Available in three sizes
NICA™ S320, NICA™ S450 and NICA™ S700

The NICA™ S320 and S450 are designed for both product development purposes and small scale production of spherical pellets from extrudate. The Spheronizer model size denotes the internal bowl size dimension respectively. The S700 Spheronizer ha a typical product capacity of up to 10 kg, providing high throughput capabilities when lined to the NICA™ System E220 Extruder. Designed as a production unit, the S700 has an inverter drive and pneumatic discharge as standard for remote operation and plant integration. In all other respects the S700 shares the same processing features, easy to clean construction and up-to-date safety system as its smaller counterparts.

Principles of Operation
The NICA™ Spheronizer consists of a horizontal spinning wheel with a special friction pattern machined on its top surface; it rotates within a cylindrical bowl. The spaghetti-like extrudates are batched and dropped onto the spinning wheel where they are fractured into short lengths. Interaction between the spinning wheel and the wall causes the extrudate to be worked into spheres. The size distribution and suface characteristics of the spheres are controlled by the batch size, speed, process time and most importantly, by the characteristics of the extruded mass. The NICA™ Spheronizer has a patented 'smooth edge' on the friction wheel to eliminate milling of the developing pellets and ensure a narrow size distribution. Different friction whell patterns can be interchanged to suit particular requirements. For continuous production, multiple units can be combined with appropriate up and downstream equipment forming an extremely compact and flexible package.

Features

• Patented 'smooth edge' wheel design
  - low attrition for maximum yield
  - reduced spheronization time
• Interchangeable friction disc for process optimisation
• Easy operation
  - designed for operator safety
  - designed for ease of cleaning
• Air purge conditioning of the product

S320 / S450 Options

• Pneumatic discharge valve
• Electronic speed control
• alternative friction whell patterns
• Power cell
• Flameproof

S700 Options

• Alternative friction wheel patterns
• Power cell
• Flameproof
• Machine mounted control console

Technical Data

	S320	S450	S700
Typical Capacity	0.2 - 1.0 kg	0.4 - 2.0 kg	2 - 10 kg
Drive Train	1.5 kW + variator 200 - 1200 rpm	1.5 kW + variator 200 - 1000 rpm	5.5 kW + frequency inverter 200 - 500 rpm
Utilities - Electric	380 - 415 volts 3 phase 50 Hz	380 - 415 volts 3 phase 50 Hz	380 - 415 volts 3 phase 50 Hz
Utilities - Air	60 litres/min @ 4 bar	60 litres/min @ 4 bar	90 litres/min @ 4 bar
Weight	260 kg	270 kg	475 kg

Plant Integration Options
Direct connection of one or two spheronizers to an upstream extruder. Direct transfer into downstream fluidized bed drying systems. Integration of controls into a full pelletization plant and Interface with factory C.I.M.