Which granulation process involves the formation of spherical particles from wet granulation?

• A. Spray Drying
• B. Spray Congealing
• C. Spray Chilling
• D. Spheronization

Answer: (D)

When a granulate is made wet in molding and binding steps, turning that wet mass into uniform spherical particles is achieved through spheronization. In this process, the wet extrudate mass is formed into rods or strands and placed in a spheronizer, where high shear and tumbling act on the moisture and surface tension to round the extrudates into spheres. The result is consistent, spherical beads ideal for multiparticulate dosage forms, with good flow and uniformity.

Other methods listed work differently. Spray drying forms spheres by drying droplets quickly, not by shaping a previously wet granulate. Spray congealing and spray chilling involve forming spheres from molten or semi-solid droplets by cooling or solidifying, which isn’t the same as transforming a wet granulate into spheres.