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06. Drying batch - Vrieco-Nauta vacuum dryer big

Industrial drying machines are designed to remove moisture from your product. But the drying process must cater to variations in the state of matter and molecular structure of the input material. Industrial dryer technology exploits the modes of heat transfer (convection, conduction, radiation, evaporative cooling) to control the moisture content.

Drying

Our food chain starts in the soil, growing crops and livestock. But between the fields and the stores, there is a line of industrial food processing equipment. Processes may be as minimalistic as cleaning fruit and as complex as homogenizing milk alternatives made from pressed legumes. In each case, processing technology is an important link in the food production chain.

Food

Pharmaceutical developments walk side by side with health advances to provide new medicines, treatments, and therapies that have increased life quality and extended life expectancy by years. Pharmaceutical manufacturing equipment helps deliver products to a great deal of the population, but there’s a significant share that doesn’t benefit from them yet. Over 2 billion people cannot get the medicines they need, according to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, and local production might be a way to provide for these people.

Pharmaceuticals

Herbs have always been shrouded in mystery. The delicate plans produce overpowering bouquets and potent remedies. Herbal extraction technology gets to the core of this mystery and makes bioactive compounds available for a range of applications. Rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, and aromas, herbal extracts are vital ingredients for medicines, foods, cosmetics, and wellness products.

Herbal extracts

Freezing ready foods is a science in its own right. The process must be performed quickly to retain the quality, but decreasing temperatures too fast forms crystals, reducing shelf-life and distorting organoleptic properties. Apart from industrial freezers, frozen food production technology specialized packaging equipment that protects the items from freezer burn and cold chain degradation.

Frozen food

There is a pasta type for every mood. Curly, straight, ridged, or smooth, pasta has quickly grown into a staple food. The simple combination of milled wheat and water is transformed by pasta making equipment into a rainbow of shapes, colors, and sizes. But producing pasta with the right firmness, elasticity, and color profile is as intricate a process as preparing an authentic lasagna.

Pasta

Vacuum dryers are typically used to dry fabrics that are sensitive to heat. They find application in the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, fine chemicals, and food products. Contact us to find out which vacuum dryer is most suitable for your specific application.

Continuous

Industrial

In industries like food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, removing particulate matter from liquids is crucial to ensure final product quality. Traditional filtration methods may not be efficient enough to meet high-volume demands, causing delays and inconsistencies.
<h2>Enhances filtration process with vacuum technology</h2>
The MQ Vacuum Rotary Filter is a state-of-the-art filtration solution designed to address inefficiencies in liquid filtration processes. Manufactured by INOXPA, this filter is made entirely of stainless steel AISI 304, with the filtering screen made of 316 SS. It features a centralized control panel for easy monitoring and an automatic blade return at the end of the filtration cycle. The D.E. tank is equipped with a mixer, and the filtered liquid manifold is completely separated from the air manifold, allowing for the filtration of residual liquid. The drum is easily inspectable through a manhole, and the system includes a vacuum pump cooling system with a buffer tank to reduce water consumption. Options for this filter include automatic drum washing and the discharge of exhausted cake via a screw conveyor.

Vacuum rotary filter for liquid filtration

Filling lines are used extensively in all industries, such as food, pharmaceutical, chemical, and cosmetics, to accurately package different products into a container suitable for that product. Although the filling process is at the very end of the production line, it is no less important than the earlier steps. Last but not least, the idiom that dates back to 1382 when John Wyclif wrote the firste the laste, and the laste the firste, indicates just that the last things on a list are just as valuable as the previous ones. In this case, this idiom fits perfectly.

Filling

Industrial filtration equipment separates solid matter from liquid by using a filter medium. The filter allows only the fluid to pass through but retains the solid matter. The choice of filtration equipment depends on the particle size, the consistency of the mixture, and the nature of your product.

Filtration

Complex processes call for continuous tracking and monitoring systems that help you to keep the manufacturing operation under control. The technology analyzes the components in the production phase for divergence in behavior or changes in conditions. Based on advanced software applications, monitoring platforms make sure that your products satisfy the quality criteria while they are being developed.

Monitoring

Industrial separation equipment encapsulates the separation process which is to separate components of a liquid mixture, for recovering dissolved solids from liquids. The choice of a suitable technology depends on the identification of the key physical or chemical property, such as size, mass, density, or boiling point, which sets the product of interest apart from the rest of the components. Separation technology is widely used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries for the isolation of active ingredients and high-purity chemicals. As well as in waste management and recycling industries.

Separation

liquid

In the food processing industry, producing high-quality sauces and condiments often requires managing intricate cooking and concentration processes. Using traditional methods can lead to degradation of flavors, colors, and nutrients, especially when cooking at high temperatures over extended periods.
<h2>Efficient cooking and concentrating at lower temperatures</h2>
The Industrial Vacuum Kettle by Inox-Fer is designed to produce sauces, jams, marmalades, and condiments efficiently by concentrating, cooking, and dehydrating products at lower temperatures. The vacuum system reduces the boiling point, preserving the organoleptic characteristics such as flavor, color, and nutrients. The kettle's vertical cylindrical structure includes scraping paddles and a double bottom for indirect steam heating, preventing product burning. It is equipped with a high-performance vacuum unit, shell, tube condenser, and liquid ring pump. An automated dosing system manages ingredient addition, either through a mixing tank with litre counters or load cells. The kettle features speed-adjustable agitators, automatic condensate drainage, and a product suction and discharge valve. The entire construction is in AISI 304 stainless steel for easy sanitization and durability.

Industrial vacuum kettle for sauce production

Blending

Concentration

Whether it is marmalade or pizza, sauce or hummus, chocolate or fruit puree, most food products undergo a cooking step during their production process. Cooking is nothing more than applying heat to food, but there are different methods to do it. For instance, baking, frying, and roasting involve cooking food without using water, unlike boiling or steaming. Industrial cookers such as vacuum and pressure cookers, industrial fryers, industrial ovens, and industrial roasters focus on specialized applications that meet the different needs of the food industry by helping producers achieve a homogeneous cooking process.

Cooking

In many industry applications, traditional drying methods pose challenges when dealing with heat-sensitive, heavy, or sticky materials. Efficiently drying powders, bulk solids, pastes, and slurries without compromising their properties requires advanced vacuum drying technology.
<h2>Efficiently dry powders and bulk solids</h2>
The vacuum dryers from Hosokawa Micron are designed to handle various materials, including powders, filter cakes, pastes, and viscous slurries, even those that are heat-sensitive or contain solvents. The Nauta vacuum dryer and Conical Paddle Dryer (CPD) are equipped with unique features for rapid and efficient drying. The Nauta vacuum dryer, originally developed to replace the vacuum tray dryer, offers energy savings and uniform drying. The CPD, with its vertical, centrally driven design, combines fast drying rates with a compact footprint. These dryers are suitable for a wide range of materials in industries such as chemicals, metals, and pharmaceuticals. Each system can be customized for specific applications, ensuring optimal functionality and efficiency. Furthermore, Hosokawa Micron provides solutions for additional processes like reaction, crystallization, and sterilization.

Vacuum dryers for powders and bulk solids

Crystallization

Industrial sterilization processes are employed in different industries to completely eliminate all living microorganisms from the final product. For instance, in food processing, sterilization equipment is used to produce a stable product with a long shelf-life by eradicating harmful bio-contaminants. Instead, in the medical field, sterilization technologies aim to prevent the transmission of microbes to patients by sterilizing all the tools and medical devices that come in contact with the patient. Most sterilization equipment, such as autoclaves, employs high-temperature pressurized steam to destroy bacteria and disinfect surfaces from spores. Other methods include radiation sterilization or using chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide for disinfection.

Sterilization

Powder

solid

Batch

In laboratory experiments, especially with heat-sensitive materials, ensuring a controlled and efficient drying process is critical. Challenges like handling pasty products or high viscosity slurries require specialized equipment to avoid degradation or contamination.
<h2>Dry heat-sensitive materials with precision</h2>
The Nauta® conical vacuum dryer from Hosokawa Micron is designed for drying heat-sensitive materials at a laboratory scale. Operating typically at 10–20 mbar absolute pressure, it features a robust conical design suitable for pasty products, cakes, and high viscosity slurries. The heated vessel wall can be configured with thermic oil, heated water, or steam to ensure uniform heating. This dryer complies with international standards such as FDA, cGMP, and EHEDG, and supports sterile processing (SIP). It is multi-purpose and built to prevent segregation and product degradation during the drying process, making it ideal for varied lab applications.

