Abstract: Modified polytetrafluoroethylene powder of a sinterable copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene containing about 0.5 to about 10 weight % of fluorinated vinyl ether, the copolymer having a melt creep viscosity of greater than about 1×106 Pa·S. In preferred embodiments, the sinterable copolymer has a melt creep viscosity of greater than about 1×107 Pa·S and fluorinated vinyl ether content of from about 1 to about 7 weight %. The polymer has a combination of a high level of fluorinated vinyl ether and a melt creep viscosity which is high enough to enable the fabrication of articles by sintering.

Abstract: The invention relates to directly compressible tabletting aids with a xylitol content of more than 90% by weight and a content of at least one other polyol of less than 10% by weight, which are produced by co-spray drying or co-fluidized bed granulation. The invention further relates to compositions, formulations and solid forms or compacts which comprise a tabletting aid according to the invention, and to a process for producing the tabletting aids according to the invention.

Abstract: A plant (10) for the production of highly flexible and relatively thin sheets or panels (38) of agglomerate material comprising: a mixer crusher (12), a hopper (15) designed to accept the crushed and rolled material (24) and to transfer it to a distributor or spreader (16) positioned below the hopper, said spreader (16) comprising a substantially cylindrical container (30) with a loading opening (31), adjacent, in use, to said hopper (15) and comprising a discharge slot (32) on the opposite side to said opening (31), and a mixing device of the agglomerate material (24) inside said container (30). The mixing device comprises a pair of blades (35) fixed to a shaft (34) rotating around an axis not corresponding to that of said container (30) and in particular offset towards said slot (32), so that during their rotation the blades almost skim said slot.

Abstract: A method of producing three-dimensional particle structures with enhanced magnetic susceptibility in three dimensions by applying a triaxial energetic field to a magnetic particle suspension and subsequently stabilizing said particle structure. Combinations of direct current and alternating current fields in three dimensions produce particle gel structures, honeycomb structures, and foam-like structures.

Abstract: A compacted particulate polymer additive composition in a dry granular form formed from a substantially uniform mixture of the following components: (a) at least one particulate sterically-hindered phenolic compound, and (b) one or more particulate polymer additives other than a sterically-hindered phenolic compound; wherein the particles of said composition are held together in compacted dry granular form exclusively or substantially exclusively by contact with dried surfaces of in situ desolvated particles from particles of one or more at least partially solvated components of (a), and optionally by contact with dried surfaces of in situ desolvated particles from particles of one or more at least partially solvated components of (b). Compositions of this type except that there is no component (b) are also described.

Abstract: An elongated top and an elongated base each having mated roller components in the shape of mating inverted elongated surfaces which form a rolling bead roller chamber therebetween. The bead roller is injection molded of polycarbonate to be non-reactive with polymer clay, and it is transparent to enable the observation of the bead rolling process. Multiple roller components may be built into a base with mating multiple roller components built into a top with a handle or individual top roller components. A bead log roller with protruding measurement marks rolls clay logs with embossed measurement marks which may be cut to an appropriate size. An aligned series of notches transversely on parallel ridges of the bead roller tool allows a pin to skewer the beads through the exact axis of symmetry of the beads to form holes in the beads for stringing and to lift the beads to place them on a drying tray with similar notches along parallel ridges with troughs under the beads on the pin.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of −150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling. The method has the advantage of allowing granulation of materials either known to be hazardous or inherently difficult to granulate in a safe and expedient manner. The process permits the formation of multiple feedstock granules. The initial feedstock may be augmented with a different feedstock in a second pan having a different composition and size from the initial feedstock.

Abstract: Sterically hindered phenol antioxidant additive granules are formed from a paste comprising an organic processing agent comprising a friability reduction agent. The friability reduction agent preferably is an alcohol, more preferably an alkanol having up to about 8 carbon atoms, most preferably methanol, ethanol, and/or isopranol. After drying, the granules consist essentially of the sterically hindered phenol antioxidant additive system. The granules have a balanced hardness that provides sufficient abrasion resistance while permitting ready dispersion into a polymer host.

