Lab Rotary Granulator

Product Overview of Lab Rotary Granulator

The ZL-80 Lab Rotary Granulator is a compact, high-performance wet granulation system designed for lab-scale pelletizing applications in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food processing industries. This laboratory pelletizer is ideal for research and development, formulation trials, and small-batch production.

As a part of a complete granulation line, it is commonly used in conjunction with a GHL high-shear mixer and an FG fluid bed dryer, providing a seamless workflow for wet powder processing, granule formation, and drying. Its compact design and high flexibility make it an essential piece of equipment for R&D facilities and pilot plants.

This rotary granulation machine delivers uniform, dense granules with excellent flow characteristics and compressibility, ready for further processing such as tablet compression or capsule filling.

Lab Rotary Granulator Video

Wet Granulation process video 

Working Principle of the Wet Granulation Equipment

The ZL-80 rotary granulator uses a mechanical extrusion and compression method to produce uniform cylindrical granules from damp powder materials. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Wet Material Loading

The prepared wet powder is fed into the granulator via the top inlet. The consistency of the material should be optimal for extrusion—typically prepared in a high-shear mixer.

Step 2: Compression and Extrusion

A rotating pressing blade drives the material downward toward the granulation chamber. A specially designed spiral impeller then pushes the material against a sieve screen with defined aperture sizes.

Step 3: Granule Formation

As the damp material is compressed, it is extruded through the mesh, forming consistent and uniform cylindrical granules. This model does not include a cutter, making it ideal for formulation trials where granule length may vary and be evaluated.

Step 4: Granule Discharge

The granules are discharged through an outlet, ready for drying in a fluid bed dryer or for direct packaging. The open discharging structure minimizes sticking and clogging, even with sticky or viscous materials.

Key Components and Features

Precision Mesh Screen

The mesh size directly determines the granule diameter. Multiple screen options are available, offering flexibility for different materials.

Spiral Impeller Design

Reduces material heating and enhances flow, making it suitable for heat-sensitive or sticky substances.

Adjustable Speed Control

Independent speed control for pressing blades enables processing of a wide range of material types.

Full Stainless Steel Construction

 Available in 304 or 316L stainless steel, meeting GMP requirements for hygiene and corrosion resistance.

Compact Footprint

 Ideal for laboratories with limited space or those scaling up to pilot production.

Rotary Basket Granulator Specifications

Specification	Details
Model	ZL-80
M Capacity(kg/hour)	10-20
Power(kw)	0.37
Diameter of basket(mm)	80
Rotary speed	Inverter (VFD) regulated
Sieve hole (mm)	0.6-3
Power Supply	220V/1P/50Hz
Contact Material	SUS304 / SUS316L
Control Options	Touch button
Net Weight (Kg)	80
Dimensions (mm)	800x600x1000

Applications: Where the Rotary Granulation Machine Excels

This versatile lab-scale wet granulator is perfect for a variety of applications, particularly where granule size uniformity, product consistency, and clean processing are essential.

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Granulation of APIs (active pharmaceutical ingredients) and excipients for tablet and capsule production

• Ideal for formulations involving herbal extracts, vitamins, and nutraceutical powders

• Helps in evaluating tablet flow properties, compression suitability, and dissolution behavior

Chemical and Agrochemical Industry

• Granulation of pesticide powders, fertilizers, ceramic materials, and catalysts

• Suitable for materials with high viscosity or poor flowability

Food and Nutritional Products

• Formation of granules from food powders, functional ingredients, and sweeteners

• Used in R&D and small-batch production of instant beverage powders, seasoning granules, and protein blends

Components of a Basket Granulator

1. The Basket and sieve

The basket is the central component of a basket granulator. It is a cylindrical container with a perforated base and side walls. The basket is responsible for holding the material being granulated and allowing the granules to pass through.

The sieve comes in a perforated metal sheet. It functions as a mesh screen and wraps around the basket. With a stainless-steel construction, the sieve works to grade and screen the particles crushed by the rotating rotor.

The basket granulator sieve is available in various sizes and perforated types. Sieve helps achieve the desired particle sizes depending on your production needs. Our sieve has a round. The perforated metal sheet's smallest hole is 0.6mm.