Laboratory vacuum dryer for heat-sensitive materials

In industries dealing with heat-sensitive products, ensuring proper drying without degradation is a significant challenge. Typical issues include handling toxic or explosive materials and ensuring no product segregation or degradation during the drying process.
<h2>Efficiently dries heat-sensitive powders and granules</h2>
The Nauta conical screw dryer by Hosokawa Micron is a vacuum dryer designed for drying materials such as powders, granules, pastes, and viscous slurries. It operates with a rotating cantilevered mixing screw that conveys the product from the bottom of the vessel to the surface, enhancing convective mixing and shear. The heated jacket, which can use steam, hot oil, or water, ensures rapid heat distribution, making the drying process efficient. Ideal for heat-sensitive materials, this dryer removes vapors at low temperatures, preventing product degradation. It includes a condenser with a solvent recovery tank and a dust filter to keep the vacuum system free from contaminants. Batch volumes range from 5 to 22,000 liters, and the system is compliant with international standards such as FDA and cGMP.

Vacuum dryer for powders and granules

Formulation technologies are an integral process in many industries such as pharma and food. Chemical mixtures require strict handling to combine the separate ingredients into the homogenized recipe that makes your final product. Formulation technology stores, mixes and subjects the elements to a range processing parameters according to your specifications to develop the base material. The resulting formulas are then weighed, formed, packaged, or sent for further formulation.

Formulation

In industries such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals, drying heat-sensitive products while maintaining product integrity is challenging. Traditional drying methods often cause thermal degradation or uneven drying, requiring an advanced solution to ensure quality and efficiency.
<h2>Efficiently dry heat-sensitive powders and granules</h2>
The Conical Paddle Dryer (CPD) by Hosokawa Micron is a versatile batch dryer designed for vacuum, atmospheric, and pressurized processing of various materials like powders, granules, and filter cakes. The dryer features a conical-shaped vessel with a central paddle rotor, which generates vertical and axial motion, enhancing mixing and heat distribution. Its heated jacket, compatible with steam, hot oil, and water, ensures rapid heat transfer. The CPD's vacuum capability allows low-temperature drying, ideal for heat-sensitive products. Vapors are efficiently removed via a top-mounted dust filter. Equipped with a condenser and solvent recovery tank, the CPD prevents dust contamination and enables precise moisture control. Available in batch volumes from 5 to 15,000 liters, the CPD ensures compliance with standards like FDA, cGMP, and EHEDG.

Conical paddle vacuum dryer for powders and granules

Industrial cooling equipment varies according to the consistency and temperature conversion demands the material you are handling, but the process typically involves heat exchange treatment as your products are conveyed through a cooling chamber equipped with extraction fans or circulating water. Temperature control is a crucial aspect of your commercial production and cooling systems are applied to a range of industries.

Cooling

Industrial mixing equipment is used to combine two or more solid, liquid or gaseous segregated ingredients into a homogenous single product. The choice of mixing technology depends largely on the physical state of the ingredients and the desired final product. But the sensitivity of the ingredients, the process temperature, and pressure requirements are also critical factors. All these parameters result in a wide range of industrial mixers.

Mixing

The Pasteurization process is the method of subjecting liquids to mild heat at a specific temperature and time, and quickly cooling them down again in order to destroy pathogens in your fermented or semi-fermented products. Thus, increasing the shelf life of the manufactured products. Untreated microorganisms may lead to diseases, spoilage, or unwanted fermentation. Most pasteurization equipment operate in a continuous method using plate heat exchangers to keep a uniform level of high efficiency sterilization.

Pasteurizing

In the food processing industry, achieving consistent marination and tumbling for small batches often poses a challenge. Small enterprises and laboratories require equipment that can handle precise, flexible processing while maintaining product quality.
<h2>Ensure consistent marination and tumbling</h2>
The Henneken Tumbler Type MVT is a vacuum tumbler available in sizes of 50 liters, 150 liters, and 250 liters, specifically designed for small enterprises and laboratory use. It offers an adjustable working angle and steplessly adjustable rotational speed ranging from 2 to 12 RPM. The interval vacuum and individual control settings enhance processing flexibility. Equipped with wheels, the MVT can be easily moved to different locations, including cold storage environments. It is versatile for applications such as marinating, tumbling, and dry salting, providing reliable results. The tumbler is powered by motors ranging from 0.6 kW to 1.1 kW, ensuring adequate performance for various batch sizes.

Vacuum marinating and tumbling for laboratories and small enterprises

Marinating

Tumbling

In industries such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals, sensitive products often require gentle and precise drying methods to maintain product integrity. Common challenges include ensuring full product discharge and avoiding damage to delicate crystal structures.
<h2>Ensures gentle drying and complete discharge</h2>
The Condry® conical bottom agitated vacuum dryer from the Heinkel Drying and Separation Group is specifically designed for drying heat-sensitive and fragile products. It complies with cGMP and FDA guidelines and is available in aseptic and steam sterilizable versions. The unique conical bottom design ensures excellent product discharge with minimal hold-up, while very close agitator to wall/bottom clearances and a specially designed agitator prevent lump formation and ensure uniform mixing. Heat transfer areas are maximized for optimal drying performance and cycle times. Additionally, the agitator is supported by the top head, with the seal only in contact with vapors, minimizing contamination risks. Constructed from high-quality stainless steels and nickel-based alloys like Hastelloy C 22, the dryer also ensures good cleanability due to its entirely welded design without bolts and pockets. Usable volumes range from 25 to 13,500 liters, with design temperatures from -10 to 150°C and design pressures up to 6 barg.

Vertical vacuum dryer for heat sensitive products

In industries like pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, drying heat-sensitive and highly viscous products often presents significant challenges. Traditional methods can result in product degradation due to excessive heat or uneven drying. A vacuum pan dryer can address these issues effectively.
<h2>Optimizes drying of sensitive, viscous products</h2>
The Comber Turbodry® agitated vacuum pan dryer, supplied by Heinkel Group, excels in drying sensitive, pasty, and other difficult products that become highly viscous during the drying process. The unique design adheres to cGMP and FDA guidelines, ensuring compliance for pharmaceutical and fine chemical applications. Its simultaneous axial and radial agitator movements achieve uniform mixing of the product mass, preventing the formation of lumps. This ensures the shortest possible drying times. A double mechanical seal system, which is externally interchangeable and can be either dry running, non-contacting lift-off, or liquid lubricated, enhances reliability. Constructed from high-quality materials such as stainless steel and Hastelloy C 22, the dryer supports a wide range of capacities from 100 to 6,000 liters. It operates at design temperatures from -10 to 150°C and pressures from full vacuum to +6 barg. Optional accessories, including dust filters with automatic back cleaning, CIP systems, and vacuum systems, further optimize its performance.

Vacuum pan dryer for heat-sensitive pasty products

In pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing, delicate ingredients require careful and controlled drying processes to maintain their integrity. Ensuring compliance with stringent regulatory guidelines is crucial for product quality and safety.
<h2>Efficiently dry sensitive ingredients with precision</h2>
The Pharmadry vacuum paddle dryer by Heinkel (Comber) is designed for drying sensitive pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals with short drying times. Conforming to cGMP and FDA guidelines, it features an agitator supported at the rear with an externally exchangeable mechanical seal, ensuring minimal contamination risks. The entirely welded agitator design eliminates bolts and pockets, allowing for thorough cleaning with CIP systems. With a minimal build depth, the Pharmadry offers excellent accessibility for inspection and cleaning. Available in aseptic or steam sterilizable versions, this dryer incorporates a double mechanical seal, either dry running lift-off type or liquid lubricated seals, enhancing its versatility and reliability. Usable volumes range from 50 to 4,000 liters, with a design temperature of -10 to 150°C and a design pressure from -1 to +6 barg, making it suitable for various applications.

Horizontal vacuum paddle dryer for sensitive pharmaceutical ingredients

Industrial cleaning equipment is used to wash or disinfect machinery and the production/warehouse area. It may also be used to sterilize the product, equipment, tools, floor or work surfaces and to purify or clean the product by removing impurities. Choosing a suitable cleaning system depends on the type of product or equipment to be cleaned, the sensitivity of the product to heat, pressure, and chemicals, and the level of sterility desired.

Cleaning

In bulk production settings within the pharmaceutical, chemical, and fine chemicals industries, precise drying and mixing processes are critical. Conventional methods often struggle with uniform heat distribution and effective mixing, leading to inefficiencies and potential quality issues.
<h2>Enhanced mixing and heat transfer in one unit</h2>
The Termomix® Series TM 1000 - TM 40000 from Comber by HEINKEL is a horizontal vacuum paddle dryer and reactor designed for heavy industrial applications. This solution features a robust design with an agitator supported on both ends, ensuring excellent mixing characteristics. The unit’s large heating area enhances heat transfer rates by heating the vessel walls, ends, and agitator components. Constructed with stainless steel and nickel-based alloys like Hastelloy C 22 or Alloy 59, the Termomix® is suitable for various process environments. It includes PTFE gaskets and FFKM or FEP encapsulated O-Rings for sealing, and adheres to EU and US pressure vessel standards. The machine has a usable volume ranging from 1,000 to 40,000 liters and can operate within a temperature range of -10 to 150°C. Designed to meet rigorous safety standards, it includes a control cabinet with PLC and HMI touchscreen interface, making it reliable for diverse applications.