Abstract: A continuous process for preparing granular detergent composition including a first step of dry neutralizing an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant with a particulate water-soluble alkaline material in a high speed mixer for a mean residence time of about 0.2 to about 50 seconds, thereby partly or totally neutralizing the acid precursor and producing a dry neutralized material containing the anionic surfactant, in the form of a free-flowing powder; and a second stop of agglomerating the free-flowing powder into a detergent agglomerate using an agglomeration binder. The agglomeration binder is preferably a viscous surfactant paste binder. The resulting agglomerates are dry, free-flowing, and have a substantially more narrow particle size distribution, compared to the free-flowing powder, with reduced fine particles and over-sized particles that generally are recycled.

Abstract: A multi-step process for making a granular detergent composition. The processing steps include adding to a mixer a first feed stream selected from a first powder, a first liquid, and mixtures thereof, to form a second feed stream. The second feed stream is added to a fluid bed dryer to form the granular detergent composition, and optionally, a third feed stream selected from a second powder, a second liquid, and mixtures thereof can be added to the fluid bed dryer. The granular detergent composition contains at least about 50% by weight of particles having a geometric mean particle diameter of from about 500 microns to about 1500 microns with a geometric standard deviation of from about 1 to about 2. Further, at least a portion of the particles contain a detersive surfactant or a detergent builder.

Abstract: A method of making a fragrance delivery system comprising forming fused microspheres and incorparting a fragrance therein. The method relates to the mixing together of two separate factions comprising a silicate part and a modifier part, drying the mixture, heating the mixture to form an agglomeration, removing any free-flowing spheres from the agglomeration, soaking the agglomeration in fragrances or essential oils, and then drying the agglomeration.

Abstract: A method of producing a fuel cell separator in which dry granules of a composition for a fuel cell separator mainly containing a conductive material, a binder, and an additive are produced by mixing raw materials including at least the conductive material, the binder, and the additive, granulating the resultant mixture to obtain granules, and drying the granules. The dry granules may be further sized. Then the granules are packed in a mold and hot-press molded. The granules have a residual volatile matter content in a range of 4 weight-% or less, and an average particle size in a range of 200 to 700 &mgr;m (60 to 160 &mgr;m for the sized granules) and a specific particle size distribution.

Abstract: Substantially solid compositions are provided having therein a compound with the structure of Formula I wherein A is a saturated ring formed by a plurality of atoms in addition to the N1 atom, the saturated ring atoms including at least one carbon atom and at least one of O, S, and N atoms, the substituent R1 bound to the N1 atom of the Formula I structure including either (a) a C1-24 alkyl or alkoxylated alkyl where the alkoxy is C2-4, (b) a C4-24 cycloalkyl, (c) a C7-24 alkaryl, (d) a repeating or nonrepeating alkoxy or alkoxylated alcohol, where the alkoxy unit is C2-4, or (e) —CR2R3C≡N where R2 and R3 are each H, a C1-24 alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkaryl, or a repeating or nonrepeating alkoxyl or alkoxylated alcohol where the alkoxy unit is C2-4, the R2 and R3 substituents being each H, a C1-24 alkyl, cycloalkyl, or alkaryl, or a repeating or nonrepeating alkoxyl or alkoxylated alcohol where the alkoxy unit is C2-4, Z is a value in the range of 0 to 10, and wherein Y is monovalen

