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Abstract

This article is devoted to the mathematical modeling of urea drying and granulation processes in a fluidized bed. A brief description is provided for the functional blocks included in the mathematical model, along with the required parameters that form an integrated representation of the technological process. The SR-POLAR model is used to describe a phase equilibrium between the components involved. The interconnections between functional blocks are shown in the process flow diagram. Block diagrams for modeling a multi-chamber granulation unit and the cooling system for the resulting granules are presented. Granule growth in the fluidized bed is described using a particle population balance model, and a numerical algorithm for solving the differential equations is outlined. The initial and calculated parameters of process streams are summarized in tabular form. Particle size distribution curves are presented for granules at the granulator outlet and for final granules after classification, crushing, and cooling stages. An analysis is performed for key variables influencing process efficiency, such as granulator cross-sectional area, water content in the feed solution, spray gas temperature, and operating parameters of the screen and crusher. The modeling results are compared against industrial specifications. This article may be useful for researchers and professionals in the fields of chemical process engineering and automation.

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