Leading technologies for powder handling and conveying
Leading powder handling technologies — definition: The leading technologies for industrial powder handling and transport combine OEB 4–6 high containment, ATEX 2014/34/EU compliance and GMP Annex 1 (2022)-compliant design. HECHT supplies the full spectrum: pneumatic (LBK-EC), vacuum (LAS-EC), mechanical (CFE-K-EC), endless liner SBK and split-butterfly CPS for pharma, battery, chemistry and food.
Key points
- Containment routes: pneumatic (LBK-EC), vacuum (LAS-EC), mechanical (CFE-K-EC)
- High containment: endless liner SBK + split-butterfly CPS — OEB 5+ standard
- Compliance: ATEX 2014/34/EU, GMP Annex 1 (2022), EHEDG, FDA 21 CFR, USP Class VI
- Industrially proven: 60+ pharma cases (Sanofi, GSK, MSD), 15+ battery projects
- Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach: SMEPAC validation + IQ/OQ pre-test in 1 week
Choosing the right powder handling technology determines batch lead time, OEB classification and validation burden. Test at our Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach, compare in our powder processing portfolio, or see HECHT cases in pharma.
The leading technologies for powder handling and transport include advanced systems such as the ProClean Conveyor and comply with OEB level 3 safety standards for an OEL of 10 μg/m3.
FAQ — Leading technologies for powder handling
What are the three leading technologies for pharma powder handling?
The three dominant technologies are (1) dense-phase pneumatic transport (HECHT LBK-EC) for 0.5–10 tons/hour over 50–500 m, (2) vacuum transport (LAS-EC) for batches up to 2 tons/hour with OEB 5 containment, and (3) mechanical transport via chain conveyor (CFE-K-EC) for short distances and sensitive products. Combined with endless liner SBK it delivers OEB 5–6 with demonstrable SMEPAC validation.
How do HECHT systems compare to Dec Group, ChargePoint and Hosokawa Micron?
HECHT distinguishes itself with (a) its own Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach for pre-validation, (b) endless liner SBK technology as a single-use containment route, and (c) a full-portfolio approach where pneumatic, vacuum, mechanical and hybrid routes come from a single supplier. Dec and ChargePoint excel in split-butterfly couplings; Hosokawa in mixing/micronisation. HECHT supplies the complete process path.
Which new trends dominate powder handling in 2026?
Three trends dominate: (1) the shift towards OEB 5–6 for potent APIs and lithium battery powders, (2) digital twins and GMP Annex 1 (2022)-driven IQ/OQ/PQ digitalisation with 21 CFR Part 11 audit trail, and (3) energy-efficient pneumatic transport (15–30% lower consumption). HECHT actively invests in all three trends, visible in new LBK-EC and LAS-EC designs.
Author: Joost van Velzen, Managing Director Hecht Technology B.V.