Abstract: Uniformly sized granules are formed using the present extruder and granulation process. The extruder contains a spiral worm screw for guiding a granulation material to an apertured plate. The spiral worm screw is rotated within a chamber and is formed from a guiding slant which terminates at a blunt edge near the apertured plate. The blunt edge rubs the granulation material against the apertured plate which softens the material forming a semi-solid material. The semi-solid material is then gently pushed through the apertured plate using just the required pressure. The granules are formed when the semi-solid material hardens after exiting the apertured plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of catalyst particles with a particle diameter in the range 20-2000 microns involving the steps of agitating at least two dry catalyst ingredients, spraying a liquid binding agent on the catalyst ingredients while continuing the agitation, and isolating formed catalyst particles with the desired particle diameter and comprising the catalyst ingredients. In contrast to the conventional way of preparing such particles, spray-drying, the present process allows the formation of small particles from slurries with a high solids content. Hence, smaller amounts of liquid have to be evaporated, which makes the process energy efficient.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling coalescence of particles forming a structure subjected to a treatment designed to establish crosslinking between said particles. The method consists in recording at least a physical quantity, whereof the evolution is continuously measurable and whereto the particle crosslinking is correlated, and in stopping the treatment when said physical quantity reaches a value corresponding the desired coalescence. The invention is characterized in that it consists in measuring as said physical quantity the shrinking of said structure. The invention also concerns a method and a device for making a structure of mutually crosslinked particles using said control method and a method for obtaining a product with interconnected pores, in particular for bone substitution, using such a structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a monolithic, porous, ceramic shaped body and to the shaped bodies produced according to this method. Said shaped body is used predominantly as a support material for porous, inorganic and/or organic membranes for the flow filtration of liquids and gases. The aim of the invention is to provide a method for producing a shaped body consisting substantially of TiO2 with an open porosity >10%, an average pore size of between 1 and 50 &mgr;m and a mechanical stability >20 N/mm2. To achieve this, a first TiO2-powder fraction is pre-sintered at temperatures >1200° C.

Abstract: Uniformly sized granules are formed using the present extruder and granulation process. The extruder contains a spiral worm screw for guiding a granulation material to an apertured plate. The spiral worm screw is rotated within a chamber and is formed from a guiding slant which terminates at a blunt edge near the apertured plate. The blunt edge rubs the granulation material against the apertured plate which softens the material foming a semi-solid material. The semi-solid material is then gently pushed through the apertured plate using just the required pressure. The granules are formed when the semi-solid material hardens after exiting the apertured plate.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus and method for agglomerating chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands into uniform segments includes a container having a curved inner surface disposed about a generally horizontal axis where the container is mounted on a plurality of springs. The chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be agglomerated are placed onto the curved inner surface at an input end of the container. A vibratory force is produced to cause the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be moved from the input end toward an output end of the container. The vibratory force causes the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands to be directed in a rising and falling path of rolling movement within the container. As a result of the rolling movement of the chopped bundles within the container which is produced by the vibratory force, the chopped bundles of wet fiberglass strands are converted into uniform segments by reason of agglomeration of the wet fiberglass strands.

Abstract: For producing a granulated intermediate product which consists of a fine-particle thermoplastic or thermoelastic polymer and substantially inert fillers for further processing into plastic shaped bodies through thermoplastic processing methods it is proposed to mix the polymer in the form of powder or particles with the fillers and compact the powder mixture without plastification of the polymer exclusively under mechanical pressure into pourable agglomerates with larger grain size. Such an agglomerate can be processed into shaped bodies in the same manner as a conventional plastic granulated material, wherein thermal damage to the fillers and the molecular structure of the polymer is reliably prevented during production of the intermediate product and extremely high fill fractions can be achieved.

Abstract: A particulate silicone based material and method for forming a heat resistant composite is provided. The particulate silicone based material is heated to a temperature between about 200° F. and about 400° F. The particulate silicone based material is cooled until a solid composite is formed. The solid composite is resistant to melting and thermal decomposition when heated to temperatures of at least 3000° F. The particulate silicone based material may be formed by mixing liquid silicone resin with a catalyst and powdered silicone molding compound.

Abstract: Process for recycling of powder coating waste, wherein powder coating waste is moved in a vessel rotating about a rotational axis inclined at an angle of 20 to 70 degrees to the horizontal and is thereby exposed to heat, until powder coating agglomerates with a size of 1 mm to 3 cm or 1 to 10 mm or powder coating pearls with a size of 1 to 10 mm are formed.

Abstract: For forming a preform of composite material, such as aluminum-based composite material (MMC) by using friction during the forming thereof, ceramic reinforcement, such as Al2O3 and binder are prepared, and the prepared reinforcement and the silanor group binder are put into a die for press forming. During the forming, polycondensation occurs due to frictional heat generated between the fibrous or grain-like particles of the reinforcement and the silanor group binder to harden it, thereby obtaining a preform in which the particles of the reinforcement are fixedly connected to one another.

