Fluid bed dryer LCF for continuous operation

The CoriMix® is a high-speed, continuous mixer for high throughputs, especially developed for homogeneous mixing of liquid and pasty components into dry substances. The system is based on the high peripheral speed of the mixing shaft tools of up to 50 m/s. The product is moved through the mixing chamber in a plug-flow manner. The retention time is extremely short compared with a continuous ploughshare mixer. The mixing chamber is divided into zones with different mixing tools enabling different shear intensity by selecting and adjusting the mixing tools according to each application. Liquid components are introduced directly into the product ring layer – either via tangentially placed liquid pipes through the drum wall or via a hollow mixing shaft with specially perforated tools. However, moistening of the mixer wall and shaft is largely prevented. The liquid distribution is similar to a nozzle but avoiding any risk of clogging or disturbance of the spray.

The granulation dryer is designed for continuous operation. A unique property of this dryer is its combination of convection and contact drying. Adaptation of the retention time to the specific process ensures that products are dried at low temperatures. At the same time, excellent granulation of the final product can be achieved. This intense mixing effect separates the particles in the fluid bed, thereby creating a large product surface and preventing the generation of temperature and moisture gradients in the product bed. This leads to a significant increase in the heat exchange via the heated drum walls. The product behaviour during drying is affected by the mixing tool geometry and choppers can be activated as an option; these can be used to control the average product retention time and the retention time distribution. It is therefore possible to achieve a defined grain size distribution during granulation processes

The high-shear mixer is a system for mixing, granulation of pharmaceutical powders and granulated products. Moreover, it is suitable for a wide range of cosmetics and food products. A three-bladed mixing tool rotates in a vertical, cylindrical mixing vessel close to the wall and to the bottom of the vessel. The shape and peripheral speed of the mixing tool create a vortex-like circulation of the mix. A separately driven chopper is used for breaking up agglomerated products as well as for moistening and granulation. Liquid addition is either gravimetric or uses a pump to add liquid directly to the effective range of the chopper, so that the best possible distribution is ensured. The optional wet sieve on the discharge ensures a completely homogeneous distribution of the granulate size. The PC/PLC-based control system to be compliant with CFR-21 Part 11. The updated user interface permits intuitive machine operation in service and automatic mode for production and cleaning operation.

The continuous ploughshare mixer uses the mixing and fluid process introduced to mixing technology by Lödige. The ploughshare shovels in special arrangement on a mixing shaft in a horizontal, cylindrical drum rotate. Their peripheral speed and geometric form are coordinated in such a way that the mix is moved out of the product bed against the centrifugal force and in axial direction at the same time. The mixing elements having a defined shape and a special arrangement on the shaft, they ensure not only a reliable product conveyance but also a sufficient back-mixing of the product. All the product is constantly involved in the process, ensures a maximum mixing intensity at highest throughputs and shortest residence times until the product is discharged out of the mixer via an outlet. The continuous process can be run at filling levels between 20 % and 50 % without influencing the mixing quality. Choppers can be additionally installed in the mixing drum.