Pharmaceutical low shear extruder

Optimize your pharmaceutical pellet production with precision-controlled extrusion, ensuring consistent pellet density and minimizing temperature impact during processing.

The NICA Extruder System, offered by GEA, excels in the pharmaceutical industry for creating precise and uniform spherical pellets and granules. This radial basket extruder operates with low shear, making it ideal for sensitive pharmaceutical applications. Utilizing a radial design with dual rotors, it efficiently processes wet mass into an extrudable paste through a cylindrical screen, ensuring consistent product density and quality. Suitable for both batch and continuous production, the NICA system is adaptable through a range of screen and impeller options, promoting flexibility and precision in product compaction. Capable of handling varying throughput—from the E100 model integrated into GEA’s IPS5 system for small-scale work, to the E220 model scaling up production fourfold—this series meets diverse production needs.

Designed for integration into full pellet production lines, it connects seamlessly with upstream granulation and downstream spheronization and drying processes. The extruder’s energy-efficient variable-speed drives help reduce operational costs while maintaining optimal product treatment and temperature control. Constructed from durable materials and available with CIP systems, the NICA Extruder ensures compliance with GMP standards, guaranteeing quick and thorough cleaning to avoid contamination. As a versatile and robust solution, it is indispensable for pharmaceutical manufacturers targeting high-quality extrudate production, from coated tablets to controlled-release drug pellets.

Benefits

  • Enhances product quality with precise and consistent pellet formation.
  • Increases production flexibility with adaptable screen and impeller configurations.
  • Optimizes operational efficiency through reduced energy consumption and low product hold-up.
  • Ensures rapid batch turnover and scalability with both batch and continuous operations.
  • Minimizes contamination risk with easy-to-clean design and CIP capabilities.
Applications
Supplements,Pharmaceutical pellets,Pharmaceutical tablets,Nutraceuticals,Pharmaceuticals
End products
Coated tablets,Nutraceutical granules,Supplement pellets,Controlled-release drug pellets,Spherical pharmaceutical pellets
Steps before
Granulation,Wet Mass Preparation
Steps after
Spheronization,Drying,Pelletizing
Input ingredients
wet mass,sensitive products
Output ingredients
extrudable paste,spherical pellets
Extrusion Speed
0.1–8 kg/min
Extrusion Type
Radial basket-type
Rotor Type
Dual rotor system
Production Capability
500 g (batch) up to 2 kg/min (continuous)
Batch vs. Continuous
Batch or Continuous
Machine Sizes
E100,E140,E220
Screen Options
Multiple hole diameters and thicknesses
Temperature Control
Low temperature increase during extrusion
Speed Control
Variable speed drives
Compression Type
Plug-flow regime
Working Mechanism
Radial basket-type with dual rotors
Batch vs. Continuous Operation
Batch / Inline Continuous
Integrated Steps
Extrusion and Spheronization
Plug Flow Design
First in,first out
Automation Level
Variable speed drives
Cleaning Method
Easy to dismantle and clean
Abrasion resistance
Yes
Biological compatibility
Yes
Cleanability
Easy to dismantle and clean
Density/particle size
Varies,compatible with pharmaceutical wet mass
Corrosive resistance (e.g. acids)
Suitable for non-corrosive materials
Machine footprint
Compact design
Basket type
Radial basket-type
Rotor type
Single (E100) / Double (E140,E220)
Feed method
Gravity fed
Discharge method
Plug flow
Material handling
Low temperature
Expandable screen options
Variety of diameters and thicknesses
Equipment integration
Standalone or integrated
Integration possibilities
Standalone / Integrated with IPS system
Screen Options
Multiple hole diameters / wall thicknesses
Rotor Speed Control
Variable speed drives
Installation Configuration
Free-standing / Through-the-wall
Market info
GEA is known for its expertise in engineering innovative and sustainable equipment and solutions, focusing on sectors such as food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and energy, with a reputation for quality, efficiency, and advanced technological applications in industrial processing.