High-Efficiency Screening Solution for Pharmaceutical Pellets
Solution Introduction
Pharmaceutical pellets are small, spherical or spheroidal preparations typically ranging from 0.5 to 2 mm in diameter. Known for their excellent flowability and uniform drug loading, pellets are widely used in immediate-release, sustained-release, and controlled-release formulations. Sustained- and extended-release pellets can include matrix-based, enteric-coated, or insoluble-coated types.
As pellet technology has evolved from manual pan-pilling to fully automated production lines, precise screening has become essential for ensuring consistency, reducing defects, and meeting GMP compliance.
Recommended Equipment
Rotary Vibrating Screen
Tumbler Screen
Screening Requirements
Purpose: Particle classification
Material: Full stainless steel (pharmaceutical-grade)
Mesh Size: 0.5–2 mm
Capacity: 150–350 kg/h
Pellet Overview
Types of Pellets
Immediate-release pellets
Sustained-release / Extended-release pellets, including:
Matrix-type
Enteric-coated
Insoluble-coated
Pellet Characteristics
Uniform shape and excellent flowability
High drug-loading capacity
Suitable for controlled/sustained-release formulations
Consistent and predictable drug release
High bioavailability
Pellet Production Process
Traditional pan-pilling (used in TCM) involves moistening, powder adhesion, and rolling to form nuclei, followed by repeated layering. Modern production has evolved into semi-mechanized and fully automated systems, significantly improving control over pellet size, active ingredient distribution, disintegration, and contamination.
Pellets are often sticky or moist before drying, making precise screening challenging. During screening, they exhibit radial and helical movement, requiring advanced equipment to avoid breakage or blockages.
Screening Goals
Remove twin pellets, irregular shapes, fines, and oversized particles
Ensure uniform granules for clean, efficient capsule filling
Prevent material loss and maintain high production standards
Why Move Away from Manual Screening?
Manual screening may cause:
Cross-contamination and GMP non-compliance
Low screening efficiency and high material waste
High labor intensity and worker fatigue
🔧 Manual screening simply can't meet the demands of modern pellet production.
Pellet Screening Machine Features
Simulates manual swinging action — gentle motion, no vibration, no noise
Rubber spring damping — protects wet or fragile pellets
Custom sieve design — CNC-punched, laser-cut, wire mesh or bar-welded options to prevent breakage or clogging
Patented variable-force swing plate — matches material flow trajectory, improving accuracy and yield