ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an understanding of the different components of a fluid bed processor and their functionality, as well as critical process parameters, equipment parameters, and their impact on the quality attributes of the granulation are discussed. The versatility of the different processes that can be carried out, for example, granulation, drying, melt granulation, particle coating, solution/suspension layering, and pelletization, and processes that can be carried out with aqueous or nonaqueous solvents are described in detail in this chapter. Further, a detailed troubleshooting guide is provided to help in day-to-day operations in the plant. A combination with a high-shear granulator to provide integrated systems with material handling advantages is detailed as well as newer modifications for containment, material handling, and continuous granulation approaches are addressed. Process scale-up, nozzle positioning in the processor, process analytical technology, and continuous granulation and drying are the areas that have seen the most advances in this technology.
