SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE

Atomization

Extrusion

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Encapsulation Process Comparison

Encapsulation Process Applications:

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	cGMP pilot-scale facilities are available for sample preparation. Custom encapsulation equipment is often fabricated to meet unique client demands.

Several atomization processes are used by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) staff to solve product performance requirements. Atomization processes include:

• Spinning disk

• Spray drying

• Spray chilling/congealing

Spinning Disk

Spinning disk is a highly versatile encapsulation process used to prepare matrix morphology and overcoated particles. SwRI staff have innovated the disk process to yield narrow particle size distributions, produce micron-sized particles, and process batch sizes down to a few grams with high recovery efficiency.

Spinning Disk Applications

• Hot melts, prilling, and congealing

• Solvent evaporation

• Water evaporation

• High-solids and high-viscosity feedstocks

Spinning Disk Characteristics

• Particle sizes from 5 µm to 3,000 µm

• Narrow particle size distributions

• Feedstock versatility

• Scalability and high production capacity

• High recovery efficiency

• Continuous production

Spray Drying

Spray drying is a traditional atomization process suitable for many feedstocks. Atomization is achieved by nozzle or veined wheels, two-fluid spray nozzles, pressure nozzles, or sonic energy.

Spray Drying Applications

• Water- or solvent-based materials

• Temperature sensitive materials

Spray Chilling/Congealing

SwRI scientists use a spray-chilling process to prepare microspheres as shown below.

An SwRI-developed spinning disk provides spherical particles with uniform coating and narrow particle size distributions. High-speed video 1: Windows Media or QuickTime High-speed video 2: Windows Media or QuickTime		SwRI scientists used a spray-chilling process to prepare these microspheres.

For more information about microencapsulation or nanoencapsulation atomization capabilities at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please fill out and submit the Microencapsulation Requirements form or contact Joseph Persyn, M.S., at jpersyn@swri.org or (210) 522-2691, or James Oxley, Ph.D., at joxley@swri.org or (210) 522-2913.
 

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Southwest Research Institute^® (SwRI^®), headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, is a multidisciplinary, independent, nonprofit, applied engineering and physical sciences research and development organization with 12 technical divisions.

October 26, 2009