The Planex System is a multi-product dryer, developed for vacuum drying of wet powders obtained from a centrifuge or a filter press, that it is especially suitable for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients, fine chemicals and intermediates. It consists of a fixed, cylindrical chamber containing an eccentric agitator with two independent movements – rotation about its own axis and tangentially to the chamber.
The double, combined rotation in the Italvacuum Planex System vacuum drier permits optimal mixing of the product, the surface of the mass exposed to evaporation is continuously renewed and the entire volume of the vessel is covered. Solvent release is facilitated and drying times reduced. The two movements of the agitator – axial and planetary – can be either clockwise or anticlockwise. Moreover, any combination of movements can be achieved (even asynchronous). The unique agitator configuration, characterised by a diameter much smaller than that of the drying chamber, and the double rotation not only allow the continuous revolution of the product but also reduce mechanical stress, preventing local overheating due to friction. Even more delicate as well as temperature sensitive products can thus likewise be treated, as their purity is preserved and degradation of the dried batch avoided. It is worth mentioning that the mechanical stress on the product is only around a third that of traditional dryers. In addition, the smaller gap between the agitator profile and the wall of the drying chamber – less than 2 mm – stops the product from settling and renders unloading easier and more efficient.
All wetted parts of the Planex System are made of AISI 316L stainless steel, though any other weldable metal (such as alloy C-22 or AISI 904L) can be requested instead. The drying chamber wall, back cover, agitator shaft and front door are heated by diathermic liquid circulation, in order to avoid cold areas that could lead to solvent condensation or product aggregation.
Easy to clean
All internal surfaces of the drying vessel are mirror-polished or electropolished to increase the resistance to corrosion, reduce adherence and friction on the product, improve the flow properties of the powders and simplify cleaning. The agitator shaft also features a double mechanical seal system, which is designed to guarantee perfect vacuum tightness and assure the absolute purity of the dried batch. This seal can be either a conventional type with wet flushing or dry-running with nitrogen immission.
The inside is easily cleanable thanks to an efficient CIP system that allows complete washing of all parts in contact with the product, while the large front port makes inspections particularly simple and convenient. The performance of swab tests is enhanced by the eccentric agitator profile and the straightforward dismantling of its parts, in contrast to traditional systems where the paddles cannot be disassembled.
The Planex System’s exterior can be cleaned just as efficiently as the interior. In addition to the sealed external cladding (particle-free configuration), covering the insulating material, electric wiring and hydraulic piping, Italvacuum has developed a very original solution for supporting the drying chamber. As a result, external cleaning is optimised and no product accumulates in recessed areas. In combination with the partitioned design, this allows clean room installation, achieving the necessary pressurisation and separation of the sterile room from the machine room.
The Planex System is available in various sizes from 300 to 4800 l. The loading capacity varies from 15 % to 80 % of the vessel volume, so that both small and large batches can be treated. The system is safe for personnel, the environment and the product, being designed and manufactured in compliance with cGMP and Atex regulations. All the fittings required for the plant can be provided and suitably sized to round off the Planex System. Users can choose from a heating and cooling group for temperature control of the system, a condensation vacuum group with a tank for recovering extracted solvents, a safety external filtering unit, a high vacuum group and a control panel with a PLC for managing the operational parameters of the drying process, including software certified to CFR 21 – Part 11.
Hall 4.0, Booth M13
Online-Info www.cpp-net.com/2209433
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