YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

  • Small-sized lab fluid bed dryer, which can be used for lab fluidized bed drying, fluidized bed granulation and fluidized bed coating.
  • Can be placed on the bench or mounted with wheel for use on the floor.
  • The minimum material volume is 100 grams, which is convenient for material preparation.
  • Good granulation and coating effect, uniform granules after granulation.
  • Suitable for granulation of different materials, very good granulation effect on sugary materials.

Pilotech Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

YC-310 laboratory spray granulator is a benchtop dryer & granulator with a minimum sample throughput of 100 grams. The pot body can be changed to suit different processing capacities.

YC-310 laboratory spray granulator is suitable for pharmaceutical, food, ceramics, biology, chemicals, materials and other industries.

eBookCover
Sr.noParameterPilotech YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer
1FunctionSpray granulator, coating, fluid bed drying,mixing
2Spray granulator capacityMax. 300g/batch
3Minimum sample volume100g
4granulator temperature40-150⁰C
5Compressed air7 Bar
6CoatingMax. 300g/batch
7MixingMax. 300g/batch
8Nozzle typeTwo fluid nozzle
9Nozzle jet0.7mm standard/(1.0/1.5/2.0mm available)
10Airflow0-150 mᶟ/h
11Peristaltic pumpMax. 1000ml/h
12Heater power3KW
13Main chamber materialSUS304 Stainless steel
14Body materialSUS304 Stainless steel
15Seal of cyclone/cylinderSilicone
16Dimensions700*600*1150mm
17Display7-Inch LCD display

Pilotech Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer: The Complete Buying Guide

YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer can quickly dry powder with high moisture content, and it guarantees high speed and high efficiency.

Pilotech YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer has a large contact area due to sufficient contact with the hot air, and the drying temperature is uniform due to the different rotations of the sample. So it prevents local overheating. It can be applied to the drying of some heat sensitive materials.

Pilotech YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer can control the sample moisture content after drying since the duration of samples in the drying chamber can be adjusted.

Our Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer is suitable for drying particles with sizes 5μm~6mm. And it has good applications in many industries such as food, biology, chemical, fertilizer, pharmaceutical, minerals and so on.

Here are our Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer main advantages for your reference:

  1. Fast: The drying process generally will range from tens of seconds to about ten minutes.
  2. Efficient: The high-speed circulation of hot air is drying faster and more even than ovens, microwaves and the vacuum drying.
  3. More coverage: It is suitable for drying most granules and powders.
  4. Stable: The precise control will ensure consistent results after repeated uses.
  5. Easy to use. YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer parameters can be set directly through the color touch screen panel.

The drying chamber of Pilotech YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer is made of a mixture of SUS304 stainless steel and borosilicate glass. The drying process of the sample is easy to observe, and the parameters can be easily adjusted during the experiment.

For more accurate temperature control, our dryer adopts PID thermostat control, which has higher temperature control accuracy. For all models of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryers, we use touch screens to make them more convenient to operate.

In the laboratory, sometimes the sample size is small. What should you do? Our YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer can solve this problem very well. Even if your sample volume is only 50 grams, it is still a piece of cake for our machine.

Pilotech YC-310 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer has many specifications, like 300 grams, 500 grams, 1000 grams, 3000 grams, and 5000 grams. You can make your choice according to your needs. Even one of 5000 grams can also be used to dry some micro samples in a small drying room.

In order to make you and your colleagues operate our fluidized-bed dryer more conveniently, we made a video to help operate the machine. So you don’t have to worry when using our machines.

Please be free to ask a quick quote from us!

 

Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

In this guide, you will find all information you’re looking for about lab scale fluid bed dryer.

From design specifications, parts, working principle, features to related equipment – you will find everything about fluidized system right here.

Let’s dive right in.

What is a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

This is a compact benchtop system that will eliminate moisture from the material. It operates using the principle of fluidization of the materials that you feed.

It will use a powerful system that delivers hot air to eliminate moisture or solvents from different samples. Also, this system will make sure the content is completely dry even when the material is fine or has irregular shapes.

One can use it in applications like mixing powders, drying powders, or agglomeration. Besides, it is common in laboratories and pharmaceutical industries.

Laboratory granulator

 Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

What are the typical Uses of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

A lab scale fluid bed dryer will typically dry materials like tablets, plastics, fertilizers, granules, etc.

