2 replies to this topic

[Ella2365]

This started without any process or concentrate changes.

We are experiencing an issue in a spray dryer system (MPC):

- Pressure to nozzles increased from 130 bar to 160 bar without any process changes
- Significant increase in fines, confirmed by sieve analysis in the laboratory
- As a result, solubility index increased from 0.9 ml to 3.5 ml
- Hoses and orifices/swirls have already been replaced

We suspect a possible partial internal blockage in the nozzle lance. From programme graphics it is not possible to decide which one lance is struggling. High pressure pump is working properly.

Questions:
1. Have you experienced internal clogging causing higher atomization (more fines)?
2. What practical methods do you use to verify clogging without visual inspection?

Any experience with milk protein (MPC) systems would be highly appreciated.

[breizh]

Hi,

This should be part of the process description and process validation. I believe your process is under cGMP and atomization pressure should be one of the key parameters of your process.

Good to review the documents supplied with the equipment and or ring the equipment's supplier.

Particle Engineering using Spray Drying and Fluid Beds

 

Note: Comments based on my experience using fluid bed dryer to produce paracetamol.

 

Breizh  

[carlos infante]

Check carefully the size and shape of the atomizing orifice, then match it with the vendor specifications. They are affected on time by the particles in the slurry at high velocities at the outlet.  

 

Besides, once I found that the particle size and the pressure on the ring inlet were fluctuating, the nozzle installed was not the adequate orifice size and was provided erroneously by the vendor.

 

carlos