Denmark-based Niro said its NARROWSPAN atomizer achieves the breakdown of particles and powders in a smaller space than other machines on the market.

The NARROWSPAN is targeted at the dairy industry, but can be used by other sectors as well. It has been under development for the past two years.

Until now, powders with uniform-sized particles were achievable only in the large nozzle towers; Niro stated in a press release.

"NARROWSPAN, however, achieves this uniformity, creating a largely dust free, easily wettable product with a high flowability, from a rotary atomizer wheel," the company stated. "This reduces costs and allows the use of smaller buildings to house the plant equipment."

The NARROWSPAN is suitable for new-build projects, or for retrofit to improve the efficiency of existing production plants.

The atomizer produces a low-dust product, an important consideration in ensuring explosions do not occur and that staff are not exposed to potentially harmful particles.

Other advantages include the ability to vary particle size from fine to coarse while running the plant. This is done by controlling the rotation speed of the atomizer wheel. Large particles can also be produced in smaller diameter chambers.