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Freeze Granulation - Homogeneous granules for processing of ceramic, diamond, nano and/or composite materials (05 SE WSIV 0DRK)
A Swedish SME has developed a new granulation method, called Freeze Granulation, mainly used to granulate and dry ceramic, diamond, nano and metal powders, and to dry chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Freeze granulation of powders or chemicals ensures high-quality granules with homogeneous distribution of particles, polymeric pressing aids and other additives. The company seeks partners interested in commercial agreements with technical assistance.
Country: Sweden
Type: OFFER
Date: 12.02.2010
Freeze granulation of organic/inorganic particles or powders is based on instant freezing of sprayed drops (granules) and subsequent freeze drying also know as Spray Freeze Drying (SFD) or Spray Freezing into Liquid (SFL). This technology ensures high-quality granules with homogeneous distribution of particles, polymeric pressing aids and other additives. The solids content of the powder suspension (slip) and the processing parameters (pump speed and airflow) control the granule density and granule size. Migration of the constituents that is common in other granulating processes such as spray drying is avoided in freeze granulation. Excellent pressing performance with easy break down of the granules is achieved. This results in homogeneous compacts with enhanced sinterability and optimal material properties. Nanopowders can be granulated and dried and then re-dispersed to nanopowders again avoiding agglomeration (aggregates) of nanoparticles.
Innovative Aspects:
Freeze granulation offers, with comparison to spray drying, high-quality granules with homogeneous distribution of particles, polymeric pressing aids and other additives for improved mechanical and microstructural properties of the final component, especially for nano and composite powders. Freeze granulation has the following advantages:· Granule density can be controlled (solid content of the slip).· No cavities in the granules.· No migration of small particles and/or binder, which gives higher degree of granule homogeneity.
. Nanopowders can be granulated and dried to a powder and then re-dispersed to nanopowders again avoiding agglomeration (aggregates) of nanoparticles.· Lower granule density and softer granules ensures that all granules are broken during compaction.· Pressed components have good sinterability through even pore size distribution and absence of big pores remaining from uncrushed granules.· Low waste of material (high yield).· Besides large quantities also very small experimental batches (50-100 ml slip) can easily be processed.· The equipment is easy to clean.· Possibility to recycle organic solvents (freeze point < -55ºC).
Degree of development:
Patents/Rights: Secret know-how
Requested Cooperation: Absolutely novel process, Technical consultancy, Joint further development, Testing of new applications, Adaptation to specific needs, New way to use an existing production line
- Type of partner sought:
Industry, academy or research organisation with interest in granulation/drying of powders (ceramics, nano, diamond), chemicals, proteins and drugs.
- Specific area of activity of the partner:
R&D or manufacturing of ceramics, nanomaterials, PM (Powder Metals), diamond/grinding tools, drying of chemicals or pharmaceuticals.
- Task to be performed:
The company seeks partners with knowledge on granulation or drying of powders/chemicals, especially: testing of new applications, e.g. to change from spray-drying to freeze granulation of powders and adaptation of the technology to specific needs, e.g. for nanomaterials, diamond composites or drugs.
In the case of a Commercial Agreement with Technical Assistance, the company is looking for a partner that could assist with one or more of the following ares: technical consultancy, technical training, quality control, or maintenance within its region.
The type of technical support that is meant to be provided by the offerer to the partner: technical training, quality control, maintenance and market/application support.
Type of Organisation:
Status: UPDATE
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