FlexStream™ (Patent Pending)
The Aeromatic-Fielder FlexStream™ is a new Multi-Purpose Processor from GEA Pharma Systems that uses proven fluid bed technology to achieve fluid bed granulation, drying and pellet coating (or tablet coating) in ONE processor.
Process Description
The FlexStream™ by Aeromatic-Fielder consists of a fluid bed product bowl with several two-fluid atomization nozzles to distribute the granulation or coating liquid directly into the fluidized powder or pellet layer. A third low-pressure air stream comes directly from the fluid bed inlet plenum to create a particle-free area around the spray pattern of each nozzle. Using low pressure results in much better control of the granulation and coating processes with less fines, less agglomeration when coating pellets resulting in a significantly improved yield . The fluid bed with FlexStream™ uses the patented NON SIFTING GILL PLATE™ to distribute the air.. Using the low pressure air stream from the inlet air plenum means that no compressed air is necessary for keeping the two-fluid nozzle spray free of particles. Another advantage is that the low pressure air comes directly from the air inlet of the fluid bed so is conditioned in the same way as the main fluidization gas.
The FlexStream™ process is suitable for aqueous- and organic-based solvents. GEA Pharma Systems offers a range of Aeromatic-Fielder open- and closed-cycle systems for removing or recovering organic solvents. Options include condensation, adsorption and wet scrubbing.
Process & Design
- Number of nozzles and achieved spray rates for pellet coating comparable to high efficiency bottom-spray coating systems,
- Narrow particle size distribution for granulation,
- Simple, cost-efficient design,
- Compressed air only for atomization gas,
- Third air stream conditioned from fluid bed air inlet,
- 10 bar pressure shock resistant fluid bed processor design,
- Existing Aeromatic-Fielder fluid bed can be upgraded with the FlexStream™ process.