Processing Machines

  Cosmetics Processing & Machines
Cosmetic processing and packaging is market driven and therefore demands for high quality products and packaging is high. As batch runs have been exhausted to their optimum, flexible process parameters are needed to meet the latest processing trends. The combination of vessel and agitator system developed by various manufacturers offers high productivity, quality and yield.

As well as the processing units themselves, de aerators, heat exchangers, mills and continuous manufacturing plants are also part of the primary processing line.

Processing lines will always contain the basic requirements of filling, labeling, packing and palletizing. Incorporated into the processing lines will be inspection at varying stages plus associated services such cleaning.

  Tablet Processing
The compressed tablet is the most popular way of supplying dosages. Tablets can be made into virtually any shape but the most common are round or oval in shape that are easy for a patient to swallow.

It is important that during the tablet pressing process, all ingredients are dry and are of a uniform grain size. There are two basic techniques used to prepare powders for granulation into tablets; wet granulation and dry granulation. Powers that are mixed well don’t require granulation and therefore can be compressed into a tablet by Direct Compression.

Tablet coating is the last stage and is carried out to protect the tablet from temperature and humidity and to hide the taste. The most common forms of tablet coating are sugar & film coating.

  Capsule Processing Machines
Capsule filling machines  fill small capsules. The size of the machines vary from single station machine which are ideal for R & D laboratories, clinical trials, small batch outputs and special production runs to semi automatic machines that have an output of 50 to 300 capsules per cycle.

Processing lines will always contain the basic requirements of filling, labeling, packing and palletizing. Incorporated into the processing lines will be inspection at varying stages plus associated services such cleaning.

  Tablet Processing
The compressed tablet is the most popular way of supplying dosages. Tablets can be made into virtually any shape but the most common are round or oval in shape that are easy for a patient to swallow.

It is important that during the tablet pressing process, all ingredients are dry and are of a uniform grain size. There are two basic techniques used to prepare powders for granulation into tablets; wet granulation and dry granulation. Powers that are mixed well don’t require granulation and therefore can be compressed into a tablet by Direct Compression.

Tablet coating is the last stage and is carried out to protect the tablet from temperature and humidity and to hide the taste. The most common forms of tablet coating are sugar & film coating.

  Process Pumps
Various types of process pumps can be used depending upon the type of product to be moved between or within the complete process line of the various integrated sub systems. Pumps such as centrifugal, diaphragm, dosing, gear, metering, reciprocation and vacuum can be used. For example, vacuum pumps will be used for powder handling but screw-metering drives can be used for more accurate powder movement.

  Process Cleaning Machines
The cleaning of the process machines will be mainly carried out by CIP (Clean In Place) systems. Depending on the sensitivity of the product being produced, the equipment may be cleaned aseptically and therefore eliminating any possible contamination from outside.

  Sterilizing Machines
Sterilizing machines can also be called, Autoclaves and Retorts. There three main types of sterilizing system; static, rotary and pilot or laboratory systems.

General Characteristics are :

  Blending & Mixing
Blending is to combine or mix so that the constituent parts are indistinguishable from one another and to obtain a mixture of particular character, quality or consistency.

Blending machines such as Agitators, Conical blenders, Continuous mixers, Dough mixers, Emulsifiers, Gas, Homogenisers, In line mixers, Meat mixers, Paste mixers, Plough blade, Powder mixers, Ribbon mixers, Solid phase mixers, Viscous product mixers, Z Blade mixers.

  Extruding Machines
In the pharmaceutical industry, extruders are used to produce the pellets required for the downstream process. As stand alone machines, the extruder can be integrated into existing lines and control systems. For flexibility, extruders can be used for batch and continuous line processing. Connection to upstream granulation and downstream spheronisation and drying processes is also possible.

  Granulators
Current good manufacturing practices increasingly require that product is fully contained during processing to protect operators and environment. Integrated process systems not only offer containment but improved productivity through automation, increased yield and efficient cleaning procedures.

The granulation process can be one of the following; Low shear dry granulation, high shear wet granulation and melt granulating. Mixing and granulating can be combined into one machine.

  Homogenisers
Homogenise is to reduce to particles and disperse throughout a fluid. Inline homogenizers are the ideal solution for continuous processing of emulsions and dispersions.

  Milling & Sieving
The integration of all types of mills and sieves can be tailored to suit the individual needs. There can be specific applications such as hoist mounted systems and high powder containment levels. Other design options include nitrogen purge systems and CIP systems.

Quick change over between products is essential and the application of integrated control systems is needed.

There are various types of mills such as toothed colloid, corundum stone and perforated disc mills. Product is loaded via a hopper that can also be fitted with a feed screw, or via a pump. The milling zone is sealed by a single or double-acting mechanical seal, with no dead space. All product contact surfaces should be very easily cleaned with no need for dismantling (CIP). Thorough washing of all static seals during the cleaning process complies with the hygiene standards (DIN EN 1672). In all industrial sectors, demands in terms of flexibility and hygiene management are constantly on the increase.