Here are the uses of this equipment:

  • The machine will rapidly dry several kinds of chemicals, minerals, foodstuffs, etc.
  • Besides, it can completely dry heat-sensitive products at low-temperature levels without damaging them.
  • One can use this equipment to determine the availability of moisture of dry foodstuff, tobacco, or adhesives.
  • The machine can also transform pharmaceutical or chemical “cakes” to form a powder form.
  • Also, you can use it to simulate large-scale procedure installation on a laboratory scale.
  • Dairy industries will use this machine to manufacture powder products.
  • Chemical industries will apply this equipment to make dyes in powder form.
  • Also, metallurgical industries make use of a lab scale fluid bed dryer.
  • Fertilizer industries use this machine to dry inorganic fertilizers like calcium fertilizers.
  • Food industries will process, dehydrate and preserve food materials using this machine.

What are the various Types of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

There are several types of lab scale fluid bed dryers. It is possible to categorize all of them as follows:

Batch Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

This can come in either a vertical or horizontal design. Here, we will explain the vertical batch lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Besides, it is the common lab scale fluid bed dryer in the pharmaceutical industry. Let us look at some designs available for a vertical batch lab scale fluid bed dryer:

Low temperature spray dryer

Batch Type Fluid Bed Dryer

Reverse Turning Vertical Batch Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

In this system, it is possible to turn the gas dispersion plate. One will use the fluid bed dryer motor to turn it to 90 degrees.

After doing this, the lab scale fluid bed dryer will discharge the granules or powder materials.

Rotating Discharge Vertical Batch Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

In this lab scale fluid bed dryer, the discharge gate will be on one side of the system.

This is because of the whirling effect of the gas through the gas dispersion plate that has perforations.

The whirling gas will push the dry materials out from the system to the discharge gate.

Here are some features that make a batch lab scale fluid bed dryer unique:

  1. It is easy to automate the system especially during the feeding and discharging of the materials.
  2. Also, it is suitable for granular or crystalline substances.
  3. When you control the residence time, you can achieve a uniform drying process.
  4. Besides, it is the best choice when the accuracy of the process is of importance.

It is worth noting that the build of a batch lab scale fluid bed dryer will vary from one manufacturer to another. This means they come with varying specifications and features that will differ greatly.

Continuous Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

This machine can come as either a:

  1. Horizontal continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer
  2. Vibrating continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer

Manufacturers are always modifying these lab scale fluid bed dryers to suit them for specific operations.

Here are some aspects of a continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer:

  1. They are suitable for granules and crystalline materials.
  2. Also, the machine will deliver between 60% to 80% of the heat that dries the materials.
  3. The dryer can handle substances that have high moisture or solvent content.
  4. Besides, the residence time will depend on the length of the drying chamber.
  5. However, for a vibrating continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer, residence time depends on the frequency and amplitude of the vibration.
  6. The tube and the heat transfer plate are inside the continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer.

In this system, the materials will flow over a bed that has perforations and will blow air to enhance the fluidization procedure. The material with moisture will dry in one section in a continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer as the cooling occurs in another section.

Semi-Continuous Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

This kind of dryer is common in the modern processing of materials. Besides, a semi-continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer combines features of batch and continuous lab scale fluid bed dryers.

It comes with many features and the chambers will operate in a parallel position. However, there is a disadvantage to using a semi-continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer.

This is that they will not minimize the probability of wastage. Also, this limitation makes the common options in several applications being batch and continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer.

It is worth noting that there is a large capacity of materials that remain in the chambers of a semi-continuous lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Modified Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

The construction of a modified fluid bed dryers makes them suitable for a specific application than conventional lab scale fluid bed dryers.

They will overcome some issues that you will encounter with conventional lab scale fluid bed dryers during the drying process.

Also, not all modified lab scale fluid bed dryers are better than conventional lab scale fluid bed dryers.

They may differ in terms of drying performance, material quality, or energy efficiency.