Abstract: Method of granulating compost for the formulation of fertilizers. In one embodiment, the compost is ground to dust and pan granulated. A variety of ancillary materials may be incorporated into the compost mix for a wide range of possible applications. An embodiment is provided where agricultural seeds may be encapsulated in compost to enhance the quality of seed and reduce wastage during planting.

Abstract: A non-tower process for preparing a granular detergent composition, the process comprising the following steps: (i) fluidizing powder materials in a high-speed mixer/granulator having both a stirring action and a cutting action, the powder materials comprising: particulate solid water-soluble alkaline inorganic material in an amount in excess of that required for neutralization, optionally in admixture with one or more other particulate solids, and recycled fines, the powder materials having a total surface area; (ii) adding the liquid detersive materials to the high-speed mixer/granulator, the liquid detersive materials comprising: a liquid acid precursor, optionally in admixture with one or more other liquid materials, whereby neutralization of the acid precursor by the water-soluble alkaline inorganic material occurs; and (iii) granulating the mixture in the high-speed mixer/granulator to form detergent particles, wherein the ratio of the total surface area of the powder materials to the amount of liquid d

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which coarse silica, calcium oxides and magnesium oxides are treated in a ball mill together with grinding aids and cold-strength binders. This material is then agglomerated with water to produce a product that reacts at elevated temperatures, e.g. in a fluidized bed reactor, to produce synthetic silicates.

Abstract: A single pass, continuous, automated system for producing a pharmaceutical granulation includes multiple feeders to feed powders and liquids, a twin screw processor to granulate, a radio frequency or microwave based drying apparatus to dry the granulation, and at least one mill to process the dried granulation to desired particle sizes. The system incorporates means for monitoring key process parameters on-line, all of which are controlled by a controller provided with feedback at each component of the system. The granulation produced can be compressed into a tablet or incorporated into a capsule, both having a uniform distribution of the active ingredient. The system produces product having consistent properties even when production is scaled up for manufacture of the tablet in commercial volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing an agglomerate of drug and solid binder. The process involves producing individual agglomerate particles and then converting the convertible amorphous content of same, following agglomeration, by the application of, for example, moisture. Agglomerates capable of conversion as well as the finished agglomerates and oral and nasal dosing systems including same are also contemplated. The process produces agglomerates which are rugged but which will produce an acceptable fine particle fraction during dosing.

Abstract: A multi-step process for making a granular detergent composition. The processing steps include adding to a first fluid bed dryer a first feed stream selected from a first powder, a first liquid, and mixtures thereof, to form a second feed stream. The second feed stream is added to a mixer to form a fourth feed stream, and optionally, a third feed stream selected from a second powder, a second liquid, and mixtures thereof can be added to the mixer. The fourth feed stream is added to a second fluid bed dryer to form the granular detergent composition. The granular detergent composition contains at least about 50% by weight of particles having a geometric mean particle diameter of from about 500 microns to about 1500 microns with a geometric standard deviation of from about 1 to about 2. Further, at least a portion of the particles contain a detersive surfactant or a detergent builder.

Abstract: An elongated top and an elongated base each having mated roller components in the shape of mating inverted elongated surfaces which form a rolling bead roller chamber therebetween. A measured amount of clay or similar material is placed in the bead roller chamber and rolled into a uniformly shaped and sized bead by sliding the top back and forth relative to the base in the elongated direction. The bead roller is injection molded of polycarbonate to be non-reactive with polymer clay, and it is transparent to enable the observation of the bead rolling process. Multiple roller components may be built into a base with mating multiple roller components built into a top with a handle or individual top roller components. Semi-circular roller components form round beads, circular arc shaped roller components form oval football-shaped beads, and V-shaped roller components form double cone shaped beads.

Abstract: A composition and method of making a strength enhanced composition are described. The composition comprises zinc oxide, silica and colloidal oxide solution. The colloidal oxide solution is utilized as a binding agent to provide a strength enhanced absorbent composition that can be utilized in an absorption process for the purpose of removing sulfur contaminants from fluid streams.

Abstract: A method for making abrasive agglomerate particles from a composition comprising at least a radiation curable binder and solid particulates. The method comprises the steps of forcing the composition through a perforated substrate to form agglomerate precursor particles which then separate from the perforated substrate. Then, the particles are irradiated to form soldified, handleable agglomerate particles before being collected.

