Influence of drying conditions on the acacia gum particle growth in fluidized bed agglomeration: in-line monitoring of particle size

[EN] Acacia gum is an important food emulsifier that presents poor instant properties which can be improved by fluidized bed agglomeration. This study investigated the influence of drying conditions on particle growth kinetics using an in-line particle size monitoring by spatial filter velocimetry. The drying conditions varied according to the binder flow rate and the fluidizing air temperature. The particle growth kinectis showed drying conditions dependence. At mild drying conditions the growth rate and the process yield were higher. The in-line particle size monitoring was useful to observe the influence of the drying conditions on the growth kinetics.