Agglomeration of Sodium Bicarbonate in Vibrofluidized Bed: Process Analysis and Evaluation of CO₂ Release

Abstract

Agglomeration of sodium bicarbonate in a vibrofluidized bed using an aqueous polymeric suspension as binding agent was studied to determine the effects of vibration parameters (amplitude and frequency) and drying air temperature on process performance and product quality. Product quality was evaluated by determination and comparison of CO₂ release from agglomerated and raw sodium bicarbonate. An experimental design was developed for the process analysis. Amplitude and frequency of vibration and air temperature were analyzed as independent variables and the response for process evaluation was the particle growth, which is related to the particle protection. Analyses of CO₂ release were made for the agglomerates stored under different environments of controlled relative humidity and temperatures, week by week, during 4 weeks. Also, vapor adsorption isotherms at 25°C were obtained, which showed changes in the sodium bicarbonate hygroscopic characteristics after agglomeration.

Keywords:

• Agglomeration
• Fine particle
• Vibrofluidization

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq, Brazil) for the financial support of this research.