Acacia gum fluidized bed agglomeration: Use of inulin as a binder and process parameters analysis

This work aimed to investigate the use of inulin as an alternative binder in fluidized bed agglomeration to improve both acacia gum functional and handling properties. Acacia gum was agglomerated in fluidized bed with inulin solution (18.0% wt/wt) at two different fluidizing air temperature (65 and 85 degrees C) and binder feed rate (1.5 ml/min and 3.0 ml/min). The granule growth kinetics and system stability were monitored by a spatial filter velocimetry probe. The influence of process parameters on process yields and product characteristics: final particle size, wettability, and flowability were also evaluated. We observed an increase in particle size and the agglomerated particles showed a short wetting time, indicating that inulin can be successfully used as an alternative binder adding both nutritional and functional value to the acacia gum. Low binder feed rate provided better system stability and larger particle size. Practical Applications This paper presents inulin as an alternative binder for application in powder food agglomeration processes. The use of inulin has provided improved flowability and wetting properties. Moreover, the inulin may also add functional value to agglomerated foods. Besides, it was possible to monitor particle growth and process stability through a relatively new technique that measures the particle size, spatial filter velocimetry. In this way, it is possible to establish which conditions of temperature and binder feed rate are the most suitable for the agglomeration process.