Fluid bed pellet coating solution

Achieve precise and uniform pellet coating with fluid bed technology for enhanced product quality and consistent release profiles in pharmaceutical production.

Processes Granulation, Drying, and Pellet Coating

The PRECISION-COATER and FlexStream from GEA are versatile fluid bed processors expertly designed for integrating granulation, drying, and pellet coating in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical production lines. These units excel by distributing coating or granulation liquids via atomization nozzles, allowing precise control and uniform application across particles. Ideal for producing a range of end-products, including oral tablets and enteric-coated capsules, these systems ensure high yields with minimal agglomeration and attrition. Both the PRECISION-COATER and FlexStream handle a variety of materials—powders, granules, liquids, and solids — while supporting continuous, automated operations that enhance efficiency. The FlexStream, particularly, benefits from low-pressure air streams to reduce fines and improve coating quality. Constructed with GMP compliance in mind, these processors offer stainless steel configurations for corrosion resistance and feature energy-efficient designs. Optional upgrades for existing GEA equipment allow for seamless integration and enhanced performance, ensuring they meet rigorous pharmaceutical standards with capabilities for flexible customization in processing capacities and production requirements.

Benefits

  • Enhances product quality by ensuring uniform coating thickness for optimal clinical efficacy.
  • Increases yield with reduced agglomeration and attrition through controlled fluid bed processing.
  • Minimizes operational costs with energy-efficient designs and continuous operation capabilities.
  • Complies with GMP standards, ensuring regulatory adherence for pharmaceutical applications.
  • Allows flexible production with customizable configurations to meet diverse processing needs.

General


Applications
Supplements,Vitamins,Nutraceuticals,Pharmaceutical powder,Biopharmaceuticals,Coating materials,Pharmaceuticals
End products
Encapsulated drugs,Pelletized vitamins,Biopharmaceutical pellets,Nutritional supplements,Active pharmaceutical ingredients (apis),Enteric-coated tablets,Micronutrient granules,Oral tablets,Sustained-release capsules
Steps before
Granulation,Blending,Pelletizing
Steps after
Drying,Coating,Tablet Pressing
Input ingredients
non-pareil starter pellets,active material solution,active material suspension,inert core
Output ingredients
coated pellets,layered pellets,spherical pellets,dried pellets
Market info
GEA is known for its expertise in engineering innovative and sustainable equipment and solutions, focusing on sectors such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and energy, with a reputation for quality, efficiency, and advanced technological applications in industrial processing.

Technical Specifications


Automation
PLC-controlled
Batch vs. continuous
Batch or continuous
Coating method
Spray coating
Agglomeration control
Low attrition
Spray rate
High spray rate
Particle size range
50 microns to 3 mm
Compressed Air Usage
6–10 bar
Fluidization Airflow
High efficiency
Nozzle Type
Two-fluid atomization
Pressure Shock Resistance
10 bar
Processing Solvent Type
Aqueous- and organic-based

Operating Characteristics


Batch vs. continuous operation
Multi-purpose,single equipment
Coating quality control
Uniform thickness,high efficacy
Product movement control
Highly controlled movement
Rotational motion
Sufficient rotation for even coating
Spray rate management
High spray rates for short processes
Airflow management
Prevents agglomeration,improves yield
Multi-functional processing
Granulation,drying,and coating
Versatility
Aqueous- and organic-based solvents
Nozzle utilization
Two-fluid atomization nozzles

Material Compatibility


Density/particle size
0.5–2.5 g/cm³ / 50–1000 µm

Physical Characteristics


Compact footprint
Inline,time- and cost-effective
Control panel type
PLC/pneumatic control
Discharge method
Central column discharge

Custom Options


Control panel type
Touchscreen / PLC-controlled
Integration possibilities
Compatible with existing GEA fluid bed equipment