Abstract: Detergent formulations incorporating crystalline alkali metal silicate granules provide enhanced performance in removing sebum dirt stains at low dosages of detergent in the wash. The detergent formulations are prepared by combining an alkali metal silicate having a high pH value with a nonionic surfactant and an acid precursor of an anionic surfactant capable of having a lamellar orientation. The formulation is granulated by tumbling in an agitating mixer while increasing the bulk density at elevated temperatures to yield alkali metal silicate granules having a bulk density of from 0.6 to 1.2 g/ml.

Abstract: A single pass, continuous, automated system for producing a pharmaceutical granulation includes multiple feeders to feed powders and liquids, a twin screw processor to granulate, a radio frequency or microwave based drying apparatus to dry the granulation, and at least one mill to process the dried granulation to desired particle sizes. The system incorporates means for monitoring key process parameters on-line, all of which are controlled by a controller provided with feedback at each component of the system. The granulation produced can be compressed into a tablet or incorporated into a capsule, both having a uniform distribution of the active ingredient. The system produces product having consistent properties even when production is scaled up for manufacture of the tablet in commercial volume.

Abstract: A process for producing high density detergent compositions is provided. The process is a continuous process during which high density detergent agglomerates are produced by feeding a surfactant paste and dry starting detergent material into a moderate speed mixer/densifier having a centrally positioned rotating shaft and at least one high speed chopper. The surfactant paste is inputted at least one location along the length of the moderate speed mixer/densifier to achieve optimal build-up agglomeration. The proces produces a free flowing, high density detergent composition which can be commercially sold as a low dosage or “compact” detergent composition.

Abstract: A method for molding an agglomeration of fused microspheres to create a fragrance delivery system by use of room temperature setting binders. The molded pre-glass agglomeration has an extended fragrance release time exceeding a year and a half, and uses microcapillary action to quickly uptake oils and alcohols. The molded pre-glass agglomeration provides a slow release of fragrance without the escape of any residual liquid. The molded pre-glass agglomeration may be replenished, an unlimited number of times, with fragrance containing oils and alcohols after the odor fades. The molded pre-glass agglomerations may also be colored or dyed.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of −150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for making densified glass fiber pellets substantially encapsulated in a polymeric shell from chopped segments of multi-filament glass strand is described. The densified pellets may be advantageously produced by hydrating chopped glass strands and then pelletizing them by tumbling in a rotary drum, densifying the resulting pellets by tumbling in a rotating zig-zag or undulating tube, drying the pellets and encapsulating them in a polymeric composition. The resulting pellets exhibit enhanced degradation resistance during bulk storage and handling.

Abstract: A process for preparing low density detergent agglomerates having a density in a range from about 300 g/l to about 550 g/l is provided. The process involves the steps of: (a) agglomerating a detergent surfactant paste or precursor thereof and dry starting detergent material in a first high speed mixer to obtain agglomerates; (b) mixing the agglomerates in a second high speed mixer to obtain built-up agglomerates; and (c) feeding the built-up agglomerates into a fluid bed dryer in which a binder is sprayed via a nozzle having a height of from about 25 cm to about 60 cm from the distributor plate of the fluid bed dryer such that the built-up agglomerate are dried and agglomerated to form the desired low detergent agglomerates.

Abstract: To provide a filler-containing or non-filler-containing polytetrafluoroethylene granular powder having a high apparent density, a small electrostatic charge and a superior powder flowability and giving a molded product which is free from lowering of tensile strength and elongation and coloring attributable to the surfactant and has a high degree of whiteness, and a process for preparing the same. The granulation is carried out by wetting 100 part by weight of a polytetrafluoroethylene powder or a mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene powder and filler with 30 to 60 parts by weight of an aqueous solution containing a nonionic surfactant having a hydrophobic segment comprising a poly(oxyalkylene) unit having 3 or 4 carbon atoms and a hydrophilic segment comprising a poly(oxyethylene) unit and then applying a mechanical force to the wetted polytetrafluoroethylene powder or the wetted mixture of polytetrafluoroethylene powder and filler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel granules and novel methods for manufacturing such granules. In particular, the invention describes granules formed by the agglomeration of resin wetted powder. When the powder is aerated before applying the resin to the powder, granules that are densely packed and homogeneous throughout are formed through agglomeration conditions. The densely packed granules are free of air bubbles greater than 10 microns in diameter. Such novel granules are useful in the manufacture of fabricated products of superior quality.

