Fluid Bed Processing - Industry Applications

• Fundamentals of Fluid Bed Drying          Back to GEA NIRO
• Fluid Bed Types
• Fluid Bed Designs
• Fluid Bed Process Systems
• Industry Applications

Chemicals

• Polymers
• Ceramics
• Detergents
• Dyestuffs, pigments
• Fertilizers
• Inorganic salts
• Organic chemicals
• Pesticides

In this wide category of industries, the whole spectrum of fluid bed dryers and process systems are applied. the process may involve drying, cooling, agglomeration, or granulation. The fluid beds may also be used for finishing of powders produced by spray drying. For each application, the process concept and design details are selected to meet the specific requirements based on industrial experience and testing of the product.

Pharmaceuticals and Biochemicals

• Antibiotics
• Drugs
• Enzymes
• Fermentation products
• Proteins
• Vitamins
• Yeasts

These industries use both continuous and batch processing. The execution of dryers is characterized by high hygienic standards, pressure shock protection, self-emptying capability, and automatic cleaning systems.

Batch systems are used for mixing, drying, granulation, and also for coating of powders, pellets, tablets, and capsules.

A wide range of plant systems and sizes are available.

Polymers

• ABS-copolymers
• Polymethylmethacrylates
• Polycarbonates
• Polyethylene
• Polypropylenes
• Polystyrenes
• Polyvinyl chlorides

Today, fluid beds are preferred to rotary dryers for drying and cooling a wide range of polymer materials. The heat sensitivity of these materials requires precise control of residence time and temperature. Polymers having either water and organic volatile or monomer content are processed. For the latter, gastight, closed cycle arrangements with solvent recovery are used. Process safety systems are carefully designed for personnel, plant, and environmental protection. Fluid bed dryers with heating panels are often used due to high production rates and demand for lowest energy consumption.

Foodstuffs and Dairy Products

• Baby foods
• Carbohydrates
• Coffee
• Dairy products
• Foodstuff additives
• Health food extracts
• Soup mixes

Plants for these industries are characterized by their high sanitary standards, self-emptying capability, and automatic cleaning systems. Quite often, the products are required in agglomerate or granular form to achieve good instant properties. Therefore, fluid bed dryers are combined with spray dryers, agglomeration or granulation systems. Vibro-Fluidizers are applied for drying and cooling under lenient conditions to prevent deterioration of particle structure.

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