ProCell LabSystem

„ProCell LabSystem“ is not only the new name of the largest mobile Glatt lab unit – all fluid bed and spouted bed processes can be tested in batch and continuous mode with only one equipment. The continuous mode is especially necessary for the spray granulation process. In batch mode this processes can be tested only within narrow limitation.

The ProCell LabSystem has evolved from the lab unit ProCell 5, which has been sold and rented to many customers. Their satisfaction resulted mainly from the high reliability and flexibility of the equipment. The new lab unit can be equipped with four different systems, according to the needs of the desired product and the necessary process.

Using ProCell-systems spouted bed processes can be tested. The spouted bed technology is extending the possibilities to process challenging products, like fine particles, which are difficult to fluidize in fluid beds. Particles, which are larger than 3 mm can be fluidized with much lower air volumes compared to the fluid bed. An additional advantage of the ProCell is the possibility to work with small amount of bed material. In continuous mode this means short residence time, resulting in a gentle processing of temperature sensitive products.

Fluid bed processes can be tested with the ProCell LabSystem by using either the AGT system or the GF system. The AGT 150 System provides the smallest processing chamber, resulting in high fluidizing velocities. The GF 3 Systems is larger and can be equipped with the Wurster to allow for sophisticated coating processes.

Answering tot he needs of our customer several new features have been developed, which will be displayed during Powtech in Nuremberg.
Using the new Rotor System particles can be coated with powder. The core particles are move by the rotating disc and dried by a flow of air through the gap between rotor disc and housing. The coating material is applied as solid powder, which is considerably decreasing the energy demand for water evaporation - in addition the processing time is shortened. Due to the rotating movement of the particles they are spheronized. By adjusting the process parameter spherical pellets can be formed with the Rotor-System.

As an option equipment for spraying melt is available. This can be used to spray products with a melting point of up to 80°C. This process is used for example to coat particles with fat to protect them against moisture or oxygen.

In some special application two liquids must be sprayed in parallel. For the development of such processes the ProCell LabSystem can be equipped with a threefold nozzle.

Traditionally the process gas can be cleaned by means of an internal or external filter or by a combination of cyclone and external filter. The ProCell LabSystem offers also a closed loop process – drying the exhaust gas with a condenser and a desiccant wheel before returning to the process. The desiccant wheel may also used alone in order to control the inlet air moisture. The inlet air moisture is measured and maybe stored as process parameter in the protocol.

For the production of large samples or for specialty products with low volumes the ProCell 10 system and the GF 7 system are offered for spouted bed and fluid bed processes. The large processing chambers allow batch processes with a volume of up to 20 l and throughputs of up to 15 kg/h in continuous processes. Spray granulation, agglomeration or coating processes may be tested at this larger scale.

The standard unit ProCell LabSystem is equipped with a cartridge filter. In order to work with smaller product volumes a bag filter is offered. The smaller surface of the filter means that less product is collected in the and more product remains in the process. einem Kartuschenfilter ausgerüstet. An additional advantage is the cleanability. After the trials the filter bags can be cleaned in a laundry machine.

Almost all of the new process options were developed in response to our customers. If you are looking for additional applications – you are more than welcome. We are glad to generate new feature for the ProCell LabSystem.

Visit us at Powtech 2008 in halle 5 at both no. 3.22.