Horizontal vacuum paddle dryer for bulk production facilities

In industries such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals, transitioning products from a liquid state to a solid bulk can be challenging. Effective drying and evaporation processes are critical for ensuring quality, uniformity, and consistency, especially when dealing with filter cakes or high-viscosity pastes.
<h2>Shorten drying times with uniform heat distribution</h2>
The Cylindro Conical Dryer CCD from Heinkel (Bolz Summix) is designed for efficient drying and evaporation of powders, liquids, and pastes. Featuring a central shaft agitator within a vacuum/pressure-rated vessel, it ensures short drying times by keeping the entire batch in constant motion. The heated helix agitator, available as an optional feature, provides uniform heat distribution, preventing cold spots throughout the process. The dryer supports a working volume from 15% to 80% of its gross capacity, making it versatile for various batch sizes. The external shaft sealing and bearings contribute to reliability and ease of maintenance. The CCD is equipped with an integrated dust filter and variable speed control for optimal product quality. The device meets ATEX and EHEDG standards, ensuring safety and compliance with industry regulations.

Vacuum drying solution for filter cake or viscous materials

Evaporation technology is used to reduce or remove the moisture content of a mixture. Considerations for choosing suitable evaporation equipment include the moisture content in the mixture, the boiling point of the solvent, heat sensitivity of the product, and the amount of material to be processed. Evaporators are used for applications such as obtaining fruit and vegetable concentrates in the food industry, concentrating aromas and herbal extracts in the cosmetics industry, and isolating active ingredients in the pharmaceutical industry.

Evaporation

Drying hazardous or temperature-sensitive products requires special equipment that can maintain low temperatures and high containment levels to ensure safety and quality.
<h2>Achieve precise drying with low energy consumption</h2>
The BOLZ-SUMMIX conical screw dryer is a vacuum contact dryer. Its enclosed system and indirect heating make it suitable for drying hazardous and toxic products to very low final moisture content. Its gentle mixing mechanism ensures mechanically sensitive products remain intact, preserving initial product quality while requiring minimal energy. This dryer utilizes high end-vacuum for low drying temperatures, ensuring efficient heat transfer and reducing drying times. It's especially beneficial in industries with stringent environmental and product requirements, such as pharmaceuticals and chemicals. Notable for its low drive power and ATEX compliance, it also offers optimized CIP facilities, a heated mixing screw, and various customization options.

Conical screw vacuum dryer for hazardous and temperature-sensitive products

Drying Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and fine chemicals while complying with cGMP and FDA guidelines is a stringent requirement faced by manufacturers aiming for consistent and high-quality end products.
<h2>Ensures uniform drying with efficient heat transfer</h2>
The MAVASPHERE® by GMM Pfaudler is a spherical vacuum dryer designed specifically for APIs and fine chemicals, offering excellent performance across various filling capacities. The dryer features minimal clearance between the vessel wall and agitator, which enhances uniform drying. To optimize heat transfer, the entire vessel is jacketed. Its eccentrically top-mounted agitator ensures uniform mixing and gentle drying. The design includes a discharge at the lowest point, ensuring complete product evacuation. Construction materials include stainless steel, Hastelloy, and special alloys, ensuring durability and compliance with industry standards. Additional features such as an effective lump breaker, quick discharge spherical disc valve, and minimal product hold-up make the MAVASPHERE® a reliable choice for industrial drying needs.

Spherical vacuum dryer for Apis and fine chemicals

Evacuation

In pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing, drying of freely flowing and sensitive ingredients is a critical step. Traditional drying methods often fail to meet stringent cGMP and FDA guidelines, posing challenges in maintaining product integrity and efficiency.
<h2>Ensures uniform and efficient drying</h2>
The Mavadry by GMM Pfaudler is a high-performance rotary vacuum paddle dryer designed to provide efficient and uniform drying of pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals. Key features include a special heated airfoil blade integrated with a high-speed chopper, which aids in both wet and dry chopping in combination with a stator for milling. Additionally, the unit has a high-torque hydraulic drive that allows for a flexible degree of filling and adapts to a wide range of physical product characteristics. The minimal clearance between the vessel wall and agitator ensures optimal heat transfer and uniformity. The entire vessel is covered by a jacket, enhancing heat transfer. Available in materials such as stainless steel, Hastelloy, and special alloys, the Mavadry meets stringent cGMP and FDA guidelines. Capacities range from 100 to 4000 liters, making it adaptable for various production scales.

Rotary vacuum paddle dryer for pharmaceutical ingredients

Milling machines are used to reduce the size of material by cutting, crushing, or grinding it. The choice of industrial milling equipment depends on the industry and the materials to work with. Besides, there is a significant difference between those aimed to remove layers from metal or other materials workpieces and those designed to reduce particle size for materials that come in bulk.

Milling

In many industrial processes, the mechanical separation of solids (e.g., via decanter or filter press) is followed by a thermal drying step. For applications requiring precise control over product moisture levels, an effective vacuum drying technology becomes essential.
<h2>Enables efficient drying with minimal residue</h2>
The EKATO SOLIDMIX vacuum dryer is designed for drying various types of solids, ranging from pasty to free-flowing products. This dryer utilizes either the patented EKATO SOLIDS-PARAVISC impeller for free-flowing goods or the EKATO ISOPAS impeller for poorly flowing, pasty media. The system boasts a modular design that tailors to specific customer needs, incorporating features such as a solvent recovery system, automation, and advanced CIP (Cleaning in Place) capabilities. With effective volumes ranging from 50 to 32,000 liters, the SOLIDMIX series ensures homogeneous temperature distribution and heat transfer, facilitated by vertical mixing with minimal shear. This makes it highly suitable for applications in the fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food industries. Optional components include heatable agitator shafts and ATEX-compliant versions for different safety zones.

Vacuum dryer for free-flowing and pasty solids

Homogenization is the process of reducing particle size in mixtures to improve the consistency, uniformity, and stability of the product. The choice of a homogenizer depends on the nature of the product, desired particle size, the physical state of the ingredients, and pressure requirements during the process. Homogenization is widely used in the biotech industry for cell lysis and in the pharmaceutical industry for the emulsification of creams and ointments; it also finds applications in the cosmetics and food industries for improving the consistency and uniformity of various products.

Homogenization

When processing protein products, you need to maintain color and functionality while efficiently removing water or solvent. This challenge is exacerbated when working with products that are sensitive to high temperatures or prolonged exposure to drying environments.
<h2>Dry protein products at low pressures</h2>
The Continuous Vacuum Dryer from Crown Iron Works is a sophisticated solution for drying water or solvent wet protein products at low pressures, down to 200 mbar absolute. This technology ensures that the product retains its color and functionality. The system's design allows for continuous operation, making it suitable for large-scale industrial processes. It integrates seamlessly with existing facilities and can handle various protein products effectively. The flexibility of operating at such low pressures is particularly beneficial for delicate items that would be degraded by traditional drying methods. This technology is ideal for industries like plant-based proteins, hemp CBD oil extraction, specialty chemicals, and nutraceuticals.

Continuous vacuum dryer for protein products

In the winemaking industry, efficient filtration of grape must and recovery of liquid from dregs is crucial. These tasks can be challenging due to the need to maintain a homogeneous pre-cake suspension and minimize air intake, all while ensuring high output and low maintenance.
<h2>Enhance filtration efficiency and reduce air intake</h2>
The C 26 Rotary Vacuum Filter by Cadalpe is designed for cyclical processing with filter aiding precoat, featuring innovative solutions to optimize performance. The system effectively minimizes the unused portion of the filter, which significantly reduces air intake and increases the drying surface, resulting in higher output. Constructed entirely of stainless steel, it includes a hydrodynamic system to maintain a homogeneous pre-cake suspension and an electric reversible positive-displacement pump for pulp input. A submersed electric pump draws off the filtered fluid, while an impeller regulates pulp deposit on the drum surface. The thermostatic control ensures low water consumption for the vacuum pump's liquid ring. This filter is particularly effective in the wine industry for filtering grape must in its natural state or after enzymatic treatment and for recovering the liquid part of dregs from decanting, centrifugal processing, and first racking.

Rotary vacuum filter for wine filtration

In the food and pharmaceutical industries, drying heat-sensitive products like herbs, vegetables, and herbal extracts can be challenging. Maintaining product integrity while avoiding oxidation and contamination requires advanced drying technologies.
<h2>Automates drying with vacuum technology</h2>
The DryCab vacuum dryer cabinet by Bucher Unipektin is designed to dry and process various heat-sensitive products. Utilizing both freeze-drying (lyophilisation) and vacuum drying techniques, it handles materials such as coffee, herbs, vegetables, herbal extracts, and meat pieces. The cabinet can also function as an autoclave for sterilization. Its automated operation includes a profile-controlled process, ensuring efficiencies and consistent results. Key features include a GMP hygiene design for pharmaceutical applications, a strong and durable structure, high performance, and very high availability. The system operates at a vacuum range of 0.5 - 100 mbar and can achieve temperatures up to 200°C. It accommodates batch capacities from 1 kg to 1,000 kg and employs heating methods such as steam, pressurized water, or thermal oil. It is equipped with an automatic 3-step cleaning-in-place (CIP) system and controlled via a PLC and HMI with recipe control.

