Fluid Bed Processing for Pharma Applications
FlexStream is a new multi-purpose processor that addresses the current shortfalls of traditional fluid bed processing, including linear scale-up, fully contained loading and unloading for Pharmaceutical applications.
Fluid bed operations such as drying, granulation or particle coating are often major process steps in the production of solid dosage forms. And, even though the technology has been in use by pharmaceutical companies, globally, for more than 50 years, it has still a lot of shortfalls. Each unit operation needs dedicated machinery or process containers to achieve optimal performance. Another area of concern is scale-up, a task that is often complicated by different bed heights and inconsistencies between fluid bed processors. From a performance standpoint, granules produced by fluid bed granulation often show an excellent compression behaviour but can be weak and flow poorly (compared with high shear granulation). Some formulations can’t be granulated in a fluid bed at all, and coating applications based on conventional Wurster columns are subject to a number of drawbacks, such as scale-up issues, loss of coating material and agglomeration loses.
Using proven GEA fluid bed technology to achieve fluid bed granulation, drying and pellet coating (or tablet coating) in a single module, FlexStream is a new multipurpose processor that addresses the current shortfalls of traditional fluid bed processing, including linear scale-up, fully contained loading and unloading, and superior product homogeneity for both LOD and PSD. Offering only one product container for all unit operations, the FlexStream reduces your build envelope (both height and footprint) and provides PAT-compatible in-line particle growth measurement.
The FlexStream concept has the additional advantage that no mechanical adjustment is necessary to switch between using the equipment as a dryer, a granulator or a coater. And, impressive test data prove that, in addition to these commercial benefits, FlexStream gives superior product quality when compared with conventional top-spray granulation or Wurster coating.
GEA supplies fluid bed processors (known as fluid bed Multi-Processor in the USA) for blending, granulating, drying, pelletizing and coating for the pharmaceutical industry.
A complete range of technologies for R&D designed for specific applications, our small-scale range covers every aspect of pharma oral solid dosage production, from high shear mixers, fluid bed dryers and single pot systems to extruders and spheronizers, blenders and containment solutions, right through to tablet compression.
PMA Bottom-drive High Shear Granulators suitable for the high speed dispersion of dry powders, aqueous or solvent granulations, effervescent production and melt pelletization for Pharmaceutical applications.
Whether the customer’s requirement is for high shear mixing or granulation, GEA has a solution for every processing challenge and can help select the technology that is most suitable for your Pharma application.
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