Some examples of modified lab scale fluid bed dryers include:

  1. Hybrid lab scale fluid bed dryer
  2. Pulsating lab scale fluid bed dryer
  3. Vibrating lab scale fluid bed dryer
  4. Immersed hear exchange lab scale fluid bed dryer
  5. Mechanically assisted lab scale fluid bed dryer
  6. Agitated lab scale fluid bed dryer
  7. Spouted lab scale fluid bed dryer
  8. Recirculating lab scale fluid bed dryer
  9. Jetting lab scale fluid bed dryer
  10. Superheated steam lab scale fluid bed dryer
  11. Freeze lab scale fluid bed dryer
  12. Heat pump lab scale fluid bed dryer
  13. Lab scale fluid bed dryer for inert particles

There are several types of lab scale fluid bed dryers depending on the classifications above.

It is important to understand your production process before selecting the type that will meet your drying needs.

Besides, the lab scale fluid bed dryer will depend on:

  • Gas dispersion
  • Excellent mixing process
  • Heat exchange to lower the moisture content in the materials.

What is the Drying Process of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

Drying Process of Fluid Bed Dryer

 Drying Process of Fluid Bed Dryer

A lab scale fluid bed dryer will operate by eliminating moisture or solvent from materials.

The process works by allowing air to flow via a bed that is full of solid materials in powder form.

Also, when the velocity of the air is greater than how the particles are settling, the particles will suspend in the air.

This is also because the air is flowing in an upward direction.

In this phase, the bed of solid particles will resemble boiling fluid and the reference for this phase is known as fluidization.

When you apply hot air to the fluidizing bed, the drying rate of the particles will increase.

A lab scale fluid bed dryer has a stainless steel chamber that has perforations at the bottom part known as the bowl. The materials you need to dry will occupy the bowl.

After that, you will introduce air from the bottom part of the bowl.

Also, the machine will heat the air by using heaters to raise the temperature of the air as per the production requirements.

Besides, the air will pass through a series of filters then head through the bowl into the bed of the substance you are drying.

Fans that are at the top part of the lab scale fluid bed dryer will assist to generate the airflow.

The control panel will help in adjusting the rate of flow and the operating temperature of the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Flow bed dryer beds will expand and the particles in powder state will begin a turbulent motion.

This will occur as the rate of airflow increases. The material will begin to dry since it is in constant contact with the hot air within the chamber.

Also, the air will leave the lab scale fluid bed dryer and pass through a filter. This enables one to collect the fine and dry particles of the substance that is moisture-free.

It is worth noting that the drying rate of a lab scale fluid bed dryer is high and the materials will dry within a short duration. The final product will be uniform and free-flowing.

What is the Principle of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer Granulation?

Granulation is the process where you will make the powder particles combine thus forming large particles or agglomerates.

These large particles are known as granules and the reason for granulation is to enhance the properties of the powder.

It can be to enhance the compressibility and the flowability that is suitable for downstream processes.

In this phase that involves spraying and drying, there will be the addition of a binder liquid.

This will make the primary particles to aggregate and lead to the formation of granules.

Also, the granule size distribution [GSD] is a vital factor that will affect the final quality of these granules.

This is because it will influence the dustiness, density, and flowability of the product.

For this reason, it is important to understand and control the granulation process to deliver an end product that is of high quality.

Also, the size of the granules depends on the amount and feeding rate of the binding liquid.

The advantages of the granulation process are:

  • It will prevent the segregation of constituents in the powder mix.
  • Also, it will increase the flow properties of the final product.
  • Granulation will enhance the compaction traits of the final mixture.
  • It will also minimize the dangers of using dust powder since they are very fine
  • Also, the dustiness of powders will be an explosion hazard this granulation will combat this effect.
  • Besides, it will also lower the danger of adhesion of the hygroscopic powder.
  • It will also offer more convenience when it comes to storage.
  • Also, it will enhance the porosity of the materials thus maximize the rate of dissolution.
  • It will also alter the size, shape, and smoothness of the material making it ready for coating.

How does a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer Coat Materials?

Coating of materials in a lab scale fluid bed dryer happens by combining the coating suspension in a spray.

This process will consist of dispersing droplets in a molten state on the surface of the materials.

The process will produce a homogeneous film on the substance.

Also, the spray material can be a solution, an emulsion, a melt, or a suspension.

One can spray a substance that has a stable molten phase thus making it possible for the coat to have a thickness of between 100 micrometers to 10 millimeters.

Also, this spray is edible for use in food industries.

One can apply one of the following methods when spraying from the bottom of the chamber:

  • It can happen vertically via a tubular or Wurster system.
  • Tangential spray or rotation.

