpoint, it is preferable that the granulation apparatus 1A has a spacer ring 61 with a through hole 61a through which the rotating shaft 4 is inserted.

[0049] Furthermore, although the roller 7 in this granulator 1A was a single unit, it may be formed by stacking two or more roller bodies that are divided in the axial direction. By using a roller 7 formed by stacking two or more roller bodies, the length Lr of the roller 7 may be made adjustable. Also, although the diameter of this roller 7 is constant from one end to the other in the axial direction, it is not limited to this.

[0050] 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 is 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. In this case as well, it is preferable that no protrusions are formed on the inner circumferential surface 2c in the area where the roller 7 is located in the axial direction.

[0051] Figures 6 and 7 show a granulation apparatus 1B according to another embodiment. Here, the configuration differs from that of granulation apparatus 1A. Configurations similar to those of granulation apparatus 1A are described using the same reference numerals, and the description of configurations similar to those of granulation apparatus 1A is omitted. This granulation apparatus 1B is equipped with a scraper 8. Other configurations of granulation apparatus 1B are the same as those of granulation apparatus 1A.

[0052] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the scraper 8 is positioned above the blade 6 and extends in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. The scraper 8 serves to scrape off the wet powder adhering to the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2.

[0053] As shown in Figure 6, one end of the scraper 8 is fixed to the eccentric portion 31 of the stationary member 3 via the first arm 81 and the second arm 83. The other end of the scraper 8 is fixed to the chute 14 via the arm 82 and the rod 84.

[0054] The scraper 8 may or may not contact the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2. If it does not contact the inner circumferential surface 2c, it is preferable that the clearance between the tip of the scraper 8 and the inner circumferential surface 2c be as narrow as possible. Although the scraper 8 is fixed, it may be movable in a direction toward and away from the inner circumferential surface 2c.

[0055] The material of the scraper 8 is not particularly limited. If the scraper 8 does not come into contact with the inner circumferential surface 2c of the rotating container 2, the material of the scraper 8 may be metal (e.g., stainless steel), resin, or rubber. If the scraper 8 comes into contact with the inner circumferential surface 2c, a resin with excellent sliding properties, such as fluororesin (e.g., PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)) or nylon, is preferred.

[0056] In particular, if the material of the scraper 8 is fluororesin, the adhesion of wet powder to the scraper 8 itself can be suppressed. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing the adhesion of wet powder to the scraper 8 itself, it is preferable that the surface area of ​​the scraper 8 be small.

[0057] In the granulation apparatus 1B, the wet powder that is pressed against the inner surface 2c by the roller 7 and adheres to it can be scraped off by the scraper 8. This granulation apparatus 1B can suppress the adhesion of wet powder to the inner surface 2c over a long period of time.

[0058] Figure 8 shows a granulation apparatus 1C according to yet another embodiment. Here, the configuration differs from that of granulation apparatus 1A. Configurations similar to those of granulation apparatus 1A are described using the same reference numerals, and the description of configurations similar to those of granulation apparatus 1A is omitted. This granulation apparatus 1C is equipped with a lid 9. Other configurations of granulation apparatus 1C are the same as those of granulation apparatus 1A.

[0059] The lid 9 includes a main body 91 positioned at the outlet opening 2b of the rotating container 2, a support shaft 92 that supports the main body 91, a positioning element 93 fixed to the chute 14, and a fixing nut 94 as a fastener.

[0060] As shown in the enlarged section of Figure 8, the rotating container 2 has a tapered surface 2e formed between the inner circumferential surface 2c and the end surface 2d of the outlet opening 2b. This tapered surface 2e is inclined radially outward in the axial direction of the rotating container 2, from the inlet opening 2a toward the outlet opening 2b.

[0061] The body 91 of the lid 9 has a tapered surface 91a that faces the tapered surface 2e of the rotating container 2. This tapered surface 91a is inclined radially outward in the axial direction of the rotating container 2, from the inlet opening 2a toward the outlet opening 2b. In this granulation apparatus 1C, the inclination angle of the tapered surface 2e is the same as the inclination angle of the tapered surface 91a of the body 91. The body 91 covers the outlet opening 2b by forming a gap G between itself and the rotating container 2.

[0062] The support shaft 92 of the lid 9 is attached to the chute 14 via a positioning 93. For example, although not shown, a male thread is formed at the tip of the support shaft 92, which is fixed to the main body 91 and extends from the main body 91. The positioning 93 has a female thread that engages with the male thread of the support shaft 92. The male thread of the support shaft 92 is screwed into this female thread, and the positioning 93 supports the main body 91 so that its position can be adjusted in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. A fixing nut 94 is then screwed onto the male thread of the support shaft 92 and pressed against the positioning 93, thereby positioning and fixing the main body 91.

