Twin-screw extruder for pharmaceutical formulations

Streamline your pharmaceutical production with a dual-purpose extruder, perfectly suited for continuous extrusion and granulation processes, enhancing formulation efficiency and flexibility.

Processes Pharmaceutical Formulations in Continuous Mode

The Pharma 16 Twin-Screw Extruder from Thermo Scientific is engineered for pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking efficient pilot-scale and continuous R&D processes. This dual-function extruder effortlessly switches between hot melt extrusion (HME) and wet granulation (TSG) to optimize drug process development. It facilitates the production of extended-release tablets, film-coated pills, and granulated APIs, minimizing the use of costly materials and time typically required in batch processes. With a throughput of up to 5 kg/h for HME and 15 kg/h for TSG, it meets the demands of solid dosage forms. The system integrates seamlessly into existing production lines with plug-and-play compatibility, ensuring quick setup and scalability to larger extruders. Constructed to meet GMP and FDA standards, the Pharma 16 supports various operational conditions and offers reliable performance with minimal energy wastage. Enhanced with seven barrel zones, including a permanently cooled first zone and die heater, it ensures precise temperature control. Benefiting from its compact design, the extruder simplifies cleaning and maintenance, making it ideal for dynamic pharmaceutical environments.

Benefits

  • Enhances product development efficiency with rapid switch between HME and TSG processes.
  • Minimizes material waste and costs through scalable design for smaller batch operations.
  • Facilitates easy integration and setup with existing production lines using plug-and-play functionality.
  • Complies with GMP and FDA standards, ensuring regulatory adherence in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Provides precise temperature control with seven barrel zones for optimum product quality.

General


Applications
Pharmaceutics,Drug delivery,Solid dosage forms,Pharmaceutical formulations
End products
Film-coated pills,Oral disintegrating tablets,Granulated active pharmaceutical ingredients (apis),Extended-release tablets,Hot melt extruded drug formulations
Steps before
Material Feeding,Pre-Mixing,Formulation Preparation
Steps after
Cooling,Pelletizing,Drying,Product Collection,Quality Control
Input ingredients
pharmaceutical formulations,active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs),excipients
Output ingredients
hot melt extrusions,wet granulations,solid dosage forms,drug formulations
Market info
Thermo Fisher Scientific is renowned for providing innovative scientific instruments, laboratory equipment, and engineered-to-order solutions across various industries, esteemed for their high-quality products and expertise in life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology sectors.

Technical Specifications


Max. Speed
1000 rpm
Speed Range
10 to 1000 rpm
Electrical Requirements
400 V 3Ph +N + PE (± 10%)
IP Rating
IP 54
Pressure
150 bar
Throughput (HME)
0.5-5 kg/h
Throughput (TSG)
1-15 kg/h
Max. Torque
18 Nm/Screw
Barrel Zones
7 barrel zones + 1 die heater
Dimensions (L x W x H)
1750 x 610 x 1220 mm
Barrel Length L/D
40
Temperature Range (HME)
10 to 300°C
Temperature Range (TSG)
10 to 100°C
Weight
350 kg
Center Line Spacing
1050 mm

Operating Characteristics


Batch vs. continuous operation
Continuous
Process type
Hot Melt Extrusion / Wet Granulation
Automation level
Plug-and-play functionality
Cleaning method
Quick disassembly for easy cleaning
Scale-up capability
Easily scalable to larger extruders
Integrated process steps
Seamless integration with upstream and downstream equipment

Material Compatibility


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

Product type Characteristics


Drug Process Development
Optimization and scaling capabilities


GMP Compliance
Yes
FDA Compliance
Materials
CE Marking
Yes
IP Rating
IP 54

Physical Characteristics


Machine footprint
1750 x 610 x 1220 mm
Weight
350 kg
Barrel Zones
7 barrel zones (1st zone permanently cooled) + 1 die heater
Center Line Spacing
1050 mm
Barrel Length
L/D = 40
Control panel type
Not specified
Compact footprint
Yes

Custom Options


Control panel type
PLC-controlled
Discharge method
Continuous / Batch
Compact footprint
Yes
Integration possibilities
Upstream/Downstream equipment