A fluid bed processor is a versatile machine for drying, coating, and granulating particulates. This machine operates on the principle of fluidization, allowing uniform flow of air for drying. It extracts humidity from the particles, ensuring quality products.
Working Principle of a Fluid Bed Processor
- Loading:
The process starts by adding wet granules into the chamber. The product can also be sucked in through the high shear mixer chamber.
- Air Inlet:
The blower is switched on, and it starts drawing air into the tower through the lower plenum.
- Fluidization:
As the pressure of the air increases, so does the space between the particles leading to uniform drying by suspending the particles in air.
- Drying:
This process consists of three steps:
- Preheating:
The wet particles hang in the air, and slowly the moisture is attracted from the surface as the heat flows through the particles.
- Constant Rate:
In this stage, the temperature continues to rise, leading to the transfer of the liquid into the gas stage and finally evaporating.
- Falling Rate:
Finally, all the humidity is removed from the particles and they settle down thus with each of the particles free from the moisture.
Once all the steps of the fluid bed processor are completed, the particles or granules can be removed from the machine and thus moved for further processing or packed.
Uses of the Fluid Bed Processor
The fluid bed processor is a more useful industrial processing tool as compared to the fluid bed dryer, as it can perform functions like drying, granulation, and coating, whereas with bed dryer can only dry the materials. Here are the list of uses of the fluid bed processor.
- Pharamectiual Industry:
In the pharamectiual sector, the fluid bed processor is a reliable machine for manufacturing tablets and capsules. It is a primary application of this equipment, where the moisture is removed from the active ingredients, ensuring that the moisture content is removed for further processing.
Further, they can coat the tablets and other particles with a thin layer for various purposes, such as for taste-making, protection, and controlled release. The medicines need to be processed at a specific temperature, and a fluid bed processor helps in doing so that the impact does not deteriorate or cause any sort of harm to the consumers.
- Food & Beverage Industry:
The food and beverage manufacturing industry also benefits from the fluid bed processors. It is especially used for drying products like powdered milk, spices, and coffee, among others. The drying of the raw materials at precise temperatures leads to enhancing the quality of the product, maintaining its texture.. Apart from that, they are used for the precise coating of snacks, cereals, and confections. It leads to improved taste and evenly distributed flavors like sugar, salt or spices.
- Chemical Industry:
This industry is another major user of the fluid bed processor and is widely used for drying, granulation, and coating of chemicals. They are particularly useful in the production of fertilizers, pigments, and detergents, where uniformity of size is essential. The chemicals need to be processed at a precise temperature setting, or it can impact the quality of the product. The fluid bed processor helps in ensuring that the product is as per the specific requirement.
Another important application in the chemical industry is the production of catalysts. The ability to maintain uniformity in the size ensures that the catalysts are efficient and effective in processes like petroleum refining and polymer production.
- Cosmetic Products:
The cosmetic and personal care industry also utilizes fluid bed processors for accurate formation of their powdered products like compact, foundations, and blushes, among others. The machine ensures that the texture of the given make product is smooth and of even quality. Certain cosmetic products like surfactants, polymers, and fragrances require drying under consistent and uniform temperatures, ensuring efficient drying.
Wrapping Up…
Going through the above-mentioned usages, you must have understood how versatile the fluid bed processor is. Understanding the underlying principles will help you get better information about the functioning of a drying machine and make a wise decision while selecting one.
If you, too, want to invest in one, then choose the best manufacturer, ‘Riddhi Pharma Machinery Ltd.’. Their advanced technology ensures uniform drying of the granules, resulting in consistent, high-quality output. So, invest in them for efficient drying and the productivity of the operations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- What are the Features of the Fluid Bed Processor?
- High Efficiency
- Low Material Consumption
- Spray Granulator
- External Spray Gun
- Easy to change and discharge
- Low material consumption
- Which Materials are Not Suitable for the Fluid Bed Processor?
Liquids: The fluid bed processor sprays a fine mist through the nozzle on the top of the bed to form the required sizes. This spray is produced by materialized air and flows downwards, thus, the liquid will have no effect.
Pastry Materials: The pastry material will not be heated and fluidized, so it cannot be easily dried during the process.
- What are the Applications of the Fluid Bed Processor?
- Drying: Removing moisture from powder and granules
- Granulation: Creating fine granule particles for further processing
- Pelletizing: Creating small and uniform pellets
- What are the Benefits of a Fluid Bed Processor?
- Ensures uniform drying and granulation
- Improves heat transfer
- Easy to scale up and down
- Customizing the processing conditions
- Quick drying and processing of raw materials
- What is the Price of a Fluid Bed Processor?
The price of this versatile equipment can vary depending on the specifications, features, and models that you are considering buying. It also depends on the brand and duration of its presence in the market. Though the machine is integrated with various features, you should choose the one that meets your specific needs, and also keep in mind the budget.
- How to Maintain the Fluid Bed Processor?
- Remove the accumulated dust after usage.
- Clean the filter and air distributor.
- Use clean water to rinse the bed dryer of dust and debris.
- For smooth operation, lubricate the machine’s joints.