The Gansons Fluid Bed Dryer
The Gansons Fluidised Bed Dryer (GFBD) dries pharmaceutical granules, powders, and particulates quickly and uniformly through a hot-air fluidisation process. It is used across pharmaceutical, chemical, and food manufacturing for post-granulation drying, moisture reduction, and solvent removal. Gansons FBDs are installed in facilities regulated by the US-FDA, UK-MHRA, EMA, WHO-GMP, and health authorities in over 50 countries.
Cyklon® Air Distribution System
- The Cyklon® air distribution system is designed to reduce the drying time and eliminate the largest bottleneck in granulation, long drying time.
- The Cyklon® is a proprietary design that represents the cutting edge of fluidized bed drying.
- The unique air distribution eliminates the need for perforations - therefore it is easy to clean, assemble and maintain. The ordered motion of air prevents material stagnation, utility wastage and inter-particulate attrition.
- The result is an extremely rapid, uniform drying of material with negligible powder loss. The ‘push-pull’ fans allow sharp control of process parameters.
Air distribution plate types
- Standard Perforated Plate: The most common type, consisting of a plate with multiple small holes to allow uniform air distribution. The size and arrangement of the holes affects fluidization quality and pressure drop across the plate.
- ConidurTM Plates: Unlike conventional round perforations, ConidurTM plates feature a unique triangular to semi-elliptical perforation with an inclined, conical opening. This design reduces passage resistance and prevents blockages, leading to imporved performance and higher efficiency.
Air distribution plate types
- Standard Perforated Plate: The most common type, consisting of a plate with multiple small holes to allow uniform air distribution. The size and arrangement of the holes affects fluidization quality and pressure drop across the plate.
- ConidurTM Plates: Unlike conventional round perforations, ConidurTM plates feature a unique triangular to semi-elliptical perforation with an inclined, conical opening. This design reduces passage resistance and prevents blockages, leading to imporved performance and higher efficiency.
12-Bar shock-resistant designs
- Designed to withstand 12-bar pressure shocks, providing high explosion containment without the need for pressure relief systems.
- Utilizes specialized materials that maintain weight and handling characteristics while enhancing pressure resistance.
- Incorporates features for efficient cleaning, such as fully automatic WIP systems, ensuring hygiene without compromising containment.
- Suitable for various processes, including drying, granulation, and coating, making them adaptable for different stages of pharmaceutical production.
Other Key Features
ATEX rated designs
ATEX rated designs are available. The applicable zone and equipment classification is determined by the hazardous area classification (HAC) prescribed by the client or established through Gansons own process risk evaluation. Gansons can design to any ATEX category or zone requirement.
Three-stage filtration
The GFBD incorporates three-stage filtration including HEPA filtration. This ensures effective retention of fine particles, including API and excipient fines, throughout the drying cycle. Filter integrity can be verified with DOP testing. The filter system is designed for straightforward replacement and cleaning validation.
Modular air handling
The air handling system is modular and configurable. Humidification and dehumidification systems can be designed and integrated based on product requirements. This accommodates hygroscopic products, moisture-sensitive APIs, and processes requiring precise inlet air conditioning across seasons and geographies.
Other Key Features
ATEX rated designs
ATEX rated designs are available. The applicable zone and equipment classification is determined by the hazardous area classification (HAC) prescribed by the client or established through Gansons own process risk evaluation. Gansons can design to any ATEX category or zone requirement.
Three-stage filtration
The GFBD incorporates three-stage filtration including HEPA filtration. This ensures effective retention of fine particles, including API and excipient fines, throughout the drying cycle. Filter integrity can be verified with DOP testing. The filter system is designed for straightforward replacement and cleaning validation.
Modular air handling
The air handling system is modular and configurable. Humidification and dehumidification systems can be designed and integrated based on product requirements. This accommodates hygroscopic products, moisture-sensitive APIs, and processes requiring precise inlet air conditioning across seasons and geographies.
Automation and Control
Gansons equipment is available with an integrated intelligent automation platform. Key features include:
- PLC/SCADA-based control with touch-screen HMI
- Centralised recipe management with role-based access control
- IoT enabled for remote monitoring and pre-emptive analytics
- Integrable with any site architecture including MES, ERP, and LIMS
- Customised reporting and smart graphs for lot reproducibility
- 21 CFR Part 11 compliant automation available as an add-on for regulated pharmaceutical facilities
- GAMP 5-aligned computerised system validation documentation supplied with 21 CFR Part 11 configurations
Installed in facilities regulated by US-FDA, UK-MHRA, EMA, WHO-GMP, Japan-PMDA, TGA, SAHPRA, MCC, and health authorities in 40+ countries. CE, UL, ATEX, ISO, and IEC configurations available on request.
Capacity Range
Pilot and R&D scale
1L to 10L
Commercial scale
25L to 2000L
Compliance and Certifications
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cyklon® air distribution system?
What shock pressure rating does the GFBD offer?
The GFBD can be designed to withstand shock pressures up to 12 Bar, making it suitable for solvent-based drying processes and reactive material handling.
What is the difference between the FBD and the FBPC?
The FBD is a dedicated drying unit. The FBPC adds top-spray granulation and Wurster bottom-spray pellet coating capability on the same platform, serving processes that require more than one fluid bed operation in a single system.
Is the GFBD ATEX rated?
Yes. ATEX rated designs are available to any zone classification, determined by the client’s hazardous area classification or Gansons process risk evaluation.
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