Let’s have a look at the Wurster system.

There is a bottom spray system that will apply a uniform coat on small and medium particles without agglomeration.

Also, the movement of hot air and the product happens in a controlled environment.

This will make sure the heat from the air will vaporize the fluid while not heating the product undesirably.

A Wurster coater will coat and dry the materials and allow the material to return to the bed ready for another layer of coating.

What are Components of a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

Several components make up a lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Here are the parts that you will find in this dryer:

Inlet Air Handling Unit

This part has the sole purpose of supplying fresh, clean, and hot air that is necessary for fluidization for drying of particles.

The shape of the air handling unit is always rectangular.

One side of this system will provide the inlet for fresh air. The other end will extend into a ventilation system that links it to the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Parts of Fluid Bed Dryer

Parts of Fluid Bed Dryer

Primary Filter

This part is within the inlet air handling unit. It operates by eliminating particles that are the size of 10 micrometers.

These particles are visible to the naked human eye and include pollen. Besides, there are types of these filters that you can wash and reuse.

Post Filter

This is another filter within the inlet air handling unit and comes after the primary filter. It can eliminate fine dust particles as small as 1 micrometer.

Dehumidifiers

There are two kinds of dehumidifiers. The first one is the surface cooling dehumidifier condenser coils while the second one is the wheel dehumidifier system.

These parts are optional features as it depends on the humidity of the air that you are using in the lab scale fluid bed dryer. Condenser coils will come before the wheel dehumidification system.

Fans

The function of this part is to draw the air from the environment within the air handling unit. It will draw air to the heating chamber past the filters.

Heating Pipes

The next stage once you filter and dehumidify air is the heating phase. Air that comes to the heating chamber is cool and it will absorb heat that is on the surface of the heating pipes.

There are two ways you can heat the pipes: using steam or electricity. Most come with an electric heating system but steam heating is an additional unit that you can add to the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

HEPA filters

Air will undergo another filtration phase before it leaves the air handling unit. That is where highly efficient HEPA filters come into place.

This filter can eliminate small particles with a size of 0.3 micrometers. These mechanical filters have several fibers that are in a random arrangement thus forming a dense cushion.

This means it has a large surface area to eliminate the tiniest of particles. It can eliminate particles and contaminants like bacteria, spores, tobacco smoke, pigments, etc.

Multiple filtering phases are important as the air that comes into contact with the product has to be free from contaminants. Otherwise, this will contaminate the products and make food and drugs unfit for human consumption.

Sensors

These will detect any anomalies and relay them to the control panel for the operators to take action. Some advanced systems will automatically solve the problem and only relay information in extremely dangerous cases.

Also, some can automatically stop the machine completely should the issue be hazardous.

Differential Pressure Meters

These will make sure the pressure in the system is conducive ensuring proper filtration of air and drying of the products.

Frame

This part will hold all the components that make up the lab scale fluid bed dryer. The material that makes this part is usually high-quality stainless steel.

This is because it is durable and easy to clean.

Bowl

This is also known as the bottom chamber of the base part. It will connect the air handling unit using a stainless steel tube.

This tube will supply clean, hot, and dry air within the system. Also, there is a butterfly valve within the air inlet tube to stop the intake of air when you close it.

The bowl also has the inlet air plenum that will assist in the transfer of air up within the main tower.

Interlocking of the bottom unit and the product chamber is important before any production process begins.

To make sure the seal is airtight and leak-proof, it makes use of an inflatable gasket seal.

Product Container

The main function of this container is to hold the wet material that will undergo drying in the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

These are normally wet granules that you form by use of a high shear mixer.

The product container will come with a movable trolley that you can detach from the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

This enables one to move it from one part of the system to another part.

Also, the product container comes with a distribution plate or a bottom mesh. Stainless steel clamps will hold these parts firmly.

Other features of the product container are:

  1. It has a viewing glass area from which the operator can view the operation as it takes place.
  2. A sampling port that will enable the easy collection of the samples that are in the product container.
  • Also, a sensor monitors the temperature of the product.

Distribution Plates

These are metal screens or meshes that have perforations for holes.

The main purpose of the distribution plate is to restrict the flow of air that comes from the bottom chamber.

By doing so, it will distribute air evenly within the product container. The meshes will also hold the product in place during the drying process.