Abstract: A granular detergent product is made by spraying a liquid binder to contact a particulate solid starting material in a low shear granulator such as a fluidized bed apparatus. The d3,2 average droplet diameter of the liquid binder is not greater than ten times the d3,2 average particle diameter of that fraction of the solid starting material which has a d3,2 particle diameter of from 20 &mgr;m to 200 &mgr;m provided that if more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter less than 20 &mgr;m then the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total solid starting materials shall be taken to be 20 &mgr;m. If more than 90% by weight of the solid starting material has a d3,2 average particle diameter greater than 200 &mgr;m than the d3,2 average particle diameter of the total starting solid material shall be taken to be 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A process for forming granules (e.g., alpha-HMX containing granules) from at least one particulate material comprises the steps of: (a) selecting particulates (e.g., alpha-HMX particulates) having a particle size distribution; and (b) fluidizing the particulates, whereby particulates agglomerate to form granules. Optionally, the particulates can be coated with one or more second materials, such as energetic materials or fuels. If one or more of the second materials comprise polymerizable monomers, the process can optionally further comprise the step of polymerizing those monomers in situ, either before or after the granule is formed.

Abstract: A process is provided for producing high-active detergent agglomerates through multi-stage surfactant paste injection. According to the process, starting detergent materials are mixed with an initial amount of surfactant paste and then allowed to age for a specified period of time. Following the initial paste injection and aging period, additional amounts of surfactant paste are injected incrementally to make a final detergent agglomerate having at least about 45% by weight of surfactant.

Abstract: Beads of melt-fabricable fluoropolymer dispersion particles are produced by a solvent-aided pelletization process using fluorinated solvent containing ether oxygen.

Abstract: To provide a method of shaping a granular polytetrafluoroethylene powder, in which a powder flowability can be enhanced and an apparent density can be increased without substantially changing an average particle size and particle size distribution of the powder. The granular polytetrafluoroethylene powder having an average particle size of 100 to 800 &mgr;m is subjected to shaping by using a rotating-type stirring vessel with two cross axes.

Abstract: It is found that calcining chromium oxide powders having a particle size component smaller than 10 microns reduces the volume proportion of smaller particles and increases the general uniformity of particle sizes in the distribution and the roundness of the particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for forming fibre balls out of elongated fibres carried in an air flow. The device contains a stator chamber (1) which is fixed to a frame and which has a circular cross section, and coaxially within it there is arranged a rotor (2), also having a circular cross section, and being rotatable around its shaft (3), whereby the rotor has on its periphery a plurality of radial blades (12, 12′) at mutual peripheral distances and at a short distance from the inner wall (1′) of the stator (1) in order to form an annular intermediate space (14) extending over the axial length of the rotor between the inner wall (1′) of the stator (1) and the blades (12, 12′) of the rotor (2).

Abstract: A non-tower process for continuously preparing a granular detergent composition having a density of at least about 600 g/l is provided. The process comprises the steps of: (a) dispersing a surfactant, and coating the surfactant with fine powder having a diameter from 0.1 to 500 microns, while wetting the surfactant coated with the fine powder with finely atomized liquid, in a mixer, and (b) thoroughly mixing the agglomerates in a mixer. Step (b) can also be followed by further step (c), i.e., granulating the agglomerates from step (b) in one or more fluidizing apparatus, during which further coating can be used to prevent over-agglomeration.

Abstract: An improved method for preparing microparticles that exhibit controlled release of an effective amount of an active agent over an extended period of time. More particularly, a method is provided for preparing microparticles having a selected release profile for release of active agent contained in the microparticles. By adjusting the degree of drying that is performed during the preparation of the microparticles, the release profile can be controlled. By performing no intermediate drying, an initial burst and a substantially linear release profile is achieved. By performing substantially complete intermediate drying, an initial lag phase and a substantially sigmoidal release profile is achieved.