Spray dryers

• Pharmaceutical industry: For the production of fine powders, microencapsulation of drugs, and formulation of pharmaceutical products.

• Food industry: For the manufacture of food powders (milk powder, instant coffee, flavors, nutritional supplements).

• Chemical industry: For the production of powdered chemicals, catalysts, pigments, and other substances.

• Cosmetic industry: For the creation of cosmetic powders, microencapsulation of active ingredients, and personal care products.

• Flavor and fragrance industry: To encapsulate flavors and essential oils, extending their shelf life and facilitating their use.

• Materials industry: To produce ceramic powders, battery materials, and other advanced composites.

• Research laboratories: For the development of new formulations and research on drying processes.

• Agrochemical sector: For the production of pesticides, herbicides, and other agrochemical products in powder form.

• Paint and coatings industry: For the production of pigments and other powdered materials used in paints.

• Biotechnology industry: For the drying of microorganisms, enzymes, or other biomaterials for use in research or production.

1. How much material do you plan to dry in each session?

For small quantities, a model like the YC-500 (benchtop) or the YC-015 may be suitable. For larger volumes, a pilot model like the YC-018 would be more appropriate.

2. Are your materials heat sensitive or do they require low temperature drying?

If so, a low temperature dryer like the YC-1800 or a vacuum dryer like the YC-2000 may be required.

3. Do you work with organic solvents or potentially flammable/toxic materials?

For organic solvents, the YC-015A or the YC-501, which uses an inert loop, would be recommended for safety reasons.

4. Do your materials require maximum retention of their properties (e.g. enzymes, probiotics)?

If so, a vacuum dryer like the YC-2000 or a combined spray and freeze dryer like the YC-3000 might be the ideal option.

5. Do you prefer a versatile unit that can handle different types of drying?

A multifunctional model like the YC-510, which can be used as a traditional, vacuum, or organic solvent dryer, might meet your needs.

6. How much space is available in your lab to install the machine?

If space is limited, a compact model like the YC-500 (benchtop) would be preferable. For larger capacities while maintaining a smaller size, the YC-018 is an option.

7. Do you need to granulate your materials in addition to drying them?

The YC-1000, which combines spray drying and granulation, would be suitable if you have granulation needs.

8. What is the nature of your testing or production: laboratory, pilot, or industrial scale?

For lab tests, models like the YC-015 or YC-500 will suffice. For pilot scale tests, the YC-018 would be more suitable.

9. Do you need maximum powder recovery after drying?

The YC-018 is designed to provide a high powder recovery rate (up to 92%), which could be crucial for some types of expensive or rare materials.

10. Does your project require rapid drying compared to traditional freeze drying?

If so, the YC-3000, which combines spray drying and freezing, can provide a faster drying process while maintaining material properties.

The choice of the most suitable drying method for a sensitive product depends on several factors, including the intrinsic properties of the product (thermosensitivity, oxidability, hygroscopy), the desired final quality (aroma, texture, biological activity) and industrial constraints (cost, flow rate).

When to choose which method?

Freeze-drying:

• Advantages: Ideal for products that are very sensitive to heat and oxidation, allows the initial properties of the product to be preserved as much as possible.

• Disadvantages: High cost, long drying time, requires specific equipment.

• Applications: Pharmaceutical products (vaccines, antibiotics), high-end foods (instant coffee, freeze-dried fruits and vegetables), cell cultures.

Spray drying:

• Advantages: Fast and continuous process, allows fine and homogeneous powders to be obtained.

• Disadvantages: Can degrade certain molecules that are sensitive to heat, risk of oxidation.

• Applications: Milk powder, flavors, fruit juices, chemicals.

Vacuum drying:

• Advantages: Moderate drying temperature, reduces oxidation.

• Disadvantages: Longer drying time than spray drying, requires specific equipment.

• Applications: Thermolabile products, sensitive to oxidation, pharmaceutical products.

Selection criteria:

• Nature of the product: Thermosensitivity, oxidizability, hygroscopy.

• Desired final quality: Aroma, texture, biological activity.

• Production rate: Spray drying is more suitable for large volumes.

• Cost: Freeze-drying is generally more expensive.

• Regulatory constraints: Some industries (pharmaceutical, food) have specific regulations.

Contact us: we will help you choose.