Krauss-Maffei cuts drying time at AstraZeneca

Increased output through faster and more efficient drying systems was the target for AstraZeneca at its Bristol site when it purchased two new conical dryers and two new HZ1000 Ph peeler centrifuges from separation and drying systems specialists, Krauss-Maffei Process Technology (UK) based in Warrington, UK. The two new drying lines at the Avlon site are key to increased production requirements for the popular anti-cholesterol drug, Crestor. The plant is a gravity fed system over four floors, with product discharged from the centrifuges then feeding the lower level conical dryers. Both centrifuges and dryers are sited within cleanrooms and operate with full CIP facilities for easy cleaning and batch production validation. The Peeler centrifuges are built through the cleanroom wall, such that the mechanical parts operate out of a clean environment and within a technical area. This enables simple and effective maintenance of the equipment and reduced downtime. The risk of cross contamination and loss of product due to manual intervention is also eliminated by this design. The conical dryers accept the dewatered solid discharged from the centrifuges for a final drying cycle. The gentle action and controllable heat application of the dryers ensures that vapour condensation and product build up are eliminated, producing a lump free, free flowing final product which is transferred via bins for storage or further processing. "We chose Krauss-Maffei Process Technology equipment as we have previous experience of their equipment and they have a very good track record here at AstraZeneca," said senior project manager Paul Youds. "We have been impressed by their commitment to our objective, competent and thorough design team and prompt and enthusiastic on site support."

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