Experimental analysis of particle breakage and powder morphology in foam spray drying

Abstract

The paper presents results of experiments of gas admixing foam spray drying of maltodextrin in co-current spray tower. Significant effect of feed foaming on particle sphericity, angle of repose, apparent and bulk density, Hausner ratio and porosity was found. Number of broken particles achieved 60 % for high foaming gas rate (GLR) and inlet air temperature due to particle overheating and bubble expansion. Analysis of the experiments results allowed to determine optimal range of operating conditions to reduce number of damaged particles, to around 15 % for the highest GLR and to minimize product degradation. Keywords: foamed materials, gas admixing, powder properties, powder quality