GEA Pharma Systems unveils ConsiGma-1 lab-scale continuous granulator

Introduced at the Interpack 2011 trade show, Belgium-based GEA said its new system was designed for fast and easy deployment in R&D labs.

In developing the unit, the company said it had addressed many of the common issues faced in the early stages of drug development, such as the ability to produce small quantities of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) when working with new formulas.

The ConsGma-1 consists of a patented continuous high shear granulator, plus various auxiliaries to allow the granulation process to develop. In addition, the modular nature of the lab machine allows for a small dryer - equal to one drying segment of the ConsiGma production dryer and capable of handling 0.5 to 1.5kg of granules – to be added if necessary.

Fast processing​

GEA claims the ConsiGma-1 is capable of running batches ranging from as little as a couple of hundred grams, up to five kilograms or more “with less than 10g of product held up in the process and less than 80g of product losses.”​

Additionally, the ConsiGma-1 boasts fast processing and minimal retention times, which, according to GEA, make it “ideal for developing formula and processing parameters using Design of Experiments.”​

Both the ConsiGma-1 and ConsiGma lines are available for testing in GEA’s new cleanroom at its facility in Wommelgem, Belgium.

Minimal waste​

GEA Pharma Systems introduced the first in its ConsiGma range three years ago. The system was developed in response to an industry-wide need for a flexible, continuous granulation system capable of dealing with batch sizes of up to several tonnes quickly, and with minimal start-up and shut-down waste.

As well as its ConsiGma range, GEA is known for its Aeromatic Fielder fluid bed processors, Buck containment valves, and Courtoy tablet presses.