Flexible dosing system (FDS)

Name: Flexible dosing system (FDS)
Brand: HECHT
Availability: PreOrder

Dosing

OEB Level 5

Description

Flexible dosing system (FDS) — definition: A flexible dosing system (FDS) is a modular dosing installation that precisely and repeatably doses powder, granules or pellets into containers, reactors or process equipment. FDS systems from HECHT Technology combine weight dosing, containment (OEB 1–4) and GMP Annex 1 (2022) compliance for pharmaceutical, chemical and food applications.

Key points — flexible dosing system FDS

Modular construction: FDS systems are modularly configurable — from simple volumetric dosing to gravimetric net dosing (±0.1–0.5% accuracy) with integrated load cells per OIML R 61 and NTEP certification.
OEB 1–4 containment: HECHT FDS systems are available with closed couplings (LBK-EC, SBK) for contactless coupling to containers or reactors — exposure <1 µg/m³ at OEB 4 validated via SMEPAC testing.
GMP Annex 1 (2022) suitable: 316L stainless steel construction, Ra ≤0.8 µm surface finish, CIP-compatible, FDA 21 CFR Part 11 logging of dosing weight and batch time — mandatory for pharmaceutical API dosing and clinical production.
ATEX versions available: For dosing combustible powders (sugar, starch, ATEX Zone 20/21), spark-free versions with ATEX 2014/34/EU certification are available — motor, sensors and control cabinet fully certified.
Wide product range: Pharmaceutical APIs, excipients, food supplements, chemical intermediates, battery materials (NMC, LFP) — one FDS platform for dozens of dosed products with fast product changeover.

More dosing technology: powder processing and transport solutions. Pharmaceutical dosing: pharmaceutical industry. Practical validation: Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach.

The FDS is a hygienic and product-friendly dosing system. It is used for shutting off or dosing bulk materials and can be integrated into almost any filling or dosing system. The desired target weight is entered at a dosing control, the bulk material is discharged and the quantity is checked via a weighing device. When the target quantity is reached, the product flow is stopped. Depending on the dosing device, accuracies in the gram range can be achieved.

New to dosing technology? Read our complete guide: What is a dosing system? Types, accuracy and food applications.

FAQ — Flexible dosing system FDS

What is the difference between volumetric and gravimetric dosing?

Volumetric dosing measures the product volume (cm³) via a screw or rotary cell — fast but sensitive to product density variations. Gravimetric dosing weighs the product directly via a load cell — more accurate (±0.1–0.5%) but slower. For pharmaceutical API dosing, gravimetric net dosing is the standard per GMP requirements. HECHT Technology FDS systems are available in both versions and can be combined.

How is an FDS system coupled to containers at OEB 3–4?

At OEB 3–4, the FDS is coupled via a HECHT LBK-EC (liner-based container) or SBK (split butterfly valve) coupling. This ensures a dust-free, contactless transfer of powder into the container — exposure <1 µg/m³ validated via SMEPAC testing per the ISPE Good Practice Guide. The coupling is seal-guaranteed without opening the process space to the environment.

Can an FDS system be integrated into an existing production line?

Yes. HECHT FDS systems are modularly designed for retrofit integration into existing process lines. Requirements are: minimum clear height above the dosing point (typically 1.2–2.0 m), compressed air connection (6 bar), power connection (400V/3F) and PLC interface (Profibus, Profinet or Modbus). HECHT Technology provides a complete installation specification and FAT (Factory Acceptance Test) for seamless integration into your existing GMP production environment.

Why does the FDS have no moving parts in the product stream?

The FDS works with a pinch mechanism: two pneumatically actuated bars compress a flexible product hose to the desired opening or full closure. The product only touches the hose — no valves, screws or rotating parts. This eliminates contamination risk and mechanical wear, gives a residue-free shut-off and makes cleaning easy: hygienic design without corners and edges, with no product build-up. Gentle dosing through the hose also protects fragile products.

