A new kind of micro mixer now makes it possible for continuous solid substance processes to be carried out in the pharmaceutical industry. This increases flexibility in comparison with the traditional batch process, while at the same time reducing the space required.

The Food Drug Adminstration FDA, the American approval authority for pharmaceutical products, has started some years ago an initiative “ Continuous Manufacturing”. This initiative is aimed at improving the production process, allow more rapid development and lead to reduced production cost. To meet their requirements of this new mixing process, Gericke have extended their range of GCM continuous mixers for this very small throughput volumes. The GCM 250 is designed for a capacity 1 – 200 kg/h, such it can be directly installed up-stream a tablet compaction unit.

The mixer has a cantilevered mixing rotor with a quick release connection. A purely metallic flashed shaft seal guarantees that non of the products can enter into this chamber. The mixing chamber rotor and shaft seal can be separated from the stationary drive unit in a matter of a few seconds for cleaning. All the process parts can be cleaned in an autoclave.

The mixer and the loss-in-weight feeders can be tested in the Gericke Test Centre.