Process Chamber

It is also known as the retarding chamber and it is the area that is above the product container. An inflatable gasket makes the joint between the product container and the process chamber airtight.

This is the part where fluidization will take place. It happens as air comes into the main tower from the bottom bowl and the product chamber.

Expansion Chamber

This chamber will make up the middle part of the entire tower. It comes with a chamber that houses the filters which will contain the double structure filter bags.

The filter bags look like floating sacks above the process chamber.

During fluidization, the upward flow of air may catch small particles that are known as fines.

The function of the filter bags is to inhibit the exhaustion of the fines. When the filter bags are laden with the particles, mechanically shaking the bags will remove the dust layer from its surface.

One can shake the filter bags by using pneumatic cylinders that are at the top part of the main tower in the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Exhaust Pipe Connections

Two cylindrical pipes will come out of the expansion of the lab scale fluid bed dryer. They emerge from the sides of the filter bags.

Besides, after they emerge from both sides, they will converge into a single vent that connects to the blower. Also, they have fittings of dampers with actuators.

The function of the actuators is to make the damper move thus allowing the vents to open and close. Before it does this, it will receive electrical signals from the control panel.

De-dusting Unit

This is an optional feature that is also known as the secondary filter unit.

Some lab scale fluid bed dryers contain a second filtration system.

The function of the de-dusting unit is to capture the fines that the filter bag system did not capture. Since it is an additional feature, it will enhance filtration efficiency.

This means it will offer more environmental protection by minimizing the particles within the exhaust gas.

Besides, they are vital when you are handling toxic substances that will require a high level of containment.

Fluid Bed Drying Machine

 Fluid Bed Drying Machine

Blower

It is also known as the draught fan and comes as a centrifugal type of blower.

The main parts that make the blower are the drive motors, casings, driveshafts, and inlet and outlet valves.

When the lab scale fluid bed dryer is operating, the impeller will rotate making the molecules of air also rotate.

Also, the impeller will influence the centrifugal force in the molecules of air making them move radially.

Air will contain kinetic energy and positive pressure on the outlet valve when the system expels it.

Within the blower, the air will create negative pressure during the displacement phase.

This will make more airflow into the blower system. Centrifugal pumps are suitable for moving air via resistance like filter bags, dampers, etc.

The blower also has impellers that have a dynamic balance. Also, the blades curve backward thus they will face in an opposite direction to the flow of air.

Besides, lab scale fluid bed dryers have stainless steel construction with anti-vibration systems making them quiet.

Control Panel

This part will allow the operator to control several parameters that will enhance the drying process.

Such parameters include:

  1. Inlet air temperature
  2. Shaking time of the filter bag
  3. The start and stop time of the blower motor
  4. Lift and lower motion of the product chamber
  5. Monitor the exhaust temperature, etc.

The programmable logic controller [PLC] makes it easy to operate and monitor the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

It may also come with human-machine interfacing [HMI] which makes it touch-sensitive thus easing the operation.

Explosion Vents

This part will extend out from the expansion chambers and has a rapture disk that has a pressure of 2 Bar.

Earthing Device

It will eliminate the danger of static electric electricity as it absorbs and grounds the static charges.

What are the Technical Specifications of Fluid Bed Dryer?

Some of the important specifications to consider when ordering for Fluidized bed dryer include:

Working Capacity

The size of the product container is a factor that will determine the working capacity of this machine.

This will vary from one machine to another.

Total Electric Power Consumption

Ensure you understand how much power the machine will consume.

Drying Temperature

Ensure the drying temperature is suitable to eliminate moisture but not damage the product.

Volume of Airflow

It is worth noting that a high airflow rate will result in a fast fluidization rate.

Electric Heater

Ensure to select an efficient heater that will deliver the correct heating capability.

Blower

This part will push air into the fluidization chamber and its efficiency translates to fast fluidization and substance processing. It is vital to understand how much power it will consume and the revolutions per minute.

Electric Motor

This part has to be powerful enough to ensure maximum fluidization as the blower will receive enough power.

Spray Technique

The spraying mechanism depends on the application of the machine. One can choose a top spray, bottom spray, or tangential spray technique.

Size and Weight

Ensure the dryer will fit in the work area of your industry. Also, make sure that there is enough room for the operator to navigate around and maintain the machine.

The weight of the machine is also vital as it will dictate how much you can move it from place to place.

