Agglomeration

Name:
Agglomeration
Detailed information:
(1) Combination or aggregation of colloidal particles suspended in a liquid into clusters or “flocs” of approximately spherical shape. It is usually achieved by neutralization of the electric charges which maintain the stability of the colloidal suspension. The terms flocculation and coagulation have a closely similar meaning.(2) The food industry uses “agglomeration” in the sense of increasing the particle size of powdered food products. Because such powders tend to be hydrophobic because of the high surface tension of water, agglomeration causes them to be more readily dispersible in water––a process known as “instantizing.” The agglomerates have varying degrees of open spaces (voids) and are loosely bound, foam-like structures. They are formed by mechanical means in chamber spray dryers, tubes, or fluidized beds, usually in the presence of moisture.See Aggregation; Agglutination; Flocculation; Coagulation.