Customer benefits

Vibrators on the hopper to ensure an even product flow,
Breaking up any product bridges and crystalline compounds in the bulk material
High discharge capacity as the entire cross-section of the product guide hose is available
Easy to clean as there are no moving parts in the product flow
Hygienic design, no corners and edges
No product build-up due to permanent surface changes
Dosing down to a few grams is possible (depending on appliance size and product)
Flexible product guide tube enables gentle product dosing
Compact design
Can be easily integrated into existing filling and dosing systems
Easy to clean

Containment level

OEB Level 5

Enquire now

Technology

Innovation of the dosing system is the shut-off mechanism of the product flow
No mechanical parts in the product flow, mechanically moving parts remain untouched by the product
Product flow is reduced or completely closed by squeezing the product-carrying hose
Dosing parameters are entered via a control unit
In coarse flow mode, the squeezing mechanism opens up to the adjustable stops (maximum nominal width of the dosing element)
In fine flow mode, the pinch mechanism is closed on one side
Two pneumatically controlled beams press against the flexible hose at the end of filling
When the target value is reached, the pinch mechanism closes completely
Dosing possible to within a few grams (depending on appliance size and product)
Can be integrated into existing systems or used for complete shut-off

Technology & operating principle

Innovation of the dosing system is the shut-off mechanism of the product flow
No mechanical parts in the product flow, mechanically moving parts remain untouched by the product
Product flow is reduced or completely closed by squeezing the product-carrying hose
Dosing parameters are entered via a control unit
In coarse flow mode, the squeezing mechanism opens up to the adjustable stops (maximum nominal width of the dosing element)
In fine flow mode, the pinch mechanism is closed on one side
Two pneumatically controlled beams press against the flexible hose at the end of filling
When the target value is reached, the pinch mechanism closes completely
Dosing possible to within a few grams (depending on appliance size and product)
Can be integrated into existing systems or used for complete shut-off

Prestaties & nauwkeurigheid

Innovation of the dosing system is the shut-off mechanism of the product flow
No mechanical parts in the product flow, mechanically moving parts remain untouched by the product
Product flow is reduced or completely closed by squeezing the product-carrying hose
Dosing parameters are entered via a control unit
In coarse flow mode, the squeezing mechanism opens up to the adjustable stops (maximum nominal width of the dosing element)
In fine flow mode, the pinch mechanism is closed on one side
Two pneumatically controlled beams press against the flexible hose at the end of filling
When the target value is reached, the pinch mechanism closes completely
Dosing possible to within a few grams (depending on appliance size and product)
Can be integrated into existing systems or used for complete shut-off

Features & benefits

Innovation of the dosing system is the shut-off mechanism of the product flow
No mechanical parts in the product flow, mechanically moving parts remain untouched by the product
Product flow is reduced or completely closed by squeezing the product-carrying hose
Dosing parameters are entered via a control unit
In coarse flow mode, the squeezing mechanism opens up to the adjustable stops (maximum nominal width of the dosing element)
In fine flow mode, the pinch mechanism is closed on one side
Two pneumatically controlled beams press against the flexible hose at the end of filling
When the target value is reached, the pinch mechanism closes completely
Dosing possible to within a few grams (depending on appliance size and product)
Can be integrated into existing systems or used for complete shut-off

Applications

Innovation of the dosing system is the shut-off mechanism of the product flow
No mechanical parts in the product flow, mechanically moving parts remain untouched by the product
Product flow is reduced or completely closed by squeezing the product-carrying hose
Dosing parameters are entered via a control unit
In coarse flow mode, the squeezing mechanism opens up to the adjustable stops (maximum nominal width of the dosing element)
In fine flow mode, the pinch mechanism is closed on one side
Two pneumatically controlled beams press against the flexible hose at the end of filling
When the target value is reached, the pinch mechanism closes completely
Dosing possible to within a few grams (depending on appliance size and product)
Can be integrated into existing systems or used for complete shut-off

Integration & engineering aspects

Innovation of the dosing system is the shut-off mechanism of the product flow
No mechanical parts in the product flow, mechanically moving parts remain untouched by the product
Product flow is reduced or completely closed by squeezing the product-carrying hose
Dosing parameters are entered via a control unit
In coarse flow mode, the squeezing mechanism opens up to the adjustable stops (maximum nominal width of the dosing element)
In fine flow mode, the pinch mechanism is closed on one side
Two pneumatically controlled beams press against the flexible hose at the end of filling
When the target value is reached, the pinch mechanism closes completely
Dosing possible to within a few grams (depending on appliance size and product)
Can be integrated into existing systems or used for complete shut-off