They are multipurpose pieces of specialist equipment with a wide range of industrial applications, but they are primarily used for active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) filtration following crystallisation. So, how does agitated nutsche filtering work?
Understanding the Nutsche Filtration and Drying Process
The main function of agitated nutsche filtration and drying is to isolate solids in batch-oriented processing. There are various methods of recovering APIs from a slurry, but the most obvious advantage of nutsche filter dryers is the combination of slurry filtration, product washing, and vacuum drying processes into a single unit.
Early iterations of the technique comprised an open vessel which separated solids from solutions using suction. This method was surpassed by the enclosed designs of the 1960s, which integrated the process into a closed system. Alongside greater process control, enclosure enabled new nutsche filter systems to utilise agitation and pressure. It also opened avenues for processing more potent compounds with extremely stringent Occupational Exposure Limits (OEL).
Key Components in an ANFD
Modern Agitated Nutsche Filter Dryers are typically comprised of five chief components:
Jacketed Pressure Vessel
For positive pressure or low vacuum levels with high sealing efficiency.
Bi-directional Agitator
With an adjustable stroke; each direction providing a different process effect on the product.
Base Filtration Element
Which can take various configurations and pore sizes to accommodate different product profiles.
Heating Elements
For temperature control (heating or cooling down) of the process.
Discharge Plug/Valve
Which must be suitably designed to allow maximum product recovery yield.
These are the essentials, but various additional parts are available where necessary, such as bayonet plugs for faster maintenance turnaround, integrated process cameras for more efficient method control, and dust filters for containment of high active ingredients.
Initiating Filtration
The agitated nutsche filtration process begins when the slurry is introduced to the vessel, either in bulk or in gradual volumes. Agitation generally doesn’t begin until this initial step is complete. The agitator, which is a bladed drive assembly within the vessel, is then initiated. This begins a low-speed high torque mixing action close to the filter media to ensure the cake height doesn’t inhibit the filtration rate. A gas pressure is subsequently applied and solid—liquid separation begins. As filtration advances, the agitator blades rise to the top of the product cake to smooth out cracks and/or preferential channels. This process is quicker than relying on gravity, and allows for faster filtration rates.
Slurry Washing
Once the API crystals have been fully separated, any remaining filtrate and impurities must be washed-out. This can be carried out via a traditional or pre-slurry wash—the latter generally being preferred. A traditional wash introduces a solvent which seeps through the product cake to displace impurities or mother liquor residual traces. This is often conducted multiple times for best results.
A re-slurry wash may be conducted, which is a similar process albeit with the agitator ploughing the solvent into the cake before pressing. Solids are fully resuspended which increases the contact between solid surfaces and solvent, therefore reducing the total volume of solvent needed to reach equivalent purity levels. At the end of the process, persistent liquid is pressure filtered from the system.
Drying
After washing, the drying process can begin. Where it is necessary, there are two main options: pressurised gas heating, or vacuum-assisted heating. Both methods depend on optimal heat transfer within the vessel; so, heat transfer media is typically applied to the sidewall, filter base, and agitator blades. Additionally, the agitator continues to serve a critical purpose by providing gentle mixing and drying homogeneity.
The agitator ensures vertical homogeneity in the cake layer by raising/lowering as required. Even more difficult products can be broken down by temporarily reversing direction. This level of bespoke control extends to the temperature-controlled zones too. These can be cooled down at the end of the process to bring the product temperature down to a safe level for manual intervention during discharge.
This is a crucial step, and often the most difficult as the mixing action can be precisely and uniformly programmed throughout the process. Convective drying can dramatically accelerate process times, provided it is carried out effectively.
Dispensing the product
Finally, the agitator again serves a critical role in product discharge, gradually forcing the cake to the vessel wall and discharge plug. A funnel is often used for optimised packing, and heel recovery can be performed using an additional product rake.
