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How do I Decide Which Laboratory Extruder and Spheronizer I Need?

We are often asked for advice by researchers and teachers who want to acquire laboratory equipment for wet granulation formulation development using the extrusion and spheronization process. However, we typically find that all our equipment users have different requirements. Caleva offer a range of different solutions for extrusion and spheronization in your lab or teaching space. Each solution has options so the equipment can be adapted to suit your individual needs. 

These are some of the things you should consider when investigating the best extruders and spheronizers for your needs. 

 

Three key things to consider are:

    • The batch size you want to work with - this is fundamental and is generally the first thing you need to decide.
    • Will you need the ability to work with extrudate or pellets of different density? The density of your formulation can affect the properties of your final product. If your formulation is new then having the ability to investigate the effect of product density is recommended.
    • If your development will lead to manufacture, then consider the extruder type you want to use for production before you begin your formulation development. This can have significant long-range, practical and financial consequences.

Caleva Multi Lab (CML)

A granulator, extruder and spheronizer on a single Proof of Concept base unit.  Batch size from about 5 g to 50g (wet weight) - ideal for formulation development.  Significant cost saving over buying 3 separate machines. Incredibly fast turnaround between batches & product - 15 minutes - see the study and video here. Optional bowls and blades for high viscosity mixing.  Vary the density of your final product with specially designed extrusion dies.  A real GLP/GMP development tool.

Multi Lab Scientific (MLS)

The Multi Lab Scientific (MLS) is a reimagined all-in-one bench-top mixer, extruder and spheronizer designed to enhance and accelerate your formulation development journey. This is the very latest machine from Caleva, released in 2023. It benefits from innovative tool-less technology with quick-release attachments, automated data capture, recipe management and automatic control. Iterative formulation development and validation steps have never been easier.

Caleva Multi Bowl Spheronizer

Screen Extruder 20 & Multi Bowl Spheronizer.  Range of bowl size options on the same base.  Batch size from 50 g to 1000 g.  Low pressure screen extrusion.  Rapid scale up to cost effective production.  Purchase only what you need now – upgrade later as needed.  Extruder screen hole depths can be 1 or 2 mm to increase extrudate density.  No other currently available bench top system will offer you this wide range of batch sizes.

The Variable Density Kit

Caleva Variable Density Screw Extruder & Multi Bowl Spheronizer with a range of bowl size options on the same base.  Experiment with different densities in your extrudate or pellet results.   Increase the chance of development success by widening your options.  Batch sizes from 150 grams to 1 kg.  Screw extruder system that can be scaled up the Caleva Variable Density Twin Screw Extruder for production.

 

See Caleva's Entire Laboratory Range

View Caleva's full range of bench-top equipment for wet granulation formulation development. 

If you would like to talk to a Caleva equipment specialist, please feel free to get in touch with us via our contact form, or live chat. 


 

Dawn Philips
By Dawn Philips
22 Sep 2020 in Formulation Development

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