A breakage kernel for use in population balance modelling of twin screw granulation

This paper presents a novel breakage kernel for use in population balance modelling for twin screw granulation (TSG) using mechanistic understanding in different screw elements. Breakage-isolated experiments are conducted using conveying and distributive mixing elements for a range of model formulations of widely different yield stresses. The breakage kernel, i.e. the selection and breakage functions, are mathematically formed based on the identification of the dominant breakage mechanisms of chipping and fragmentation in the conveying and distributive mixing elements, respectively, and the unique geometries of the two screw elements. A parametric study for the proposed breakage kernel is performed to identify the influential parameters on the breakage kernel. This is the first breakage model specifically developed for a TSG and incorporates a mechanistic understanding of several key parameters, particularly the role of screw geometry. The breakage model is well suited to population balance modelling framework for model-driven design of twin screw granulation.