Crystallization technology
A crystallizer designed to produce coarse crystals with a narrow size distribution – limited secondary nucleation and an efficient fines destruction promoting crystal growth.
DTB Crystallizers have been studied widely in crystallization theory and can be modelled with accuracy. Its distinct zones of growth and clarified mother liquor make it possible to define in terms of kinetic parameters and thus, growth and nucleation rates can be determined.
These features make the DTB crystallizer very suitable to mathematical description and subject to good operating control.
The Draft Tube Baffle Crystallizer (DTB) consists of five basic elements:
It is specially designed to produce coarse crystals with narrow size distribution. The DTB can produce large size particles (up to 3mm) due to its gentle agitation of growing crystals with very limited breakage. It has a controlled residence time for optimal growth and a long operating cycle with limited encrustations.
Slurry of a desired solid density is circulated within the draft tube crystallizer impulsed by a bottom-flanged impeller pump. A DTB Crystallizer´s mechanical energy input is lower than that of a FC crystallizer thanks to a reduced pressure drop that limits attrition and therefore, secondary nucleation.
Crystals of a smaller and specific size are withdrawn from the baffle zone and are dissolved in the external circulation loop because of the clarified solution´s superheating.
Said superheating is relieved through evaporation and the evolving supersaturation leads to the growth of the suspended crystals. The evaporated solvent is either conducted to the subsequent process steps or reused by applying a recompression system of choice.



Simple in design and robust in operation. The working horse for industrial solution crystallization.

Fluidized bed crystallizer with the ability to grow the largest crystals at elevated retention time.

Available for product and feasibility trials with real samples and under real parameters. Either in GEA centers of excellence for crystallization or onsite thanks to our mobile units.

Process and mechanical innovation. Compact and Monoblock Forced Circulation Crystallizer.
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.