Vacuum dryer cabinet for heat-sensitive products

Lyophilization

Handling large quantities of suspension is a common requirement in various industrial processes, such as mining, chemical processing, and water treatment. The challenge is to achieve efficient filtration with minimal space and energy consumption while maintaining a high operational throughput.
<h2>Achieve efficient filtration with high throughput</h2>
The BoVac Disc filter from BOKELA is a high-performance vacuum disc filter known for its large filter area and compact design. It offers superior reliability and cost-effectiveness and is capable of filtering and dewatering large amounts of suspension. With outstanding hydraulic properties, the pressure losses are minimal, allowing high specific throughputs. The BoVac Disc filter operates fully automatically and is highly adaptable to process variations, making it suitable for industries such as coal, base metals, potash/fertilizers, alumina, and tailings. Key components like fiber-reinforced polymer segments, trapezoidal filtrate pipes, and a pre-separating control head contribute to its efficiency. The modular design allows customization with various sizes and filter areas up to 352 m² per unit, ensuring the filter meets specific process conditions with ease.

Vacuum filtration for large suspension volumes

Dewatering

In high-quality pellet production, removing cooling water from strands before cutting is crucial. Traditional air knives can leave residual water, leading to issues like water splashing on the plant floor, thus complicating the drying process.
<h2>Efficiently remove water with vacuum air technology</h2>
The XVAK Series Vacuum Air Dryer from Bay Plastics Machinery is a sophisticated solution for strand drying in pelletizing applications. This system uses negative air pressure to remove residual water, unlike conventional air knives that rely on pressurized air. The vacuum head and strand comb design efficiently pulls water from all areas of the strand. Unlike traditional air knives, the XVAK system collects and directs the water either back into the process or to a drain. It features a filter-less water separation process, reducing maintenance time and eliminating the cost of filters. Made of stainless steel, the XVAK air dryer is resistant to corrosion. Optional features include a sound enclosure for quieter operation, a quick-change strand comb for easy adaptation, and a variable speed drive for precise control in micro pellet applications.

Advanced vacuum air dryer for pelletizing strands

Pelleting equipment transforms powdered, mashed, or grounded material into a denser cylindrical shape. Pellet processing compresses the fine material against a perforated die, where it will be shaped and cut. Although granulating and extrusion also produce pellet-like products, manufacturing pellets is a distinct process.

Pelleting

Handling thermo-sensitive wet or paste products requires specialized drying techniques that ensure product integrity and minimize exposure to heat. Traditional drying methods often fall short in maintaining the quality of these delicate substances.
<h2>Efficiently dries thermo-sensitive products under vacuum</h2>
The Supradry by Bachiller is a vertical ribbon vacuum dryer designed to provide optimal drying for thermo-sensitive wet, crystalline, amorphous, or paste products. It features a heated vertical mixing spiral that rotates at moderate speed, promoting an upward flow of product and renewing the contact with heated walls. This design maximizes the heating surface area and enhances drying efficiency under ultra-low vacuum conditions, achieving vacuum levels below 1 mbar. Operating in a batch-wise manner, it supports capacities ranging from 50 to 30,000 liters and can function at temperatures up to 200º C. The Supradry adheres to strict sanitary design standards, including cGMP and FDA validation, with internal surfaces polished to Ra ≤ 0.6 µm. It is suitable for fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food industries, offering reliable reproducibility and easy scalability.

Vertical ribbon vacuum dryer for thermosensitive products

When working with moisture-sensitive pharmaceutical or chemical products, maintaining product integrity while ensuring thorough drying can be challenging. Standard drying methods may risk compromising the quality of these delicate materials.
<h2>Ensures thorough drying of thermo-sensitive products</h2>
The Sanidry by Bachiller is a sanitary horizontal paddle vacuum dryer designed for optimal drying of moist, crystalline, amorphous, or paste thermo-sensitive products. The dryer’s paddles and shaft are fully heated, maximizing heat exchange and reducing drying times. With capacities ranging from 50L to 10,000L, it operates under vacuum conditions, ensuring low-temperature drying and maintaining product quality. The close tolerance assembly of the paddles ensures continuous renewal of the product, enhancing drying efficiency. Suitable for applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries, the Sanidry features cGMP-compliant design, mirror-polished internal surfaces, and options for CIP/SIP systems, making it easy to clean and maintain.

Sanitary horizontal paddle vacuum dryer

When handling products with high viscosity and pseudo-plastic behavior, effective drying and reaction phases are critical. Particularly in industries like pharmaceuticals and chemicals, managing torque resistance and turbulence in the product can be challenging.
<h2>Optimizing drying and reactions under vacuum conditions</h2>
The Turbodry, developed by Bachiller, is a horizontal vacuum paddle dryer and reactor specialized for thermosensitive products. The system features a heated body and shaft to maximize thermal exchange, with paddles rotating swiftly near the wall to create high turbulence and continually renew the product. This enhances the drying process and ensures consistent thermal treatment. The Turbodry operates in batch mode with capacities ranging from 10 to 30,000 liters, and it supports vacuum levels down to 1 mbar and operating temperatures up to 350ºC. Designed to meet standards such as ASME VIII div.1, AD-2000, and EN-13445, and marked under the 2006/42/CE Safety for Machinery Directive, the equipment is suitable for various applications in fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food industries.

Horizontal vacuum paddle dryer for thermosensitive products

<span style="font-weight: 400">The heating process is a step of raising the temperature of food, pharma, cosmetics, and many other types of products. You may employ different heating solutions for this process, depending on the type of product you intend to manufacture. Selecting the appropriate heater machine for your product is quite important since various products require different ranges of temperatures and different ways of heat transfer using exchangers. Industrial heating equipment varies in two ways - the type of material it can process and the reaction you want to achieve.</span>

Heating

When dealing with high viscosity thermosensitive products, traditional drying methods can be ineffective and energy-consuming, leading to inconsistent results and potential damage to the product's quality.
<h2>Efficiently dries high viscosity, thermosensitive materials</h2>
The Paddledry horizontal vacuum paddle dryer from Bachiller is designed specifically for products with pseudo-plastic behavior during the reaction and drying phase, requiring high torque. This dryer operates through a fully heated body, shaft, and blades, ensuring maximum heat exchange. The blades rotate close to the wall at low speed, providing continuous product renewal in direct contact with the wall. This design offers high thermal efficiency and short drying cycles. The equipment can handle capacities ranging from 50 to 30,000 liters, with operational temperatures up to 350ºC and vacuum levels as low as 1 mbar. It is compliant with ASME VIII div.1 – AD-2000 – EN-13445 standards and the Safety for Machinery Directive 2006/42/CE. Suitable for industries like fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food, it ensures a reproducible and scalable process.

In the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries, drying thermosensitive products without degrading their quality is a major challenge. Traditional drying methods often expose products to excessive heat, leading to compromised integrity and efficacy.
<h2>Efficient drying under ultra-vacuum conditions</h2>
The Bicuum by Bachiller is a double cone vacuum dryer designed for the ultra-vacuum drying of moist, crystalline, and amorphous thermosensitive products. Its rotary drum is fully heated and insulated, rotating at low speeds while subjected to a strong vacuum to continuously renew the product in contact with the hot walls. The Bicuum operates with a vacuum level below 1 mbar and can reach operating temperatures up to 200º C. It is designed according to ASME VIII div.1, AD-2000, and EN-13445 standards, ensuring high sanitary standards compliant with cGMP and FDA. Practical features include internals polished to Ra ≤ 0.6 µm and options for electro polishing to Ra ≤ 0.2 µm. The dryer can handle capacities ranging from 30L to 30,000L and is adaptable for use in fine chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industries, as well as in the production of antibiotics, catalysts, vitamins, and more.

Double cone vacuum dryer for thermosensitive products

In processes involving thermo-sensitive products, controlling moisture content effectively while ensuring product integrity is a major challenge. Additionally, achieving thorough drying with minimal contamination is critical for industries like pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
<h2>Efficiently dry thermo-sensitive products</h2>
The vertical conical screw vacuum dryer from Bachiller is designed specifically for drying moist thermo-sensitive, crystalline, amorphous, or paste products. Its unique fully conical vertical vessel coupled with a vertical screw mixing system ensures thorough and uniform drying. It operates under ultra vacuum conditions with a vacuum level less than 1 mbar and can achieve operating temperatures up to 200ºC, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. The sanitary design, validated to cGMP and FDA standards, includes an internally mirror-polished finish with Ra ≤ 0.6 µm, which facilitates easy cleaning and inspection. The dryer can handle capacities ranging from 30 liters to 10,000 liters and is designed according to ASME VIII div.1, AD-2000, and EN-13445 standards, ensuring reliable and safe operation. Additional features like optional CIP/SIP systems and ATEX execution enhance its functionality for various industries including pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and food processing.

