Vortex-Type Granulation Machines: Technological Basis of Calculation and Implementation Roadmap

This work is devoted to describing the technological foundations and the main stages of calculating granulation machines with active hydrodynamic modes. The optimisation criterion is substantiated when choosing the design of the granulation machine. The work uses methods of analysis and synthesis, search for cause-and-effect relationships, theoretical and computer modelling, and experimental studies. The nodes of the vortex granulator directly influence the formation of a vortex fluidised bed, and the directional movement of granules of various sizes are determined. A technique for carrying out a computer simulation of the hydrodynamic operating conditions of a granulation machine in various operating modes with an assessment of the quality of granulated products (e.g., the production of porous ammonium nitrate) is proposed. The results of a computer simulation of the process of formation of a vortex fluidised bed are presented. A variant of the solution for developing an automation scheme for a vortex-type granulation machine is shown. A roadmap for introducing granulation technology in vortex-type granulation machines is described with details of the main stages. The prospects for improving the design of a vortex-type granulation machine and optimising the operation of a granulation plant to produce porous ammonium nitrate are outlined.