1.1 Types of Baskets

Basket granulators come in different types of baskets, including fixed and removable baskets. Fixed baskets are permanently attached to the granulator, while removable baskets can be easily removed for cleaning and maintenance purposes.

1.2 Materials Used for Baskets and Sieve

Baskets and sieves are made from different materials, including stainless steel, and carbon steel. Stainless steel is the most common material used for making baskets due to its corrosion resistance and durability.

2. Impeller

The impeller of the rotary basket granulator is a rotating component that is responsible for mixing and agitating the material inside the basket. The impeller ensures that the material is uniformly distributed and that the granules are of uniform size and shape. The impeller is placed inside the basket and rotates at high speeds to create a centrifugal force that pushes the material against the basket's walls.

2.1 Impeller Design

The design of the impeller affects the efficiency and effectiveness of the granulation process. Impellers are designed with different shapes and sizes, and the number of blades also varies. The impeller design should ensure that the material is well-mixed and that the granules are of the desired size and shape.

2.2 Materials Used for Impeller

The impeller is made from different materials, including stainless steel, and carbon steel. Stainless steel is the most common material used for making impellers due to its corrosion resistance and durability.

3. Drive Mechanism

The drive mechanism is responsible for rotating the impeller inside the basket. It is made up of several components, including the motor, belt, and pulleys.

3.1 Motor

The motor is the main component of the drive mechanism and is responsible for providing the power needed to rotate the impeller. The motor's horsepower and speed depend on the size and type of the basket granulator.

3.2 Belt

The belt is responsible for transferring the power from the motor to the pulleys. It is made of rubber or synthetic materials and should be properly tensioned to ensure efficient power transfer.

3.3 Pulleys

The pulleys are responsible for transferring the power from the belt to the impeller. They come in different sizes and materials and should be properly aligned to ensure efficient power transfer.

Advantages of the ZL-80 Lab Rotary Granulator

Dust-Free Operation

The enclosed processing chamber prevents dust emission, supporting cleanroom environments.

High Yield and Low Material Loss

Designed for efficient material flow and minimal sticking.

Easy Cleaning

Disassembly is quick and simple, saving time during product changeovers.

Scalable Design

Results from the lab machine can be easily scaled to industrial models.

Available Models and Scale-Up Options

While the ZL-80 is ideal for laboratory and pilot production, our product portfolio includes a range of industrial rotary granulators (such as ZL-200, ZL-300, and ZL-400 models) for large-scale granule production. These machines feature advanced granule length control systems, continuous operation, and higher throughput capacity.

Material Compatibility and Compliance

The ZL-80 granulation system is built to meet the stringent requirements of modern process industries. The frame and contact parts are available in:

• 304 Stainless Steel: Cost-effective and widely used in general applications.

• 316L Stainless Steel: Ideal for processing materials with corrosive or chloride-rich components.

The equipment complies with GMP and CE standards, making it suitable for use in global pharmaceutical and food production facilities.

Integration With Complete Granulation Lines

The ZL-80 rotary granulator can be fully integrated into a modular granulation line that includes:

• Wet Mixing (via GHL high-shear mixers)

• Vacuum Conveying Systems

• Drying Equipment (fluid bed dryers, tray dryers)

• Sieving Machines (vibratory sieves for post-drying screening)

• Tablet Press Machines or Capsule Filling Machines

This plug-and-play modularity supports flexible process validation, pilot-scale testing, and scale-up to full production.

Order & Customization Options

We offer global delivery and customization services to tailor the ZL-80 rotary granulator to your exact needs. Options include:

• Screen mesh size customization

• Blade angle and material upgrades

• Full automation with PLC and HMI interface

Contact us today for a quotation, technical specification sheet, or to discuss a complete lab or production line solution for your project.

Maintenance Tips for Rotary Granulators

To ensure the longevity and efficient operation of basket granulators, it's essential to perform regular maintenance. Here are some tips:

Cleaning

Basket granulators should be cleaned regularly to prevent buildup and contamination. The impeller, basket, and other parts should be disassembled and cleaned thoroughly.

Lubrication

The moving parts of rotary basket granulators should be lubricated regularly to prevent wear and tear. The oil should be of high quality and applied in the right quantity.

Inspection

Basket granulators should be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear. Any damaged parts should be replaced promptly to prevent further damage.