Vertical conical screw vacuum dryer

When working with vacuum pumps, preventing harmful vapors from reaching the pump is crucial to extend its lifespan and ensure reliable performance. Researchers and engineers often face difficulties in managing condensible vapors during various lab processes.
<h2>Trap harmful vapors with refrigerated cold technology</h2>
The FTS Vapor Trap from ATS Scientific Products is a stainless-steel refrigerated vacuum cold trap designed to efficiently capture condensible vapors without the need for dry ice or liquid nitrogen. Featuring mechanical refrigeration, the FTS Vapor Trap eliminates these hazardous and expensive refrigerants, thereby cutting costs. Available in 2-, 4-, and 8-liter configurations with temperature options of -50°C or -90°C, it caters to various laboratory needs. The compact benchtop design saves valuable lab space, while its advanced cooling mechanism efficiently prevents harmful vapors from entering vacuum pumps, protecting them from potential damage and reducing maintenance downtime. Suitable for numerous applications, including parylene coating, chemical vapor deposition, and vacuum oven integration, the FTS Vapor Trap is a versatile tool for laboratory vapor management.

Refrigerated vacuum cold trap for lab applications

Processing

In the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, developing sterile products that require precise drying and mixing processes is crucial. The challenge lies in achieving gentle drying of varied materials, from moist powders to wet suspensions, without compromising product integrity.
<h2>Dry, mix, and react with precision under vacuum</h2>
The 3-in-1 Vertical Vacuum Dryer and Mixing Reactor by Amixon is a highly versatile solution designed to handle dry, moist, and viscous materials at variable filling levels. The system features a spiral mixing blade that initiates a three-dimensional flow, ensuring thorough blending and efficient drying. This vacuum and pressure-tight unit is fully temperature controlled with heating options such as steam, thermal oil, or water for the mixing vessel, arms, and spiral blade. Compliance with FDA and 3-A Sanitary Standards makes it suitable for sterile operations, meeting EHEDG requirements. Ideal for processes that require deagglomeration, the unit can be fitted with high-speed cutting rotors. Its compact design and top-driven shaft mechanism reduce the space needed while maintaining high standards for surface finish, catering to pharmaceutical and sanitary requirements.

Vertical vacuum dryer and mixing reactor

When dealing with moist powders, wet suspensions, or viscous materials, achieving optimal mixing and drying can be challenging. This is especially true in industries requiring precise control over moisture levels and temperature, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals.
<h2>Achieve precise mixing and drying simultaneously</h2>
The Conical Vacuum Dryer and Mixing Reactor by Amixon is a versatile solution for mixing and drying wet, viscous, or moist materials. The unit is equipped with a spiral mixing blade inside a conically designed vessel, initiating a three-dimensional flow ensuring even distribution. The dryer is vacuum and pressure-tight and can be heated using steam, thermal oil, or water. Components such as the mixing vessel, arms, and blade are fully temperature-controlled, offering precision and consistency. The design allows for various applications, including use with moist powders, wet suspensions, liquids, pastes, and dough. It can also be equipped with high-speed cutting rotors for deagglomeration. Compliant with FDA and 3-A Sanitary Standards, it meets EHEDG requirements, making it suitable for sterile applications in pharmaceutical and food industries.

Conical vacuum dryer for viscous materials

Organic volatile compounds from fruits, vegetables and herbs are essential to manufacturing flavors, extracts, and pure powders. But elevating temperatures during the evaporation process risks altering their chemical structure and lowering the quality of the final product.


<h2>Gentle freeze-drying for fruit powders, herbal extracts, and flavors</h2>
The DryBand system by Bucher Merk is a dynamic belt dryer designed to dry delicate food ingredients. The material moves through an intermediate vacuum chamber between the top and bottom belt section. The drying unit has a vacuum range of 0.5 to 50 mbar and a feeding rate of up to 4,000 kg/h.

The continuous system can be configured for variable or constant drying with heating plates underneath the belt. A crushing device at the discharge end breaks the dried products into powders after drying. Meanwhile, the vapors are collected in an integrated condenser.

Vacuum belt dryer for fruit, vegetable and herbal extracts

Industrial extraction equipment unlocks the valuable compounds hidden away in natural materials. Automated extraction equipment is applied in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries to extract active compounds from medicinal plants or herbs. For example, extracting cannabinoids from cannabis plants. But the process is also fundamental to the food industry, recovering various components like aromas, oleoresins, and proteins.  Considerations for selecting suitable extraction technology include the type of plant material to be processed, the extract's heat sensitivity, and the production volume.

Extraction

Extracting the essential acids and compounds from fruits and plants is a complex process. But the drying stage can jeopardize their natural characteristics. The aromas, flavors, and other organoleptic properties of the volatile substances are crucial to producing quality fruit powders and plant extracts.


<h2>Preserve delicate compounds with gentle freeze-drying</h2>
The DryBand system for freeze-drying by Bucher Merk is designed for fragile substances such as fruit powders and plant extracts. The technology treats materials with low-pressure vacuum drying starting from 0.5 mbar, which can go up to  50 mbar.

The belts in the continuous drying system are used in series and products move between the top and bottom for an extended residence time. The freeze-dryer is suitable for lab-scale to large-scale lyophilization with a feeding range of 2 kg/h to 4,000 kg/h n. The system supports automated independent heated zones, and the final section can be adjusted as a cooling zone.

Vacuum belt dryer for instant drink powders

Plant extracts are vital to functional food preparations. But drying them into solid granules may destabilize their thermolabile compounds and degrade flavors and nutrients. The heat generated by drying solutions poses a risk to the quality of extracted substances.


<h2>Protect heat-sensitive compounds with a gentle dryer</h2>
The DryCab by Bucher Merk adapts vacuum drying for heat-sensitive food ingredients such as plant extracts. Its low-pressure technology applies vacuum from a minimum of 0.5 mbar, shielding compounds from over-exposure. The evaporation capacity ranges from 0.5 kg/h to 250 kg/to adjust to different plant materials.

With a working batch volume rate between 2.5 and 2,500 liters, the vacuum drying cabinet is available from lab-scale to industrial solutions. Its heating plates are designed to reduce dead space and hold an active heating surface up to 88m2.

Vacuum cabinet dryer for plant extracts and functional foods

For gently drying liquid concentrates into granulates or powders, a vacuum drying solution is the most energy-efficient process. Offering gentle drying with control over product characteristics, a bespoke vacuum drying solution can meet the most demanding requirements of the food or pharmaceutical industries.
<h2>Continuous vacuum belt dryer for efficient, gentle drying of concentrates</h2>
Devex vacuum dryers are designed for continuous loading of liquid or solid products and the continuous discharge of dried granulate. The end product is discharged in GMP clean room conditions ready to be further processed, making this ideal for food and pharmaceutical uses.

Due to the vacuum, very low water evaporation temperatures can be achieved. This preserves aroma and product colour. Changes to the vacuum process enable control of bulk density and other product characteristics to your requirements.

The Devex vacuum belt dryer is able to operate a vacuum from 10 to 80 mbar to suit all production requirements with a continuous belt surface of 200 to 300 metres.

The Devex belt dryer is able to handle liquid products, concentrates and viscous products all whilst resulting in the best quality end-product. The fully closed belt system means no mechanical handling stress on product, no oxidation, and no environmental pollution.

Continuous vacuum belt dryer

Vacuum drying is used to remove moisture from sensitive materials. Drying small batches in the laboratory for R&amp;D work or removing moisture from high-potency active pharmaceutical ingredients requires careful handling and control.
<h2>Vacuum dry small batches and HPAPI's</h2>
LaboDry from Italvacuum is a laboratory-scale, vacuum tray, drying oven designed to meet small batches and high potency API production requirements. It features a separate cells construction and has been designed for glove box installation. It can be fitted with skid-mounted auxiliary accessories. LaboDry is available in in AISI 316L (1.4404), AISI 904L (1.4539) and ALLOY C-22 (2.4602) construction to meet the requirements of appropriate material for product contact. LaboDry is ideal for laboratory use and the pharmaceutical industry.

