FlexStream™ Fluid Bed Processing

Aeromatic-Fielder FlexStream™ Fluid Bed Processors - for Granulation, Drying and Coating in ONE process container

The Aeromatic-Fielder™ FlexStream™ Fluid Bed is a new Multi-Purpose Processor from GEA Pharma Systems that uses proven fluid bed technology to achieve granulation, drying and pellet coating (or tablet coating) in ONE processor.

Process Description

The FlexStream™ by Aeromatic-Fielder (GEA Pharma Systems) 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 fewer fines, less agglomeration when coating pellets resulting in a significantly improved yield. The fluid bed with FlexStream™ uses the patented NON-SIFTING GILL PLATE™ (see description at the bottom of the page) 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™ concept has the additional advantage that no mechanical adjustment is necessary to switch between using the equipment as a dryer, a granulator or a coater. Impressive test data prove that, in addition to these commercial benefits, FlexStream™ gives superior product quality when compared with conventional top-spray granulation or Wurster coating.

GEA Pharma Systems FlexStream™ Fluid Bed Processors - for Granulation, Drying and Coating

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.

Advantages of FlexStream™

• Only ONE product container for all unit operations
  Fluid Bed Granulator - Fluid Bed Dryer - Fluid Bed Coater, ALL in 1container
• Only one design/height for all unit operations
  Reduced building envelope in both height and footprint
• Built in linear scale up
• Ready for fully contained loading and unloading
• Superior product homogeneity both for LOD and PSD

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.

GEA Pharma Systems has applied for a patent for the FlexStream™ process (a.k.a. "patent pending" or "patent applied for"). Please note that this marking serves to notify potential infringers who would copy the FlexStream™ invention that they may be liable for damages (including back-dated royalties), seizure, and injunction once a patent is issued.

FlexStream™ Flexible Fluid Bed Processing

Note: The NON-SIFTING GILL PLATE™ developed jointly by Aeromatic-Fielder (GEA Pharma Systems) and GEA Niro (GEA Process Engineering), uses an innovative design and a directed airflow to offer excellent uniformity of air distribution, for improved processing and product discharge. The NON-SIFTING GILL PLATE™ is welded into position, making it a good choice for users employing automated CIP. A novel air inlet plenum improves performance and reduces equipment height.

Non-Sifting Gill Plate™ characteristics:

• Non-sifting due to special design
• Proven suitable for CIP
• Fully welded in product bowl ensuring full CIP capability
• The NON-SIFTING GILL PLATE™ in conjunction with our special plenum design makes side discharge the best available on the market.
• Material 316 L
• Patented