FlexStream™ Fluid Bed Processor
FlexStream™ (Patent Pending)
FlexStream™ is a multi-purpose processor from GEA Pharma Systems. Using proven Aeromatic-Fielder™ fluid bed technology to achieve fluid bed granulation, drying and pellet coating (or tablet coating) in ONE processor.
Process Description
The FlexStream™ consists of a fluid bed product bowl with several two-fluid atomization nozzles to distribute the granulation or coating liquid directly into the fluidized powder or pellet layer. A third low-pressure air stream comes directly from the fluid bed inlet plenum to create a particle-free area around the spray pattern of each nozzle. Using low pressure results in much better control of the granulation and coating processes with less fines, less agglomeration when coating pellets resulting in a significantly improved yield .
The fluid bed with FlexStream™ uses the patented Niro 'flex plate' design to give
controlled product movement, combined with the low pressure air stream from the inlet air plenum means that no compressed air is necessary to keep the two-fluid spray nozzle free of particles. Another advantage is that the low pressure air comes directly from the air inlet of the fluid bed so is conditioned in the same way as the main fluidization gas.
The FlexStream™ process is suitable for aqueous- and organic-based solvents. GEA Pharma Systems offers a range of Aeromatic-Fielder™ open- and closed-cycle systems for removing or recovering organic solvents. Options include condensation, adsorption and wet scrubbing.
Advantages of FlexStream™
- Only ONE product container for all unit operations Fluid Bed Granulator -
Fluid Bed Dryer - Fluid Bed Coater, ALL in 1 container
- Only one design/height for all unit operations
Reduced building envelope in both height and footprint
- Linear scale up
- Ready for fully contained loading and unloading
- Superior product homogeneity both for LOD and PSD
- Enabling PAT: in-line measurement of particle growthExisting Aeromatic-Fielder™ fluid bed can be upgraded with the FlexStream™ process.