Laboratory-scale vacuum tray drying oven

Agitated vacuum dryers can be difficult to clean which makes them unsuitable for multi-product applications. The presence of the agitator can make cleaning jobs tough resulting in production delays or compromised product quality.
<h2>Vacuum dry wet powders in an agitated paddle dryer</h2>
CosmoDry® System is an innovative, horizontal paddle vacuum dryer from Italvacuum. It features a concentric agitator fitted with a heated shaft that can be completely dismantled for easy internal cleaning, maintenance, and inspection. CosmoDry systems are ideal for drying of wet powders in the production of pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, cosmetics, food ingredients and additives. CosmoDry eliminates friction points to reduce mechanical and thermal stresses on the product. Designed for quick, easy and complete product unloading, CosmoDry is ideal for multi-product applications. It complies with the cGMP and ATEX regulations.

Horizontal paddle vacuum dryer

Powdered products tend to agglomerate during vacuum drying. This adds an additional step to the production process where the dried product is milled to produce a uniform grain size. Lumps may also prolong the drying process and compromise product quality.


<h2>Industrial vacuum dryer for moist masses after centrifugation or filtration processes</h2>
The CRIOX System from Italvacuum is a vacuum dryer with two sets of electric lump breaker blades inside the rotary double-cone chamber. These blades prevent product agglomeration, increase the product surface area exposed to evaporation and enhance mixing effectiveness. This results in a powder with a controlled grain size that is ready for bagging. The lump breakers significantly reduce drying time and deliver the lowest possible residual humidity, unattainable with other systems. The rotary vacuum dryer allows operation at lower processing temperatures thus preventing thermal degradation of sensitive products. It offers rotating speed control, scheduling of operating cycles, constant torque with changing speed, absorption control and ventilated cooling.

Rotary vacuum dryer

Conventional dryers are inefficient and can lead to significant mechanical and thermal stress on sensitive products. Non-uniform mixing can lead to lump formation and increased processing time. Vacuum dryer with eccentric agitator is designed to dry wet flowing powders from filtration and centrifuging processes.


<h2>Vacuum dry efficiently in an agitated paddle dryer</h2>
Planex® system from Italvacuum is a special horizontal vacuum paddle dryer with an eccentric agitator which revolves around its own axis while rotating tangentially to the drying chamber. It is ideal for drying wet feeds from filtration and centrifuging processes. Planex® is ideal for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), fine chemicals and intermediates. The efficient agitator action ensures perfect mixing and consumes three times less energy than conventional dryers. It also reduces the mechanical and thermal stress on the products which is important for delicate and temperature-sensitive applications. The tangential movement of the agitator prevents lump formation. Suitable for both crystalline and amorphous products, Planex® has a short cleaning downtime and complies with US FDA standards and cGMP regulations.

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Horizontal vacuum dryer with eccentric agitator

Effective drying of powders and bulk solids is critical in many industrial operations. This process challenges engineers with high energy consumption, maintaining product quality, and ensuring consistency. Advanced techniques are continually sought to address these issues and enhance efficiency.
<h2>Optimize drying processes for various materials</h2>
Hosokawa Micron offers a diverse range of drying technologies suited for both batch and continuous operations. Their portfolio includes vacuum, freeze, and flash drying systems. These technologies support the drying of powders, pastes, slurries, and liquids while ensuring energy efficiency and product quality. Integration of innovative feeding systems maintains constant feed rates, contributing to consistent end-product quality. Additionally, their heating/cooling skids and vacuum skids enhance the versatility of the drying process. Hosokawa Micron’s equipment complies with the latest ATEX directives for dust explosion prevention, ensuring safe operation. Their systems feature robust hardware and software controls for monitoring and optimizing drying conditions.

Drying systems for powders and bulk solids

Industrial feeding systems allows you to control the flow of solid bulk materials throughout the manufacturing line. After loading your material onto the vibrating hopper, a screw at the base drives it out in uniform doses to the next stage of processing. New feeding technologies are designed to deal with challenges of powders clumping together in the hopper (bridging and ratholing) that interrupt the outflow. Common feeder systems include centrifugal feeders, vibratory feeders as well as elevator, linear and pneumatic feeders.

Feeding

In the pharmaceutical industry, producing free-flowing, sterile bulk pharmaceuticals requires advanced drying technologies. Traditional tray freeze dryers often demand significant manual handling and post-processing, posing challenges in efficiency and product quality.
<h2>Produce sterile bulk powder efficiently</h2>
The Active Freeze Dryer (AFD) from Hosokawa Micron is designed to produce consistent, high-quality free-flowing powders in a single, contamination-free process. This system agitates the material in a specially designed chamber, freezing it to form free-flowing granules regardless of whether the starting material is a liquid, paste, or granular solid. The subsequent vacuum drying process sublimes the frozen water, transforming the granules into fine, dry particles. Heat applied to the vessel jacket ensures an even distribution of temperature throughout the material. With excellent cleanability and minimal labor requirements, the AFD system is suitable for producing antibiotics, APIs, collagens, and proteins. The system is available in three models, catering to different volumes and sublimation capacities.

Pharmaceutical freeze dryer

Freezing

Pilot

In pilot plant operations for industries such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals, testing and small-scale production often require specialized drying and filtering equipment that ensures precision and compliance with stringent standards. Challenges include managing hazardous zones, ensuring product purity, and maintaining operational flexibility.
<h2>Ideal for testing and small batch production</h2>
The Pilot Plant Filter Dryer & Vacuum Dryer from Heinkel (Comber) combines the functionality of an Agitated Nutsche Filter, Filter Dryer, and Vacuum Dryer, making it highly versatile for a range of pilot plant processes. Designed for flexibility, it supports both tests and small scale production. Key features include adherence to Pressure Equipment Directive 97/23/EG, ASME U-stamp, and compliance with cGMP and FDA guidelines, ensuring safe and reliable operation. The unit is suitable for use in ATEX danger zones (group II 2G 2D, zones 1/21) and comes with an explosion-protected control system (EEx-d). Built on a skid for easy installation and relocation, it offers a shaft seal through a gland nut, and multilayer options with a PLC system for enhanced control. Available in various sizes ranging from PF/TD 5 to PF/TD 100, it supports filter areas from 0.03 m² to 0.20 m² and cake volumes up to 25 liters.

Pilot plant filter dryer for small scale production

In the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) are dried efficiently and in compliance with strict regulations is crucial. Traditional drying methods often struggle to meet these high standards while optimizing energy consumption and minimizing operational costs.
<h2>Efficiently dry Apis with cgmp and Fda compliance</h2>
The Vertical Conical Dryer (VCD) from GMM Pfaudler is an energy-efficient system specifically designed for drying Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) while adhering to cGMP and FDA guidelines. It effectively uses both static and dynamic heat transfer areas to ensure efficient drying. Its vertical installation and bottom discharge design result in lower heel volumes, facilitating better emptying characteristics. The VCD can handle a wide range of filling capacities, allowing for a good turndown ratio. Additionally, its compact design results in a lower footprint and reduced operating and maintenance costs when compared to other drying systems. Optional accessories include a lump breaker, sampling system, condenser, receiver, and vacuum pump. Available in materials such as stainless steel, hastelloy, and special alloys, the VCD is also suitable for sterile/cleanroom areas through in-floor installation that isolates the drive unit from the process area.

Vertical conical dryer for pharmaceutical ingredients

When producing pharmaceuticals or food products, achieving a homogeneous wet granulation of powders is crucial for consistent product quality and process efficiency. Processing powders into medium to high-density granules requires a granulation system that ensures rapid mixing and uniform consistency.
<h2>Enhanced wet granulation with flexible bowl capacities.</h2>
The GMXB-Pilot GRANUMEIST® by Freund is a high shear granulator designed for efficient and homogeneous wet granulation of powders. It features a bottom-drive system that enhances user safety and simplifies maintenance. The modular design allows for interchangeable product bowls in capacities of 10L, 25L, and 65L, catering to various batch sizes. An integrated peristaltic pump and user-defined settings for mixer and chopper blade speeds provide operational flexibility. Optional features include a jacketed bowl for temperature control and vacuum drying for one-pot processing. The system is equipped with a color touchscreen control system with both automatic (recipe driven) and manual modes, ensuring process control. Data can be collected via a USB port, and the system supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance for data and recipe handling. The GMXB-Pilot GRANUMEIST® is suitable for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and food industries, offering scalable granulation solutions from lab to production scale.

Pilot High shear granulator for wet granulation

Granulation

In the pharmaceutical industry, achieving low residual moisture levels in delicate, heat-sensitive products is crucial. Traditional drying methods often fail to maintain efficiency and uniformity, posing challenges in both product quality and process performance.
<h2>Achieve uniform drying and thermal homogeneity</h2>
The Guedu® Pan Dryer from De Dietrich Process Systems is designed for the dynamic vacuum drying of sensitive products requiring low residual moisture. Its robust and flexible design makes it suitable for various industrial conditions. The Guedu® agitator ensures efficient mixing and thermal homogeneity, facilitating even drying. The agitator's design allows for high product renewal rates on heated surfaces and contributes over 50% of the energy required for drying. With an excellent volume-to-footprint ratio, the Pan Dryer simplifies installation in existing setups. This dryer is ideal for industries including pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, pigments, and precious metals where product quality and drying efficiency are paramount.