Control Mechanism

This part plays a vital role as it assists in operating and controlling the machine. It has components like HMI, PLC, etc.

What are the available Accessories for Fluid Bed Dryer?

Some of the auxiliary equipment for fluid bed drying machine include:

  • Drying tubs
  • Inlet and outlet filters
  • Pulse flow module
  • Humidity or temperature probe

What is the Maximum Sample Capacity of a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

This will vary from one machine to another as they come with different sample capacities. However, most lab scale fluid bed dryers will come with a maximum sample size of 5 kg.

yc-03 lab spray granulator

 Lab Scale Pharma Fluid Bed Processor

How long does it take to Dry Samples Using a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

Several factors will determine the drying time of a lab scale fluid bed dryer. Drying time will range between a few seconds to a couple of minutes.

Besides, complete drying will happen in less than 15 minutes. The rate of airflow and the temperature level are some factors that will influence the drying time.

How do I enter Parameters on a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

You will enter the production parameters via the control panel.

What Parameters need to be controlled in Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer System?

These include:

Apparatus Parameters

The equipment will control these parameters. They include the position of air distribution plates, height of the nozzles, and shape of the machine.

Process Parameters

The fluid bed dryer process parameters include the temperature, humidity, and rate of airflow.

Product Parameters

These parameters consist of:

  1. Moisture content of the product.
  2. The feed or batch rate.
  3. Moisture content of the material feed.
  4. Size, shape, and diameter of the particles.

What are the Advantages of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

The benefits of lab scale fluid bed drying machine include:

  • It is easy to operate and control as it comes with a touch screen and PLC.
  • The maintenance cost is low.
  • They are affordable to purchase.
  • Also, they will eliminate a high percentage of moisture content due to constant particle-gas contact.
  • A high thermal efficacy when the thermal energy comes from the internal heat exchanger.
  • It will offer uniform drying.
  • Also, it is suitable for use with thermo-sensitive materials since it can operate at low temperatures.
  • It will enhance the properties of the product such as the porosity.
  • There are no hot spots when the material is in a fluidized form.
  • It will also achieve a fast drying rate.
  • Besides, it offers a high material containment while allowing the operator to view and monitor the progress.

How does Air Flow in Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

The configuration is that the air that will assist in the fluidization and drying process comes from the external environment.

This is by use of pre-filters that will ensure the air is free from contaminants.

Other systems that assist in this are:

  • Desiccant dehumidifier
  • Humidifier
  • Freeze protection coil
  • Temperature control system
  • HEPA filters
  • Final heaters

After the drying process, the air with moisture passes through filters and fans before one releases it into the atmosphere.

How does Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer compare with Conventional Lab Scale Drying Techniques?

A lab scale fluid bed dryer is more economical than conventional lab scale drying techniques as it can process small samples.

For heat-sensitive products, lab scale fluid bed dryers are suitable as one can lower the temperature easily.

Conventional lab scale drying will have some hot spots on the material which the lab scale fluid bed dryer will not form.

There is uniform drying in lab scale fluid bed dryer than in conventional lab scale dryers.

YC1000-2-Laboratory Granulator &coating

Laboratory Scale Fluid Bed Drying Machine

What Material can be Processed Using a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

It is possible to process various materials like:

  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Minerals
  • Foods
  • Resins
  • Yeasts
  • Seeds
  • Plastics
  • Chemicals
  • Coals
  • Wood chips

Can I use a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer for Applications other than drying?

Yes, you can use it in applications such as:

  • The rough classification of particle sizes (Stokes law)
  • In mixing and blending solid substances
  • Determining moisture content in various materials

What are the Compliance Requirements of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

This machine must comply with international standards like:

Food and Drug Administration [FDA] Quality Standard

FDA ensures that a lab scale fluid bed dryer is fit to meet the necessary health standards.

Current Good Manufacturing Practices [cGMP] Quality Standard

This quality standard ensures the lab scale fluid bed dryer uses suitable designs and working principles.

CE Mark of Quality

All companies worldwide accept this quality standard despite it applying to European Economic Areas.

What are the Capacities available for Lab Scale Fluid Scale Dryer?

This machine can handle a minimum material capacity of 100 grams which makes it suitable for preparing materials. Besides, the capacity can go up to 15 kg.

