The Difference Between High Shear Granulation and Fluid Bed Granulation

What is granulation? Granulation is a vital process in the pharmaceutical industry, primarily used to improve the properties of powders, such as flowability, compressibility, and uniformity. 

It converts fine powders into granules, which are easier to handle and process during the manufacturing of tablets, capsules, or other solid dosage forms. Not only does it enhance the physical properties of powders but also ensures that active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are uniformly distributed, leading to consistent dosage forms.

Among the various granulation methods, high shear granulation (HSG) and fluid bed granulation (FBG) are widely used. 

High Shear Granulation & Fluid Bed Granulation: How to Choose?

High Shear Granulation

What is high shear granulation? High-shear granulation (HSG) involves mixing powders in a high-speed, mechanically driven mixing bowl, where a granulating liquid (often a binder solution) is introduced. The high-speed impellers break down and mix the powder, while the chopper reduces the granules into smaller, uniform sizes. The wet granules are then transferred to a dryer (usually a fluid bed dryer) to remove excess moisture and solidify the granules.

It is fast and effective at producing dense, uniform granules, and it can handle a wide range of powder characteristics.

Key Components of High Shear Granulation

• High Shear Mixer: This is the core component where powders and liquids are combined and granulated using high-speed impellers.
• Chopper: A secondary component that breaks down larger granules into smaller, uniform ones, ensuring consistency in particle size.
• Binder Solution: A liquid, often water-based, that facilitates the agglomeration of powder particles into granules.

Advantages of High Shear Granulation

• Speed: High shear granulation is faster than other methods due to the mechanical force applied.
• High Bulk Density: It produces dense granules, which are ideal for creating high-density tablets.
• Compatibility: HSG works well with powders that are difficult to granulate or those requiring precise handling to achieve compact granules.
• Suitable for High-Dose Products: The method is particularly effective for high-dose formulations, as it ensures even distribution of active ingredients​.

Fluid Bed Granulation

In fluid bed granulation (FBG), powder particles are suspended in an upward stream of heated air, causing them to behave like a fluid. A granulating liquid is then sprayed onto the fluidized particles, which causes them to agglomerate and form granules. The drying process occurs simultaneously, as the air evaporates the liquid, solidifying the granules in a single step.

This method is well-suited for materials that are sensitive to temperature changes, as it provides a gentler processing environment than high-shear granulation.

Key Components of Fluid Bed Granulation

• Air Distribution System: Ensures even fluidization of particles by creating a controlled upward airflow.
• Spray Nozzle: Introduces the granulating liquid uniformly to the suspended particles.
• Filtration System: Captures fine particles, ensuring they are reintroduced into the process to minimize material loss.

Advantages of Fluid Bed Granulation

• Uniform Particle Size: The fluid bed method produces more uniform granules than other techniques.
• Gentle Processing: Ideal for temperature-sensitive powders, as it provides a more controlled environment with less risk of overheating.
• Reduced Material Handling: Since the granulation and drying steps occur in the same chamber, there is less contamination or material loss risk.
• Scalability: Fluid bed granulation can be scaled easily from lab scale to full production without significant modifications to the process parameters​

Comparison of High Shear and Fluid Bed Granulation

Process Differences

The main difference between high shear and fluid bed granulation lies in how granulation is achieved. High shear granulation relies on mechanical force from impellers and choppers to break down and agglomerate the powder particles, whereas fluid bed granulation uses airflow to suspend the particles, while a binder liquid is sprayed onto them to form granules.

• High Shear Granulation typically produces denser granules with higher bulk density. This method is faster but requires a separate drying step.
• Fluid Bed Granulation creates more uniform granules with a lower bulk density and incorporates both granulation and drying in a single process​.

Applications

• High Shear Granulation is best suited for formulations that require dense, compact granules and for materials that require rapid processing. It is often used for high-dose products where uniform distribution of APIs is essential.
• Fluid Bed Granulation is ideal for applications that require more uniform particles, particularly for temperature-sensitive ingredients. It is commonly used in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries where gentle processing is critical​

Choose Your Granulation Machine at China Canaan

We offer a range of advanced granulation equipment, including both high-shear granulators and fluid bed granulators. Our high-shear granulators are designed for efficiency and speed, producing dense, uniform granules suitable for high-density tablet production. 

On the other hand, our fluid bed granulators are optimized for gentle, uniform granulation of sensitive materials, providing a comprehensive solution for your production needs.

Get the best of both worlds!

Whether you need fast, dense granulation or gentle, uniform processing, China Canaan’s range of granulation machines can meet your needs. 

Contact us today to learn more about our cutting-edge granulation equipment and how we can help you optimize your manufacturing process.

Resources

• Comparing Different Granulation Techniques
• High Shear Granulations (HSG) Vs Fluid Bed Granulations (FBG) – A differentiation guide
• A Comparison of Granulation Technologies