Horizontal vacuum dryers

Drying

Horizontal vacuum dryers

Name: Horizontal vacuum dryers
Brand: HECHT Technology
Availability: PreOrder

Drying

Description

Horizontal vacuum dryers from HECHT are closed-system dryers with sliding drawer trays for drying thermally sensitive, wet and pasty products under controlled conditions. Thanks to a combination of vacuum, indirect heating and mechanical mixing (up to 200°C, PID-controlled), fast, uniform and reproducible drying is achieved without hotspots, with a batch consistency of 99.9%. The dryers are available with 4 trays (Standard, up to 200 litres), 8 trays (Large, up to 500 litres) or 12 trays (Industrial, up to 800 litres), with an ergonomic sliding-drawer loading and unloading mechanism for easy material handling. This technology is particularly suitable for applications where hygiene, product quality and process safety are paramount, with full containment for toxic substances. The 316L stainless steel construction with thermal insulation lasts 25 to 40+ years, and the system is GMP Annex 1 (2022)-compliant and GAMP 5-validatable.

Customer benefits

Fast drying: high heat transfer and short cycle times
Uniform final product: continuous mixing prevents hot spots
Hygienic design: suitable for GMP and cleanroom integration
Safety: fully enclosed system for toxic substances
Flexibility: suitable for a wide range of product types
Efficiency: combines mixing and drying in a single system

Frequently asked questions about horizontal vacuum dryers

What is a horizontal vacuum dryer and why is it important?

A horizontal vacuum dryer is a closed-system dryer with sliding drawer trays for easy material handling. It is important because: (1) simple loading/unloading, (2) uniform drying, (3) versatility, (4) GMP-compliant.

What volume does the horizontal dryer have?

Standard: up to 200 litres (4 trays). Large: up to 500 litres (8 trays). Industrial: up to 800 litres (12 trays).

Up to what temperature can it dry?

Up to 200°C. Precisely adjustable. PID control loop. Fully variable temperature range.

How easy is material loading and unloading?

Very easy. Sliding drawer trays. Ergonomic design. Fast cycle times.

Is the system GMP-compliant?

Yes. GMP Annex 1 (2022) compliant. GAMP 5 validation. FDA 21 CFR Part 11 approved.

How uniform is the drying across all trays?

Very uniform. Closed vacuum process. Synchronised temperature control. Batch consistency 99.9%.

How easy is maintenance?

Very easy. Annual calibration. Minimal maintenance. Tray mechanism maintenance-free.

How long is the operational lifespan?

Very long. 316L stainless steel construction. Thermal insulation. 25–40+ years proven in operation.

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Product overview

Sanitary vacuum paddle dryer – horizontal mixing and drying system

The sanitary vacuum paddle dryer is a horizontal batch drying system with a rotating shaft and paddles (blades) that continuously mix and transport the product.

Principle of operation:

The product is placed under vacuum (< 1 mbar)
Heating via the jacket, shaft, and paddles for maximum heat transfer
The paddles rotate close to the wall → continuous product renewal
Moisture or solvent evaporates and is removed

This intensive heat exchange and mixing results in a highly efficient and uniform drying process with short cycle times.

Key features

High thermal efficiency and short drying times
Fully heated surfaces (wall, shaft, and paddles)
Capacity: approx. 50–10,000 liters
Vacuum level: < 1 mbar
Temperature: up to approx. 200°C
Batch process with high reproducibility
Hygienic design (GMP/FDA compliant)
Polished interior surfaces for optimal cleanability

Processing options

Drying of wet cakes, slurries, and pastes
Solvent removal and recovery
Mixing and homogenization during drying
Lump breaking with integrated choppers
Low-temperature drying for sensitive products
Sterile and containment applications

Technical specifications (approximate)

Capacity: 50 – 10,000 liters
Vacuum level: < 1 mbar
Temperature: up to approx. 200°C
Operation: batch
Design: horizontal with rotating paddles
Material: stainless steel (e.g., 316L), special alloys

Options:

CIP/SIP systems (validated cleanable)
ATEX-compliant design (Zone 20/0 possible)
Solvent recovery and condensation
Automatic doors and discharge systems
Nitrogen inerting
Cleanroom and containment integration

Typical applications

Drying of pharmaceutical APIs and intermediates
Processing of hygroscopic and temperature-sensitive substances
Chemical production with solvent removal
Drying of food ingredients and bioactive substances
Sludge and waste treatment

Why choose Hecht Technology?

Hecht Technology combines process technology with expertise in containment and safe product handling. In combination with sanitary vacuum paddle dryers, we offer:

Engineering and process optimization
Integration into existing lines (feeding, dosing, discharge)
Dust-free and safe handling
Support for GMP, ATEX, and validation.

Would you like more information?

Would you like to know if a sanitary vacuum paddle dryer is suitable for your process? Contact our specialists for personalized advice.