The wet granulation production line is a core process in the pharmaceutical industry, widely used for manufacturing tablets, capsules, and other solid dosage forms. This process involves mixing powder materials with a binder solution to form wet granules, followed by drying, sizing, and final compression or coating.

The production line consists of six key equipment units:

• HLSG (High-Speed Wet Granulator)

• FL Fluid Bed Granulator (Integrated Granulation and Drying Machine)

• PGL Lifting and Tumbling Granulator

• HTD Multi-Dimensional Motion Mixer

• Tablet Press

• BG Coating Machine

Below is a detailed description of each component's functionality, working principles, and role in the production line.

HLSG – High-Speed Wet Granulator

Function Overview

The HLSG (High-Speed Wet Granulator) is the core equipment for the wet granulation process. It mixes raw powder materials with a binding liquid to form uniform, dense wet granules through high-shear mixing.

Working Principles

• Raw powder materials are loaded into the granulation bowl.

• The agitator blade and high-speed cutting knife are activated while the binder liquid is added.

• Under intense mechanical shear and mixing, the powder and liquid combine to form granules.

• The wet granules are discharged through an outlet for further processing.

Key Features

• Rapid mixing and uniform granule formation.

• Adjustable parameters for flexibility in formulation.

• Easy to clean, compliant with GMP standards.

• 2. FL Fluid Bed Granulator – Integrated Granulation and Drying Machine

Function Overview

The FL Fluid Bed Granulator integrates mixing, spray granulation, and drying into a single unit. It is commonly used for drying wet granules or for one-step granulation processes.

Working Principles

• Heated air enters from the bottom chamber, fluidizing the material bed.

• A binder or coating solution is sprayed onto the fluidized powder via nozzles.

• Wet granules are dried rapidly by hot air, completing the granulation and drying steps.

Key Features

• Combines granulation and drying in one step, reducing intermediate handling.

• High drying efficiency and improved granule flowability.

• Precise control over granule size and moisture content.

  
  

PGL Lifting and Tumbling Granulator

Function Overview

The PGL Granulator is used to size and refine dried granules, removing oversized agglomerates and improving uniformity and flow properties.

Working Principles

• Granules are lifted by an elevator mechanism and poured into a rotating cylindrical sieve.

• As the sieve rotates, granules are crushed and screened.

• Particles within the target size range pass through the sieve, while oversized granules continue to break down.

Key Features

• Fully enclosed design to prevent dust contamination.

• High automation and user-friendly operation.

• Efficient granule sizing and stable product quality.

  
  

HTD Multi-Dimensional Motion Mixer

Function Overview

The HTD Mixer ensures homogenous blending of sized granules with lubricants or other excipients before tablet compression.

Working Principles

• The mixing drum performs multi-directional movements (up/down, left/right, forward/backward).

• Granules are continuously overturned and diffused within the drum, achieving uniform mixing.

Key Features

• High mixing uniformity with no dead zones.

• Short mixing time and high efficiency.

• Easy disassembly and cleaning for compliance with hygiene standards.

  
  

Tablet Press

Function Overview

The tablet press compresses blended granules into tablets of specified shape, hardness, and weight.

Working Principles

• Granules are fed into the die cavity via a feeder system.

• Upper and lower punches apply pressure to compress the granules into tablets.

• Finished tablets are ejected and collected.

Types

• Single-punch tablet press (for small-scale or R&D use).

• Rotary multi-station tablet press (for industrial-scale production).

Key Features

• Adjustable pressure settings for different formulations.

• High production efficiency and automation.

• Optional online monitoring systems for quality control.

BG Coating Machine

Function Overview

The BG Coating Machine applies coatings (e.g., sugar, film, or sustained-release layers) to tablets to improve appearance, mask taste, or control drug release.

Working Principles

• Tablets are placed in a rotating drum and continuously tumbled.

• Coating solution is sprayed onto the tablet surface via atomizing nozzles.

• Hot air circulates to dry the coating, forming a solid layer on the tablets.

Key Features

• Precise temperature control for even coating.

• Dust collection system to minimize contamination.

• Programmable controls for process optimization.

Production Workflow Summary

Raw Materials → HLSG Granulation → FL Fluid Bed Drying → PGL Sizing → HTD Mixing → Tablet Compression → BG Coating → Final Product  

Summary

The wet granulation production line is a highly integrated and continuous system for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Its advantages include:

• Mature and versatile process for diverse formulations.

• Stable granule quality with excellent flowability.

• Seamless integration between units for high automation.

• Compliance with GMP standards and ease of validation.

With advancements in pharmaceutical technology, wet granulation lines are evolving toward intelligent automation and digital process control, enhancing production efficiency and quality assurance.