| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/N16662/01 |
| Title: |
AN INVESTIGATION OF SPRAY-FREEZE-DRYING AS A MEANS OF MANUFACTURING HIGH QUALITY PARTICULATE PRODUCTS |
| Principal Investigator: |
Stapley, Dr AGF |
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| Department: |
Chemical Engineering |
| Organisation: |
Loughborough University |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 April 2000 |
Ends: |
31 March 2003 |
Value (£): |
57,457
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Heat & Mass Transfer |
Particle Technology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Chemicals |
Food and Drink |
| Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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The aim of this project is to investigate the spray-freeze-drying process, whereby a liquid feed is atomised, frozen in a cold air stream and dried in the same (very low humidity) air stream. This method has the potential commercial advantage of producing a high quality freeze-dried product, but at a substantially lower cost than conventional freeze-drying. A laboratory/pilot scale spray-freeze-dryer with an integrated fluidised bed will be constructed to perform experiments, using a variety of feed materials. The temperature and moisture data from the experiments will be used to quantify heat and mass transfer rates and resistances by the use of a suitable model. The spray-freeze-dried product will be characterised by particle density measurements, particle size distribution, SEM and optical microscopy, and these will be related to process operating conditions. The particle size and velocity distributions of the atomised spray will have been previously determined by Phase Doppler Anemomentry. Particle agglomeration will also be investigated. This may be related to the phase behaviour of the material, which will be probed by differential scanning calorimetry. Recommendations will be made for optimal processing conditions.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.lboro.ac.uk |