Glatt - lab unit with increased and improved flexibility

“ProCell LabSystem“ is not only the new name of the largest mobile Glatt lab unit -but also enables all fluid bed and spouted bed processes tested in batch and continuous mode with just one piece of equipment. The continuous operating mode is especially preferred for the liquid-only spray and granulation process. In batch mode this process can only be tested within narrow limitations.

The “ProCell LabSystem” has evolved from the lab unit ProCell 5, which has been sold and rented to numerous customers. Customer experience and satisfaction of ProCell 5 was driven by the excellent operating reliability and process flexibility of the equipment. The “new” lab unit will now offer four different process systems. Customers can select one, two, three or all four process options, based on the needs of the desired product or project, as necessary.

Using the “ProCell-system”, spouted bed processes can be tested. The spouted bed technology is extending the possibilities to process challenging products, such as fine particles, difficult to fluidize in fluid beds. Particles, larger than 3 mm can be fluidized with much lower air volumes compared to the fluid bed. An additional advantage of the ProCell is its ability to work with a 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 System” is larger and can be equipped with the Wurster insert, allowing sophisticated coating processes, typical in batch processing, and again, possible in this lab unit.

Responding to customers' needs, several new features have been developed, which will be displayed during Powtech in Nuremberg.

Particles can be coated with powder using the new “Rotor System”. The core particles are moved by the rotating disc and dried by a flow of air through the gap between the rotor disc and housing. The coating material is applied as solid powder, considerably decreasing the energy demand for water evaporation and in addition shortening the processing time. Particles are spheronized through to the rotating movement. By adjusting the process parameter spherical pellets can be formed with the “Rotor-System”.

A further optional extra is equipment for spraying melt, 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 specific applications, 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 in a combination with a cyclone and external filter. The ProCell LabSystem also offers 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 be used alone in order to control the inlet air moisture. The inlet air moisture is measured and may be stored as a process parameter in the protocol.

For the production of large samples, or special 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 enable 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.

From left to right: “ProCell 5-System” - “AGT 150-System” - “GF 3-System” -“ Rotor 300-System”

The standard unit ProCell LabSystem is equipped with a cartridge filter. In order to work with smaller product volumes a bag filter is supplied. The smaller surface of the filter means that less product is collected in the and more product remains in the process. An additional advantage is the bag's cleanability, which can simply be laundered in a washing machine.

Practically all new process options have been developed in response to our customers. Should you be looking for new, different and/or additional applications - we very much look forward to discussing these matters with you, and generate yet new features for the ProCell LabSystem.

Visit us at Powtech 2008,
Hall 5, Booth 3.22.

For further information please contact:
Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH
Nordstraße 12
99427 Weimar / Deutschland
Telefon +49 -3643 47-1502
Telefax +49 -3643 47-1271
eMail: redaktion@glatt-weimar.de