Industrial pan dryer for pharmaceuticals

In industrial settings, particularly in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, reducing drying time during production processes is critical. Traditional methods often rely on thermal drying under vacuum, which can be time-consuming and less efficient for certain materials.
<h2>Enhance drying efficiency with microwave technology</h2>
The RoLab with Microwave by De Dietrich Process Systems is a specialized filtering and drying setup that incorporates microwave technology to accelerate drying processes. This system combines mechanical solid-liquid separation and thermal drying under vacuum, with the added advantage of a microwave generator to significantly cut down drying time. The careful management of product temperature and microwave power ensures optimal and rapid drying, making it ideal for pharmaceutical product processing. Additionally, the microwave feature enhances desolventation operations, improving efficiency in solvent removal. The RoLab is also well-suited for small-scale production and trials involving plant-based ingredients. Key specifications include a filter area of 0.4m², a cooling water requirement of 4 l/min at 4 bar, and a main motor power of 5.5kW. De Dietrich provides this innovative solution for applications requiring efficient solid-liquid separation and drying.

Microwave-enhanced filter dryer for chemical and pharmaceutical applications

In research and development or small-scale production within the fine chemical and pharmaceutical industries, precise and efficient liquid-solid separation is crucial. Traditional filtration systems often struggle with corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning, causing delays and product integrity issues.
<h2>Optimize filtration and collection processes</h2>
The Glass Nutsche Filter from De Dietrich is designed to meet the stringent requirements of R&D and small-scale production environments. The filter features a mobile filter plate and a height-adjustable blade for smoothing the filter cake, facilitating easy access and manipulation. With a wheel-mounted base, it can be easily moved between locations. Corrosion and solvent resistance, along with a smooth, pore-free surface, ensure minimal contamination and ease of cleaning. Additionally, the filter system utilizes vacuum during filtration to improve efficiency and includes connections for ventilation and nitrogen handling. Key industries include fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and capacities range from DN300 to DN600 with a maximum filling volume of up to 70 liters. The system's design allows for quick product collection and straightforward substitution of the filter cloth, making it a versatile and user-friendly option for demanding applications.

Glass nutsche filter for fine chemical and pharmaceutical filtration

In the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries, precise solids washing and separation are critical tasks. Operators often face challenges such as cross-contamination risk, time-consuming processes, and exposure to hazardous materials.
<h2>Manage solids separation and drying efficiently</h2>
The Agitated Nutsche Filter and Filter-Dryer by De Dietrich Process Systems is designed to meet stringent industry requirements for solid-liquid filtration and drying. This system excels in various tasks including filtration, reslurry washing, and drying under vacuum or convection. It supports multiple filter media options such as cloth, single layer metal screen, and multi-layer sintered metal, enhancing its versatility. A significant feature is the side discharge valve with metal-to-metal seals, eliminating issues with o-rings and ensuring a pressure-tight, cleanable design. The heated filter plate allows efficient heat transfer through all contact surfaces, enhancing drying capabilities. Additionally, the Gas Knife system facilitates total discharge by directing gas streams through small nozzles on the agitator blade. The filter-dryer is constructed from various materials such as 316L stainless steel and Alloy 20 for optimal compatibility with different applications. Designed by De Dietrich, the unit integrates seamlessly into pharmaceutical environments, and is available in configurations to handle highly potent materials with its rigid discharge glovebox and ergonomic design. For processes requiring sterile conditions, SIP capabilities are included to eliminate internal dead spaces.

Agitated nutsche filter and filter-dryer for pharmaceuticals

In the research and development phase, especially in chemical and pharmaceutical processes, maintaining strict separation between the operator and hazardous materials is crucial. Proper containment ensures both the safety of the personnel and the integrity of the research environment.
<h2>Ensures operator safety during manipulation processes</h2>
The Six Stage Research and Development Isolator from Comecer is designed to provide maximum protection for operators during material handling. Featuring six glove box chambers, it includes designated areas for reactors, prechambers, synthesis, and drying. The isolator utilizes a turbulent flow system with nitrogen and maintains negative pressure relative to the laboratory environment, ensuring containment. Fully PLC controlled, it features an integrated vacuum dryer, oxygen monitoring, and a continuous liner system. The internal sliding door and glove ports make it user-friendly while ensuring operational safety.

Six stage r&d isolator for safe material handling

The essential objectives of containment systems are personnel protection and preventing the release of toxic or infectious material into the environment. Containment is also used to prevent a product or sample from contamination by the external environment. In the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, containment solutions are used to protect the personnel from the leaking of airborne particles of hazardous substances, as powders or liquids are handled or transferred during processing.

Containment

Handling

In research and development settings, ensuring the safety and precision of handling sensitive materials is crucial. Challenges include maintaining a contaminant-free environment and protecting operators from exposure to hazardous substances.
<h2>Ensures safe and accurate dispensing</h2>
The Dispensing Custom R&D Isolator by Comecer operates at negative pressure relative to the laboratory, offering a controlled environment for the safe handling and dispensing of materials. This isolator features hinged front view panels with inflatable seals for easy access and secure isolation. It includes circular and oval glove flanges made of polypropylene, which facilitate material handling without compromising safety. A communication door allows seamless material transfer between chambers, while the integrated drainage sanitary tank and sloped working plane ensure efficient waste management. The isolator’s connectivity options include predispositions for WFI, PW, compressed air, vacuum, nitrogen, and various other utilities. It is also equipped with an internal filter and drying system, making it ideal for pharmaceutical and radiopharmaceutical applications.

Custom r&d isolator for precise dispensing operations

Dispensing

In the liquid packaging industry, efficient, precise, and reliable filling systems are essential to maintain product quality and production speed. Challenges such as accurate filling, air removal, and reliable sealing need robust solutions.
<h2>Optimized filling with dual-head operation.</h2>
The ECOFILL HT2 SW FULL ACTION by Cartobol is a dual-head filler designed for Bag-in-Box applications. This advanced filler offers automatic start-up, uncapping, air vacuum, filling, nitrogen injection, capping, and expulsion. As the operator places the bag on the gripper claw, safety bars and detectors initiate the packaging cycle automatically. While the first head fills, the operator can load the second, ensuring seamless transitions and uninterrupted operation. The stainless steel structure, combined with state-of-the-art electronic and pneumatic components, ensures high reliability and performance. The system features a touch screen for user-friendly operation, safety bars, automatic start-up, and a centrifugal pump with flexible rotor.

Bag-in-box filler with dual heads and automatic features

When looking for capping equipment, it is crucial to know first which type of capper your product requires. Do you want screw caps, twist-off caps, hand pumps, or push-pull caps on your bottle or container? If you require different cap types for format changeover times can be time-consuming. The bottle cap seals the top opening of a bottle to guard the product against leakage and spoilage and sterility and filling requirements depend on the nature of your product.

Capping

Injection

Vacuum

When processing heat-sensitive products such as coffee, fruits, vegetables, or meat, maintaining product quality during drying is essential. Traditional drying methods often lead to oxidation, flavor loss, and higher energy costs, which can be problematic for maintaining clean labels and product integrity.
<h2>Gently dries products with minimal flavor loss</h2>
The DryBand Lyo by Bucher Unipektin is a belt dryer designed for the continuous freeze-drying (lyophilisation) of pre-dried or frozen food pieces, as well as coffee. It handles free-flowing granular products, maintaining high product quality through non-oxidizing, low-energy drying. This system involves a series of belts that convey products in a controlled environment, using independent heating zones and patented radiant plates to optimize drying rates. Feeding rates range from 2 to 4000 kg/h, with heating and cooling surfaces from 0.2 to 325 m², and a heating range of 20 to 180 °C. The vacuum levels vary from 0.5 to 50 mbar, ensuring gentle, efficient product handling. Its closed system design ensures automated operation and cleaning, making it suitable for industries like coffee/tea, fruits and vegetables, meat or seafood, pharmaceuticals, probiotics, enzymes, and infant nutrition.

Continuous freeze drying solution for coffee and food pieces

Conveyor systems are used for moving materials from one location to another. Considerations for choosing a suitable industrial conveying system include the nature of the product, its physical state, the desired conveying rate, and sensitivity of the product to heat and mechanical shock. Conveying equipment is used in the food, pharmaceutical, chemical, biomass, and mineral industries to move materials around a warehouse as well as to transport bulk powders, granules, and grains for processing and filling. These types of systems are usually automated and there is a wide variety of solutions to choose when it comes to the type of conveyor. Types include screw, gravity, chain, roller and belt conveyors.

