Continuous Drying
Fast, gentle drying for high-quality API powders
CONTINUUS’s continuous drying technology transforms API suspensions into dry powders in minutes, without compromising product quality. Designed for seamless integration within an end-to-end Integrated Continuous Manufacturing (ICM) line, this system offers precise thermal control, in-line analytics, and flexible handling of both potent and thermally sensitive compounds. By maintaining a vacuum environment and eliminating batch delays, CONTINUUS enables faster and more consistent downstream processing, resulting in improved overall efficiency.
A Closer Look at Continuous Drying
The CONTINUUS drying system deposits a concentrated or diluted API suspension onto two heated, rotating drums. As the suspension forms thin films, heat is applied under vacuum, allowing for rapid drying at lower temperatures—ideal for preserving API stability and crystal form. Once dried, the powder is collected through a specially designed collection system prior to downstream processing. Options for built-in process analytical technology (PAT) provide real-time insights into key quality attributes, such as particle size, residual solvent levels, and solid-state form, ensuring real-time monitoring over product specifications.
Key Features of CONTINUUS’s Drying Technology
- R&D and GMP models, both available with a high containment option for highly potent material
- Residence time of only 0.5–5 minutes
- Gentle thermal processing—temperatures remain below the solvent boiling point
- Vacuum operation preserves heat-sensitive compounds
- Continuous temperature control for consistent drying performance
- In-line PAT for particle size, residual solvent, and crystal form analysis
- Data logging for pressure and temperature
- High-containment option available for potent compounds
- ASME BPE compliant design and built-in CIP capability
- Integration solutions available with upstream filtration and downstream formulation units
Modes of Operation
- Deposition of slurry
- Drying of slurry
- Temperature monitoring
- Powder formation
- Powder collection
Advanced Manufacturing Expertise to Guide Continuous Drying Process Development
We offer fully comprehensive process development services for all continuous manufacturing unit operations.
Integrated Continuous Manufacturing
/ API
- Flow Chemistry Reaction
- Polish Filtration
- Crystallization
- Solvent Recovery
- Filtration
- Drying
Unit OP Multi-Step
- Extrusion
- Injection Molding
- Coating
Plug-and-Play Unit Operations & Supporting Technologies
CONTINUUS’s modular, plug-and-play unit operations are engineered for seamless integration and rapid configuration and re-configuration. These units can operate as part of an ICM line or be implemented individually, enabling flexible deployment tailored to each program’s needs.
Join the CONTINUUS Revolution
Learn how Integrated Continuous Manufacturing will transform your supply chain by reducing the cost of goods, increasing product quality, enhancing sustainability, and accelerating your path to market.