Agglomerated food powder

Agglomerated Food Powder

Visual representation of agglomeration

Agglomerated food powders are a type of processed food product where fine particles are combined into larger, more cohesive granules. This process improves the powder's flowability, solubility, and dustiness, making it more suitable for various industrial and consumer applications.

Process of Agglomeration

Agglomeration is a process that involves the clustering of fine particles into larger, more stable aggregates. This can be achieved through several methods, each with its own advantages and applications.

Spray Drying

Agglomeration via spray drying

Spray drying is a common method used in the production of agglomerated food powders. In this process, a liquid feed is atomized into a hot drying chamber, where the droplets rapidly lose moisture and form solid particles. These particles can then collide and stick together, forming agglomerates.

Fluid Bed Agglomeration

Diagram of a fluid bed agglomerator

Fluid bed agglomeration involves suspending particles in a stream of air, allowing them to collide and bond. This method is particularly effective for creating uniform agglomerates with controlled porosity and density.

Wet Granulation

Visual representation of wet granulation

Wet granulation is a process where a liquid binder is added to a powder mixture, causing the particles to adhere to each other. The resulting wet mass is then dried and screened to produce agglomerates of the desired size.

Roller Compaction

Schematic of a roller compaction system

Roller compaction is a dry agglomeration process where powder is compressed between two rollers to form sheets or ribbons, which are then milled into granules. This method is suitable for heat-sensitive materials and does not require the use of solvents.

Applications

Agglomerated food powders are used in a variety of applications, including:

• Instant coffee and tea
• Soup and sauce mixes
• Nutritional supplements
• Infant formula

The improved solubility and flow properties of agglomerated powders make them ideal for these applications, where quick dissolution and ease of handling are important.

Advantages

Agglomerated food powders offer several advantages over non-agglomerated powders:

• Improved Solubility: Agglomerates dissolve more readily in liquids, reducing clumping and improving texture.
• Reduced Dustiness: Larger particles generate less dust, improving safety and cleanliness in manufacturing environments.
• Enhanced Flowability: Agglomerates flow more easily, facilitating packaging and processing.

Related Pages

• Food processing
• Powder technology
• Granulation
• Spray drying

Gallery

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  Roller compaction samples

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  Visual representation of agglomeration

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  Agglomeration via spray dry

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  Diagram of a fluid bed agglomerator

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  Visual representation of wet granulation

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  Schematic of a roller compaction system (Patent US7998505B2)

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  Roller compaction samples