The centre of the GEA Pharma Systems’ small scale and R&D approach is PharmaConnect™. This innovative system provides a unique benefit to the Pharmaceutical Development industry, integrating a single Control Unit with a diverse range of Process Modules.

Based upon GEA Pharma Systems’ class-leading PMA™ and Gral™ granulation technologies, the PharmaConnect™ provides the user with the ability to process batches from as little as 100g, right up to 25kg or more, all from a single control system.

However the PharmaConnect™ is not limited to just granulation; the unique design of the Control Unit allows any number of process technologies to be operated from the single Operator Interface.

The key technologies offered include:

  • PMA™ - Bottom Driven High Shear Granulation.
  • Gral™ - Top-Driven High Shear Granulation.
  • Nica™ - Extrusion and Spheronization.
  • Buck™ – IBC Blending Systems and Containment.
  • TRV – High Shear Blending.

Each of these technologies is class-leading. PharmaConnect™ provides the opportunity
to try them all.

Control Unit
At the centre of the PharmaConnect™ technology is the Control Unit. Available in Through-the-Wall (TTW) or Mobile format. The unit features GEA’s Module Recognition System (MRS), Touchscreen User Interface and one of the module drive systems. The MRS senses the type and capacity of the connected module, seamlessly displaying an image of the process on-screen, enabling the correct operational set points and defining the parameters for the electric motors. A true Plug and Play system for the busy Formulation Scientist!

PharmaConnect™ has a single control system that allows multiple process modules to be attached. Typically this could be a range of PMA™ or Gral™ High Shear Granulator bowls, but the system also accepts GEA extruder, spheronizier and blending systems. PharmaConnect™ is available in through-the-wall or mobile formats and has the ability to process batches from as little as 100g up to 25kg.

The key GEA Pharma Systems technologies that can be connected through PharmaConnect™ are:

  • PMA™ - Bottom-Driven High Shear Granulation: Standard module capacities are 1,3,5,10,15,20,30 and 60 litres with each unit being geometrically scaleable. Each module features its own impeller drive motor, maintaining a consistent energy input per unit volume. This level of flexibility provides development scientists operating at the 1-litre level with true scale-up data.
  • Gral™ - Top-Driven High Shear Granulation: the MicroGral™ offers 1 and 4-litre capacities, with the UltimaGral™ providing further scale-up to the 10, 25 and 75-litre capacities. Both machines have a unique design that provides optimal flow of the product during granulation.
  • NICA™ - Extrusion and Spheronization pelletizing System: offers the capability to pelletize batches from 50g while maintaining the operating principals of the larger pilot and production machines.
  • Buck® – IBC Blending Systems: designed to handle a full range of laboratory-sized IBCs from 3 litres to 15 litres, with a further module capable of extending the range up to 60 litres. All sizes feature the removable Blending Prism™ technology unique to GEA Pharma Systems.
  • TRV – High Shear Blending: Turbo Rapid machines for the blending of homogenous, stable powders for the production on inhalable drugs. Available with 1,8, 25 and 65-litre total volumes.
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