Regime Map of Dry Neutralization Agglomeration Process Containing Non-Reactive Ingredient on a Laboratory Scale

This study described a regime map for dry neutralization agglomeration. Based on the map, the effects of selected key parameters, such as ingredient composition, operation temperature, agitation speed, and size of Na2CO3 particles, were investigated using a laboratory-scale mixer, and properties of the agglomeration product were analyzed, including particle size distribution, Hunter color, and flowability. Torque curves evolving during the process were correlated with the system flowability. Three distinguishable regimes were indicated, dry, wet, and transitional, and the agitation speed was found to have a different influence on the agglomeration process for the three regimes. Furthermore, the influence of temperature on reactive agglomeration significantly differed from that in agglomeration processes in which the binder was non-reactive.