What are the Monitoring and Control Options of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

Modern lab scale fluid bed dryer come with fully automated system.

The systems is integrated with sensors, whose parameters you can monitor via the human machine interface (HMI).

These sensors or process parameter detectors can vary from:

  • Flow measurement systems
  • Temperature detection systems
  • Sound detection system
  • Humidity detection systems

All these measurements or detection systems will measure variables.

You will use these variables to monitor all processes in lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Besides, they will help you to optimize the working principle of the lab scale fluid bed dryer.

Monitoring and Control Options of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

Monitoring and Control Options of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

What are the Safety Features of Fluid Bed Dryer?

Here are some of the important safety features of fluidized bed dryer:

  • A safe earthing unit that controls static current and overload relays.
  • An indicator to measure differential pressure for the filter bags, HEPA filters, and the bowl.
  • Automatic shut-off unit for above limits temperature when the process is over.
  • An air pressure switch that you install to make sure the pressure is within the limits.
  • Also, an explosion flap whose material is aluminum for safety purposes.
  • Seams that have welds for minimal loss of particles.
  • Unique labels that ensure excellent identification and traceability.
  • Testing the electric conductivity of bags to eliminate explosions because of electrostatic discharges.

What is Blower Capacity in Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

The capacity of the blower varies a lot since it depends on the size of the particles and the density of the materials.

You can refer to your machine drying capacity and capability.

What is Fluidization Velocity?

This is the minimum velocity of the fluid that is necessary to suspend the particles towards the finger bags.

What is the Minimum Velocity required to lift Particles to the Dryer’s Filter Bags?

This velocity will depend on the drying parameters. Factors that will affect it include the size of particles, rate of airflow, humidity, among others.

Is it possible to Print Process Parameters with Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

This is only possible on machines that you can connect to printers.

What is the Difference between Standard and Custom Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer Designs?

A standard design is already built and you purchase it as it is.

Custom designs mean you specify to the manufacturer how and what you need and they make it specifically for your application needs.

Also, standard designs are relatively affordable than custom designs.

What is the Mode of Heat Transfer in Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

This is via convective heat transfer together with direct contact.

The particles will attract heat from the air and conduct heat from the body of the machine when it comes into contact with it.

Does the Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer allow Setting up Specific Drying Programs for each product?

Yes, you can set specific drying programs via the control panel using the necessary controllers.

Does Operating a Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer require Special Training?

It is easy to operate and monitor this machine. However, operators must undergo special training to understand how to fully operate and maintain it.

What are the downsides of Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer?

Some of the disadvantages of fluid bed dryer include:

  • There is minimal flexibility and poor fluidization when the feed is too wet.
  • Attrition and agglomeration of fine particles.
  • It is not suitable for eliminating organic solvents.
  • A high-pressure drop leads to the suspension of the whole bed thus high energy consumption.
  • An increase in gas handling because of the extensive recirculation of the exhaust gas in highly thermal operations.
  • There will be a non-uniform drying of products with certain lab scale fluid bed dryers.
  • Conventional lab scale fluid bed dryers are not suitable for handling flammable solids since the heat may cause explosions
  • Entertainment of the finer particles.

How does lab scale fluid bed dryer compare to lab spray dryer?

The feed material in lab spray dryer is in fluid form while that of lab scale fluid bed dryer is in a solid state.

Also, the residence time is more in a lab scale fluid bed dryer than in a lab spray dryer.

Particle size is larger in lab scale fluid bed dryer than lab spray dryer.

YC1000-1-Laboratory Granulator FBD

Lab Scale Fluid Bed Dryer

How does lab freeze dryer compare to lab scale fluid bed dryer?

A lab scale fluid bed dryer will dry products by evaporating moisture by use of heat.

On the other hand, a lab freeze dryer will dry products by sublimating the moisture content.

Also, a lab freeze dryer is suitable for the elimination of organic solvents.

It is expensive to run a lab freeze dryer than a lab scale fluid bed dryer.

A lab freeze dryer is suitable for drying products that are highly combustible since it will not cause explosions.

At Pilotech design and manufacture a range of material processing machines depending on your unique requirements and specifications.

Whether you need spray drying machine, freeze dryer, granulator machine or extruder spherionizer, Pilotech offers a perfect solution for you.

Contact us now for all your lab scale fluid bed dryer needs.

Send Inquiry Now!

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