How to Select the Suitable Oscillating Granulator?

How to Select the Suitable Oscillating Granulator?

When choosing an oscillating granulator, clarifying and confirming the following key information is essential.Following this checklist ensures you select equipment that fits your production needs.

Core Checklist for Oscillating Granulator Selection 

I. Material Characteristics (Primary Factor)

Understanding your material’s properties is the first and most critical step, as it directly determines whether the equipment can operate smoothly and produce qualified granules.

1. Material Name & Chemical Properties

• Clearly define the material’s chemical nature: Is it corrosive or oxidative? This determines the required material of the equipment’s  contact parts.

2. Physical Properties

• Hardness: Is the material soft, brittle, or tough/fibrous? Fibrous materials may require stronger extrusion force.

• Viscosity: How viscous is the material? Highly viscous materials are prone to adhering to the rotor and screen, leading to clogging.

• Bulk Density: Is it a light powder or heavy powder? Light powders may require adjustments to feeding speed to avoid floating.

• Moisture/Oil Content: For wet granulation, what is the moisture range of the soft material? Does the  material itself contain oil? Oily materials may affect granule cohesion.

3. Special Properties

• Heat Sensitivity: Is the material  sensitive to temperature? Although oscillating granulators generate  little heat, prolonged friction may still affect heat-sensitive materials.

• Corrosiveness: Do you need special  materials for parts in contact with the material? 316L stainless steel has stronger corrosion resistance than 304 and is suitable for acidic/alkaline materials.

Video Link: 

Wet material
https://youtu.be/TaDcKbE9MlY?si=22SAvqcqiVHCY5-X 
https://youtu.be/jq2xcUWf380?si=1d1bp5_6eQXvNOOP 
Dry material
https://youtu.be/gIuMW0X48CA?si=iXv62ebtaADbw_4R 
https://youtu.be/gM9II7Hia7k?si=iRO8tsc1mB_5oxmv 

II. Process Requirements

Define your production goals to match the equipment’s performance parameters.

1. Target Output (Capacity)

• What is the required hourly processing capacity (kg/h)? This is the main basis for determining the equipment model. Overestimating capacity leads to unnecessary costs, while underestimating causes production bottlenecks.

  

2. Target Particle Size

• What particle size do you need (e.g., 14 mesh, 16 mesh, 20 mesh)? The screen aperture directly determines the final particle size—confirm that the supplier provides screens matching your required  mesh size.

3. Process Type

• Will the equipment be used for wet granulation (converting  wet soft materials into granules) or dry granulation (crushing  dry lumps into granules)? Dry granulation requires higher extrusion force, so the equipment’s roller hardness and motor power need to be verified.

III. Equipment Configuration & Performance

Evaluate the equipment’s structural design and functional parameters to ensure it meets long-term stable operation and process flexibility needs.

1. Material Requirements

• Parts in contact with materials (rotor, screen sieve, hopper)  must be made of 304 or 316L stainless steel to comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) hygiene standards and avoid material contamination. For corrosive materials, prioritize 316L.

2. Screen Specifications

• Aperture Range: Does the supplier  offer screens with the aperture you need? Are common apertures (e.g.,  0.5–5 mm) readily available for purchase or replacement?

• Fixing Method: Is the screen sieve easy to disassemble and install? Quick-release designs save time during  screen sieve replacement and cleaning.

3. Rotor Adjustment

• Is the gap between the rotor and screen adjustable? High-quality equipment allows fine adjustment of the gap (usually 1–3 mm). A smaller gap improves granule density, while a larger gap reduces screen wear—adjustments should adapt to different material viscosities.

4. Drive System

• Motor Power & Brand: What is the motor power? Ensure it matches the target output (higher output requires higher power). Opt for well-known brand motors (e.g., Siemens, ABB) for better reliability.

5. Control Method

• Basic Type: Does it have simple on/off switches and stepless speed regulation?

• Advanced Control: Is variable-frequency speed control available? This allows precise adjustment of the oscillation speed to optimize granule quality for different materials.

  IV. Compliance & Safety

For industries with strict regulatory requirements (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food), compliance and safety are non-negotiable.

1. GMP Compliance

• Is the equipment design easy to clean, with no dead corners?  The surface of contact parts should have a smooth finish (Ra ≤ 0.8 μm) to  prevent material residue. Avoid complex internal structures that are  difficult to clean.

2. Safety Protection

• Does the equipment have necessary safety interlocks? For example, when the protective cover (hopper cover or side cover) is opened, the power should automatically cut off to prevent accidental injury from moving parts.

3. Explosion-Proof Requirements

• If processing materials containing flammable and explosive organic solvents, do you need an explosion-proof motor and explosion-proof control system? Ensure the equipment meets national explosion-proof standards.

  V. Operation & Maintenance

Consider long-term usability and maintenance costs to avoid operational inefficiencies.

1. Cleaning Method

• Is cleaning manual (disassembling parts for washing) or does it require complex online cleaning (CIP)? Oscillating granulators typically rely on manual disassembly—prioritize equipment with fewer parts and simple disassembly to reduce cleaning time.

2. Space & Installation

• What are the equipment’s final installation dimensions (length × width × height)? Ensure your workshop has sufficient space for placement and operation.

• Do the feeding and discharging heights match your upstream/downstream equipment (e.g., mixer feeding, conveyor discharging)? Mismatched heights may require additional lifting or conveying devices.

  Selection Summary & Recommendations

Use the following questions to confirm your needs and communicate with suppliers:

 Final Recommendation

Before placing a final order, provide your material samples to the supplier for on-site testing. This is the most direct and reliable way to verify if the equipment is truly suitable for your material.