[0063] As shown in Figure 8, the gap G formed by the tapered surface 2e and the tapered surface 91a extends at an inclination with respect to the axial direction of the rotating container 2. The double arrow t in Figure 8 represents the width of the gap G. This width t of the gap G is determined by a straight line perpendicular to the tapered surface 2e. 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 sphericalized in the gap G. The granulator 1C can adjust the shape and particle size of the wet powder mixed by the roller 7. The granulator 1C can suppress variations in the shape and particle size of the resulting granules. 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.

[0064] Furthermore, the lid 9 can be moved in the axial direction of the rotating container 2 by the positioning 93 and fixing nut 94, and positioned in a predetermined position. This allows the granulator 1C to adjust the width t of the gap G. As a result, the granulator 1C can obtain granules of a particle size suited to the application. Note that the positioning 93 and fixing nut 94 are illustrative examples, and the position adjuster for the body 91 is not limited to these. The position adjuster only needs to be able to move the body 91 in the axial direction of the rotating container 2 and position it in a predetermined position. Also, the lid 9 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a position adjuster.

[0065] Furthermore, this gap G does not need to be formed around the entire circumference of the rotating container 2. The main body 91 only needs to form a gap G between itself and the rotating container 2 at the outlet-side opening 2b that extends along at least a portion of the circumference, and does not need to cover the other parts of the outlet-side opening 2b. At the other parts of the outlet-side opening 2b, the main body 91 may form an opening larger than the gap G, provided that wet powder does not flow out.

[0066] Furthermore, in the granulation apparatus 1C, the gap G extends at an inclination with respect to the axial direction of the rotating container 2 with a constant width t, but is not limited to this. The gap G may be formed to extend in the axial direction of the rotating container 2. Also, the width t of the gap G may be larger at the inlet than at the outlet, or it may gradually decrease. The gap G may bend between the inlet and the outlet. On either the opposing surface of the body 91 of the lid 9 and the opposing surface of the rotating container 2, or both, irregularities extending in the circumferential direction of the rotating container 2 may be formed. In this way, by adjusting the width t, length, and shape of the gap G, the residence time of the wet powder in the gap G can be adjusted, and the shape and particle size of the resulting granules can be adjusted.

[0067] Furthermore, this granulation apparatus 1C may also be equipped with a scraper 8 along with a lid 9, similar to the granulation apparatus 1B.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0069] [Disclosure items] Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0070] [Item 1] A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the aforementioned rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A roller rotates within the aforementioned rotating container and mixes the wet powder with the inner surface of the rotating container, A granulation apparatus equipped with the following features.

[0071] [Item 2] The granulation apparatus according to item 1, wherein the roller is positioned between two adjacent blades of a plurality of blades arranged in the axial direction of the rotating container.

[0072] [Item 3] The granulation apparatus according to item 1 or 2, further comprising a scraper for scraping off wet powder adhering to the inner surface of the rotating container.

[0073] [Item 4] A granulation apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3, comprising a lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharging wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container.

[0074] [Item 5] A granulation apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 4, comprising a rotating shaft disposed within the rotating container and to which the rollers and numerous blades are attached.

[0075] [Item 6] The roller has a through hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted, The granulation apparatus according to item 5, wherein each blade has a through hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0076] 1A, 1B, 1C... Granulation equipment 2. Rotating container 2b...Exit side opening (opening) 2c...Inner peripheral surface 2e... Tapered surface 4. Rotating shaft 6 feathers 6a... Through hole 7. Laura 7b...Through hole 8. Scraper 9...lid 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 aforementioned rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A roller rotates within the aforementioned rotating container and mixes the wet powder with the inner surface of the rotating container, Equipped with, A granulation apparatus in which the roller is positioned between two adjacent blades of a plurality of blades arranged in the axial direction of the rotating container.

2. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a scraper for scraping off wet powder adhering to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating container.

3. The granulation apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a lid that forms a gap between itself and the rotating container, covering at least a portion of the opening, and discharging wet powder through the gap while bringing it into contact with the rotating container.

4. A granulation apparatus for granulating wet powder and producing granules, A cylindrical rotating container extending horizontally, Numerous blades rotate within the aforementioned rotating container, kneading and crushing the wet powder while feeding it toward one axial opening of the rotating container, A roller rotates within the aforementioned rotating container and mixes the wet powder with the inner surface of the rotating container, Equipped with, A granulation apparatus comprising a rotating shaft, which is placed inside the rotating container and to which the rollers and numerous blades are attached.

5. The roller has a through hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted, The granulation apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each blade has a through hole through which the rotating shaft is inserted.

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