Conveying

For industries requiring efficient solid-liquid separation in hazardous or sensitive environments, traditional methods often pose contamination risks and inefficiencies. Ensuring hermetic processing and high-purity output while managing toxic or sensitive materials remains a significant challenge.
<h2>Perform filtration and vacuum drying efficiently</h2>
The Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryer by Bachiller excels in solid-liquid separation via pressure filtration and vacuum drying. Designed according to cGMP and EHEDG standards, it's suitable for pharmaceuticals, fine chemicals, and food industries. It operates within a hermetic system to prevent contamination, ensuring high-purity outputs. Capable of batch-wise operations, it supports multiple processes like reaction, filtration, and drying within a single unit. Features include a filtering surface ranging from 0.07 m² to 15 m² and operational capacity from 19L to 15,000L. It operates up to 3 bar(g) pressure and 200º C, catering to both heating and cooling needs. Options are available for CIP/SIP systems, different internal finishes, and advanced sealing mechanisms.

Agitated nutsche filter dryer for solid-liquid separation

Entry level

In laboratory settings, ensuring efficient and repeatable solid-liquid separation processes is crucial, especially when working with small batch experiments where precision and scalability are essential.
<h2>Optimize solid-liquid separation and drying</h2>
The GFD®Lab is an automatable benchtop Agitated Nutsche Filter-Dryer from Austar designed to streamline laboratory solid-liquid separation processes. This system combines filtration and drying in one unit, enabling operations such as slurry filtration, washing, re-slurry, vacuum drying, sampling, and discharge. The unique filtration basket facilitates quick media changeover and maximizes product recovery. Adaptable to sector-specific needs, it offers multiple vessel sizes and various product contact materials, making it ideal for fast-tracking process development and scale-up activities. Complete process control with data acquisition and recording features ensures consistent and predictable results in every batch. For larger scale and automated development, the GFD®Lab PLUS allows custom process sequences and recipe optimization to fit specific applications.

Automatable benchtop agitated nutsche filter-dryer

Industrial sampling equipment are systems that allow manufacturers to test (in other words to take a sample of) the products they are manufacturing. This process is generally implemented as a means of quality control but it can also be used as a mean to ensure that production processes adhere to certain regulatory standards. Quality control in your manufacturing process starts with precision sampling techniques. Automated systems deliver consistent samples at a pre-set rate for accurate testing and probing. Sampling technology uses a calibration system involving a series of sensors to extract the material at high levels of reliability.

Sampling

Industrial washing systems are used to clean and disinfect a variety of items in research and manufacturing facilities. Industrial washers use solvents and cleaning agents with mechanical action to remove deposits and residues from stainless steel machinery components, empty containers, and other soiled surfaces. The selection of an industrial or commercial washer depends on the type of items and surfaces to be cleaned, the type of deposits/residue that is typically present, whether drying is required after rinsing and the level of sterilization necessary. Manufacturers will have cleaning specifications and as a result, require washers to be engineered to meet these specs.

Washing

In diagnostic kit production or tissue banking, freeze drying is essential for maintaining the integrity and extending the shelf life of sensitive biological materials. Challenges arise when trying to balance efficiency, precision, and footprint in laboratory or cleanroom settings.
<h2>Compact customizable freeze drying solution</h2>
The VirTis Ultra 50L and 35L Pilot-Production Freeze Dryers from ATS Scientific Products are versatile freeze-drying solutions suitable for pilot and small-scale workloads. These dryers feature a space-saving, compact design and can be customized with up to 15 shelves, various control systems, and temperature and vacuum sensors, allowing you to tailor the system to your specific needs. With shelf temperatures as low as -70ºC and condenser temperatures down to -85ºC, they handle various applications—from high moisture products like vials and bulk liquid APIs to low moisture items such as diagnostic kits and tissue samples. Besides, the front-facing vacuum pump simplifies maintenance. Available control systems include the Merlin and LyoS 2.0™.

Pilot-production freeze dryers for diagnostic kits and tissue banking

In industries requiring precise and thorough mixing of various materials, challenges often arise when dealing with substances of different consistencies. Ensuring homogeneous blending at variable filling levels can be particularly daunting.
<h2>Ensuring high-quality mixing across different materials</h2>
The vertical single-shaft mixer from Amixon is designed for optimal mixing of dry powders, moist suspensions, and viscous pastes. The innovative spiral mixing blade initiates a three-dimensional flow, creating a helical upward movement at the periphery and a downward flow at the center. This design guarantees exceptional mixing results and complete discharge. The mixer can also deagglomerate materials with optional high-speed cutting rotors. Top-driven with a single bearing, it adheres to the highest industry standards, including FDA and 3-A Sanitary Standards, making it suitable for sterile applications and compliance with EHEDG requirements. The mixer is available in jacketed and vacuum-rated versions, allowing it to function as a vacuum dryer or mixing reactor, making it highly versatile for numerous industries including pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals.

Vertical single-shaft mixer for dry, moist, and viscous materials

In industrial settings, achieving homogeneous mixing of various materials can be challenging. Dry powders, wet suspensions, and viscous substances each require specific handling to ensure uniform results without residue or clumping.
<h2>Achieve homogeneous mixing with versatile conical blender</h2>
The AM Conical Mixer from Amixon is designed to deliver high-quality mixing results for dry, moist, and viscous materials. The spiral mixing blade initiates a three-dimensional flow, creating a helical upward movement on the periphery and a downward flow in the center. This ensures thorough mixing and complete discharge. The mixer can handle a range of materials, including powders, wet suspensions, and pastes. It meets FDA and 3-A Sanitary Standards, making it suitable for sterile applications and compliant with EHEDG requirements. The mixer can also be equipped with high-speed cutting rotors for deagglomeration and is driven from the top using a single top bearing, ensuring low maintenance. Jacketed and vacuum-rated versions are available for use as a vacuum dryer or reactor.

Conical mixer for dry, moist, and viscous materials

Delicate fruits with high moisture levels, such as berries, risk losing their properties when exposed to drying. Destroying volatile compounds and acids, even under low-impact conditions, leads to a loss of nutrients, flavors, and aromas. Moisture release is critical for extended shelf life, but the technology for making fruit powders must protect the bioactive properties from degrading.


<h2>Maximize retention of volatile molecules in fruit powders and berries</h2>
The Zeodration system by Bucher Merk uses an adsorption method that selectively draws water but retains the natural compounds. The heart of the unit is a reactor made from zeolite, a crystallized clay with a narrow pore diameter. At the same time, this water-trapping material minimizes the release of volatile compounds from fruit and fresh products.

A low-pressure environment of 0.5-30m bar makes the technology suitable for freeze-drying and processing delicate materials like berries, plant extracts, or herbs without compromising their aromas. Meanwhile, the reactor attracts water molecules, reducing residual moisture to 0.5%. Zeodration integrates into vacuum and lyophilization systems and handles batch and belt operations.

Freeze drying system for berries and fruit powders

Vacuum drying at high temperatures is important in the production of granulated plastics. A continuous mixing action is necessary to produce a product that is uniform in size and moisture content.
<h2>Vacuum dry granular products with a gentle, tumble-mixing action</h2>
Italvacuum’s rotary cylindrical vacuum dryers are ideal for drying, mixing and condensation operations in the manufacture of granulated plastics including chips, beads, slices, pellets and scraps. These dryers produce high vacuum levels with high temperatures and are useful in the production of PET &amp; PBT compounds, solid-state post-condensation and drying of plastic granules. The skewed cylindrical configuration ensures effective mixing and delivers a uniform product. They have a gentle mixing action that prevents mechanical shocks thus limiting the number of fine particulates. Tumble dryers have an easy to access design for easy cleaning and inspection. They are available in a wide range of capacities from 600-36,000 liters.

Tumble dryer for granulated plastics

The pharmaceutical and bioprocess industries need filtration processes of particularly high quality to ensure the containment of potentially hazardous substances and avoid product contamination. Experienced biopharmaceutical manufacturers know that equipment designed for general industry use often falls short of the tight quality and hygienic standards of our industry and that producers who embrace high quality pharmaceutical grade equipment will have an advantage over competitors.
<h2>A pharmaceutical grade filter system with maximum separation and complete filter cake removal and drying</h2>
Mavag AG's smaller scale and focus on their tradition of Swiss craftsmanship ensure the impeccable product quality that customers need. The company's Filter Dryer system is an agitated pressure filter with added features that make it particularly well suited to the pharmaceutical and bioprocess industries. The unit consists of a single plate filter that effectively removes solids from the processed mixture and forms a filter cake. The filter caked can be re-suspended in a liquid slurry using the magnetically driven agitator. This allows the filter cake to be discharged without exposing the interior of the system to the surrounding environment—reducing contamination and exposure risk. The unit also includes a heated vessel and agitator, a solvent recovery system, a vacuum generator, and a dust filter. These added features allow for very thorough washing of the filter cake and complete removal of solvent from the filter cake in a completely enclosed process step.  This makes the units extremely valuable to process that require excellent containment and avoidance of cross contamination as are commonly found in the pharmaceutical and bioprocess industries.

Vacuum dryers

Which vacuum dryers technology do you need?