Fluid Bed Processing and Formulation

Fluidised beds are widely used in industry due to their characteristic fluid like properties of good mixing and heat transfer. Applications of fluid beds range from combustion in power stations, catalytic reactors to the engineering of particles via methods such as low density agglomeration and encapsulation.

This new course focuses on the use of fluid beds in particle engineering area and covers:

• the basic principles behind fluidisation

• the importance of particle properties

• the impact of bed design on the structure and optimal operation of fluid beds, both batch and continuous.

The course is grounded in practical experience gained across numerous industrial sectors by a range of speakers from academia, equipment manufacturers and end users. The scientific principles of fluid bed operation will be reinforced by a number of practical demonstrations which show the theory in practice.

Day 1. Basic Science and Understanding

• introduction to fluid bed processing

• fluidisation basics

• benefit of mass transfer in the fluid bed

• particle agglomeration in fluid beds

• fluid atomisation in fluid beds – basic science mechanisms

• use and characteristics of twin fluid nozzles in fluid beds

• importance of powder material properties in fluid beds

These topics will be underlined with three different demonstrations.

Day 2. Applications and Case Studies

• basics of fluid bed design

• basic modelling for fluid bed processing

• fluid bed drying – mechanistic modelling and scale-up

• how liquids spread, coat or agglomerate in fluid bed processing

• case studies of continuous and batch operation

• powder morphology and powder performance – case study food 1: three-in-one coffee mix

• particle engineering and characterisation of output particles

Three further practical demonstrations will take place on day two and the day will end with a discussion and problem solving forum.

Day 3. Applications and Case Studies continued plus New Developments and Innovations

• powder morphology and powder performance – case study food 2: thicken-up clear

• case study on fluid bed granulation modelling and scale-up

• case study on particle coating and controlled release

• case study on combining spray drying with a fluid bed

• innovation example 1 – academic – structured fluid beds: towards more responsive processes

• instrumentation and control: sensors, soft sensors and control loops

• innovation example 2 – industry – high gravity fluidized beds

This course is suitable for you if you’re:

• a R&D scientist working in industries such as pharmaceuticals, detergents, foods, agrochemicals or specialty chemicals and need a broad overview of the subject of fluid bed processing

• a scientist or chemical engineer who would value a deeper understanding of how science can be applied to real fluid bed processing problems

• a process technologist, plant manager, involved in R&D or a process technician who needs a thorough practical grounding in the subject of fluid bed processing and how it can influence the properties of the final product

• a university researcher who requires a deeper insight into real industrial problems, unmet needs and potential new research themes.

Course director:
Professor David York - University of Leeds

Course co-director:
Dr Jim Bullock, Director, iFormulate Ltd

£999

Fees are VAT exempt

Fees include:

• cost of tuition

• course materials

• lunches

• light refreshments

• course dinner on Monday 11 May

View our terms and conditions

Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences
University of Leeds
Leeds
LS2 9JT

Detailed directions (including the exact location for the course registration and presentation room) will be sent out with the delegate joining instructions.

How to find us

The nearest public car park is Woodhouse Lane (multi storey) at LS1 3HQ. The car park is open 24 hours. Charges apply (£6.00 up to twelve hours). Please click here for information and location details. Please note this car park is a fifteen minute walk to/ from our building and delegates should allow ample time to park and register for the course. 

Car parking for visitors is unavailable at the University.

There is also limited on-street parking in the vicinity of the University.

You are responsible for your own accommodation, if required. A list of hotels close to the University will be sent with your course joining instructions.

Jenna King – Course Coordinator

CPD Conference and Events Unit
Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences 
University of Leeds,
Leeds
LS2 9JT

T: +44 (0)113 343 5746

E:  cpd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk