NICA™

Pelletizing Technology

NICA™ Pelletizing Technology

NICA™ Pelletizing System is a unique modular concept comprising an Extruder

and Spheronizer; which can be supplied as a complete integrated pellet production
plant or as individually selected units to meet your specific process optimisation
requirements.

For maximum operational flexibility, the modules can be operated in either batch or continuous
mode, as standalone units or with other up-stream or down-stream equipment - such as fluid bed
processing systems. Ideal for both product development and full-scale production, scale-up is
easy; it’s simply a factor of processing time.

NICA™ Extruder
Ideally suited for sensitive products that could be damaged by more intensive systems, the NICA™
Extruder is based on efficient, low-shear technology and is designed to minimise work input
and minimise temperature rise. A wide range of extrusion screen sizes and configurations are
offered to optimise pellet diameter, surface quality and size distribution.

Used for both batch and continuous production mode, the NICA™ Extruder has no stagnant areas
and no significant product hold-up. A compact design and small footprint facilitate installation
and cleaning and, with a simple reconfiguration, formulations that require a high level of work
input can be processed.

• Efficient low-shear technology

• Wide choice of extrusion screens
• Gentle on product
• Small foot-print
• Easy to clean

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Pelletizing Technology

Typical capacities for Extruder;

Model Typical Throughput Minimum Batch Size

E-connect 0.1 to 0.5 kg/min 50 gms

E-140 0.5-2 kg/min 200 gms

E-220 2-8 kg/min 1 kgs

E-connect E-140 E-220

NICA™ Spheronizer
The Nica™ Spheronizer features a smooth-edged, close-fitting friction wheel for good sphericity
and a tight size distribution. This patented smooth edge design eliminates edge-milling
problems and the undesirable fines that are associated with traditional technologies. Process
optimisation is achieved by selecting the appropriate cycle time, wheel speed, product load and
friction pattern, and regulating the airflow past the wheel periphery.

The NICA™ Spheronizer is fed directly by the NICA ™ Extruder and; for high volume applications,
two batch spheronizers may be fed by a single continuous extruder. The versatile design is also
easy to operate and clean.

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Pelletizing Technology

• Good pellet sphericity

• Produces no fines
• Versatile system
• Easy to operate
• Easy to clean

Typical capacities for Spheronizer;

Model Typical Throughput

S-connect 50-250 gms/batch

S-320 0.2-1.0 kgs/batch

S-450 0.4-2.0 kgs/batch

S-700 2-10 kgs/batch

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Pelletizing Technology

Integrated Ease
Building on GEA’s renowned integrated granulation systems, NICA™ is available as
five fully equipped pelletization systems.

Equipment Equipment Description Typical

Scale Throughput*
Comprises of;
Lab / R&D Scale NICA IPS-5 Extruder - E-connect 1-5 kg/hr
Spheronizer - S-connect
Comprises of;
Pilot Scale NICA IPS-25 Extruder - E-140 25-30 kg/hr
Spheronizer - S-450
Comprises of;
Small Scale NICA IPS-50 Extruder - E-140 50-60 kg/hr
Spheronizer - 2 nos. x S-450
Comprises of;
Intermediate
NICA IPS-100 Extruder - E-220 90-100 kg/hr
Scale
Spheronizer - S-700
Comprises of;
Large Scale NICA IPS-200 Extruder - E-220 180-200 kg/hr
Spheronizer - 2 nos. x S-700

*can increase significantly depending upon product properties

IPS-5 IPS-25 IPS-50 IPS-100 IPS-200

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Pelletizing Technology

Controls options Validation services

• Graphical MIMIC operator interface • Full IQ / OQ documentation

• On-line monitoring and trending • Site qualification / validation suppor
• Recipe handling • Technical support and maintenance
• Batch management / bar coding • Training
• CIM integration

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