Spray Drying for Pharma Applications
Whether it is to obtain increased bio-availability; controlled release or taste masking; or to produce precisely defined fine powders for inhalation or other applications, PHARMA-SD® Spray Dryers allow you to unlock the potential of spray drying.
The PHARMA-SD® Spray Dryers have been designed using standard modules that incorporate all the required features necessary for cGMP production. The philosophy is that standardized modules are built together to meet the requirement for a specific duty. All plants are designed and configured to meet individual User Requirement Specifications.
With no or only minor modifications to the process set-up and the controls software, a standard PHARMA-SD® plant can cater for even advanced needs. A range of options, components and add-ons are available to meet unique demands whether it is in terms of product properties, control systems or cleaning. Especially in the case of large spray dryers, installations need to be adapted specifically to the site. We have a huge expertise in integrating up- and down-stream operations, Clean-In-Place (CIP) systems as well as process control systems integration. We work in close cooperation with our customers to design optimal solutions.
The PHARMA-SD® Spray Dryers extends from a lab size unit suitable for testing under cGMP conditions as well as small productions up to large-scale production units with a nominal drying gas rate of 4,000 kg/hr.
The PHARMA-SD® Spray Dryers are also available in a high-containment design allowing for safe spray drying of potent compounds at containment levels below 10 µg/m3 (OEL). The design provides for high personal protection and a safe working environment during operation, discharge and cleaning. This allows pharmaceutical companies to exploit the benefits of spray drying even of potent products requiring special precautions.
We work in close cooperation with our clients, performing detailed risk assessments and determining the optimal combination of spray dryer, isolator technology, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), etc. The concept is also suited for upgrading existing installations.
In the PHARMASD™ Spray Dryers both process and atomization gas passes through a HEPA filter before getting in contact with the pharmaceutical product. Exhaust gas is typically filtered through a bag filter and a police HEPA filter, and all filter housings and duct work are designed so integrity testing of HEPA filters is straight forward.
The plants are operated with a slight positive pressure to protect the product quality. Only in production of very potent drugs will a plant design with negative pressure be applied. The plants include a certified venturi and calibrated differential pressure measurement to monitor the process gas flow and automatic control of the supply fan. All instruments critical for product qualities are delivered with manufactures’ calibration certificates and can be re-calibrated according to Customer’s SOP.
Before leaving the workshops all components pass the Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) as defined in connection with Design Qualification (DQ). The FAT documentation not only includes material certificates and instrument manufactures’ calibration certificates. Copies of welders’ certificates are included, welding seems are inspected, and surface finish measured – just to mention a few. And very important, all activities are carefully documented to fulfil pharmaceutical Qualify Assurance demands.
All stainless steel surfaces coming in contact with the pharmaceutical product are made in AISI316 (EN 1.4401/1.4436) or better and come with material certificates. Gasket materials with product contact comply with FDA 21 CFR part 177.
Powder Talks - Aseptic Spray Drying
Whether it’s a fad or the future, 100% vial traceability is becoming an increasingly important consideration in the pharmaceutical freeze drying industry. Keeping a close eye on developments is GEA. We’re investigating possible solutions and, what’s more, we have the experience, expertise and know-how to implement them.
There was a time when the phrases ‘non-alcoholic beer’ and ‘tastes good’ were seldom used together in the same sentence, particularly by consumers. But low-proof and alcohol-free beers have come a long way – many of them now refreshing drinks in their own right – thanks in no small part to technology from GEA.
At GEA, our commitment to engineering for a better world fuels our pursuit of innovative solutions that enhance patient care and safety. One of our most promising ventures in recent years is aseptic spray drying – a technology that promises to revolutionize pharmaceutical manufacturing.