Pharmaceutical substances (APIs)

Reproduzierbare Produktqualität und Prozesssicherheit

Continuous production of active pharmaceutical ingredients

Whether you are producing antivirals, anti-asthmatic drugs, hormone derivatives, orlistats or statins: In the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API), rotary pressure filters (type RPF) and indexing belt filters (type BF) are particularly suitable for solid-liquid separation. These filter systems enable continuous processes that demonstrate vast potential for increasing yields and improving quality assurance. At the same time, our filters meet the highest demands as regards product quality, purity and process reliability.

Benefits at a glance:

  • Continuous production and monitoring
  • Various options for cake treatment
  • From tiny batches to mass production
  • Top process reliability and end product quality
  • Validation conformity

Closed filtration systems

Rotary pressure filters and indexing belt filters are closed and inert systems that are successfully used by the pharmaceutical industry in both continuous and batch production. The solutions help manufacturers ensure absolute purity and high product quality. BHS also offers both systems to customers and interested parties as laboratory and pilot filters for product and process development. These models provide reliably reproducible results and enable the production of very small quantities.

Druck oder Vakuum

With the rotary pressure filter, all process steps take place in discrete, pressure-tight segment zones. Single-batch production in pharmaceutical quality is made possible by supporting counter-current washing, displacement washing and closed-cycle washing. The indexing belt filter is a vacuum filter that makes it possible to separate sedimentation solids gently and reliably. The filter cake formed on the conveyor belt can be further processed in various ways.

Continuous processes

Rotary pressure filter of type RPF X20 with TwinDrive and an active filter area of 8.6m²

Continuous processes

In the pharmaceutical industry, continuous production is increasingly replacing production based on the batch principle. Solid-liquid separation based on efficient, continuous filtration solutions is the key to achieving this. The rotary pressure filter is a true success story in this field of application. It significantly boosts productivity in the manufacture of antibiotics.

International standards

Indexing belt filter of type BF 100-050 in pharmaceutical design. The pharmaceutical version is certified according to EN ISO 22716 and has ground and polished surfaces

International standards

When it comes to the use of our products in the pharmaceutical industry, we naturally consider the standards and specifications according to GMP, CIP and ATEX. All systems can be validated and are manufactured in compliance with highly demanding quality guidelines. They address applications such as manufacturing intermediates or producing active substances.

Drying of APIs

The BHS vertical dryers HVW-VT with their sophisticated vertical design offer top-of-the-line, highly reproducible product quality, maximum safety, and utmost ease of operation. The vertical drying mixers are equipped with a top-driven, rotating and self-centering helix with bearing and seal which are external to the product chamber. Contamination of high-quality APIs is thus reliably prevented. The large heating surface implemented as a heated double jacket, as well as the optionally heated shaft and helix, ensure optimal heat transfer, meaning the product is heated up quickly and uniformly. The vacuum lowers the boiling point and accelerates drying. The product is continuously homogenized in the vessel during the drying process, with no temperature or moisture gradient in the product at any point.

Benefits at a glance:

  • Short drying times at full product protection
  • Simple and thorough CIP cleaning systems
  • Processes even under pressure and vacuum
  • Large heating surface thanks to double jacket, shaft, and agitator heating
  • FDA compliant, validated designs

Safety in detail

Quality and safety - BHS vertical dryer with endless liner system
Quality and safety - BHS vertical dryer with endless liner system

Safety in detail

To prevent issues such as cross-contamination, CIP cleaning nozzles ensure coverage of the entire interior and the filter housing when the machine is closed. With GMP designs and the use of FDA-compliant, pharmaceutical-compliant materials and seals, the highest production reliability is ensured.

Our machines in use

Indexing belt filter (BF)

This type of vacuum filter is particularly gentle on sediments.

Rotary pressure filter (RPF)

A single rotation of the drum entails a number of different process steps, demonstrating the many facets of filtration.

Vertical dryer (AVA HVW-T)

Short process times with gentle product treatment.

Tests give certainty

Which technology is the right one for your process? Don’t leave anything to chance. In our test center and filtration laboratory, we test according to your specifications and identify the optimal solution for you.

Success stories

New approaches for the removal of catalysts from API suspensions

January 2019
The pharmaceutical industry has changed considerably. This is particularly the case for safety measures in the production of pharmaceutical substances (so-called APIs – Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients). This also applies to the removal of catalysts from API suspensions in particular, a processing step that has a direct impact on the quality of pharmaceutical products. BHS-Sonthofen supports companies from the pharmaceutical industry in using new filtration solutions that boast improved efficiency and reduce environmental impacts in the production of active ingredients.

Gulfood Manufacturing 2024

11/5/2024 - 11/7/2024 | Dubai (UAE)

CHEMUK 2024

05/15/2024 - 05/16/2024 | Birmingham (UK)

FILTECH 2024

11/12/2024 - 11/14/2024 | Cologne (Germany)

Satisfied customers worldwide

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Find a sales representative

Find your personal contact person on site. We are there for you worldwide.