Everything You Need to Know About the Frewitt Granulator in the Pharmaceutical Industry

The granulation process plays a vital role in the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. It transforms fine powders into uniform, cohesive granules, improving compressibility and ensuring consistent drug dosage in tablets or capsules.

Among the world’s leading equipment manufacturers, the Swiss company Frewitt is recognized for its high-quality, precision-engineered machines that comply with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards and FDA requirements.

What Is a Frewitt Granulator?

A Frewitt granulator is a precision-engineered machine designed to convert powder into evenly sized granules using a rotor that forces the material through a perforated screen.

This process improves flowability, compressibility, and uniform distribution of active ingredients within pharmaceutical formulations  key factors in producing high-quality solid dosage forms.

Working Principle

The Frewitt granulator operates on the rotor–screen principle. As the rotor spins at high speed, it exerts mechanical force on the powder, breaking and compacting it until the material passes through the screen’s perforations.

The main operational steps include:

1. Feeding  Raw material is loaded into the hopper.

2. Granulation  The rotating blades push the powder against the screen, forming granules of consistent size.

3. Sizing  Oversized particles are reprocessed, while compliant granules are collected.

4. Discharge  Final granules are discharged from the outlet and transferred to the next production stage (drying, final blending, or tablet compression).

Key Components

A Frewitt granulator is composed of several essential parts:

Feeding hopper, where the powder is introduced.

Rotor with blades, responsible for movement and granulation.

Perforated screen, which defines the final particle size.

Motor and gearbox, transmitting mechanical power to the system.

Stainless steel frame, ensuring hygiene and corrosion resistance.

Safety interlock system, preventing operation when the machine is improperly assembled or open.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Proper maintenance and cleaning are critical to ensuring consistent performance and compliance with GMP and FDA regulations in the United States.

Daily Maintenance

Clean the machine’s exterior with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol. Check for powder residue inside the granulation chamber and tighten all screws and fasteners if necessary.

Weekly Maintenance

Dismantle the rotor and screen for a full wash using warm water and a neutral detergent. Inspect seals and gaskets, replacing any that show signs of wear.

Periodic Maintenance

Every three to six months, perform a complete inspection of the motor, gearbox, and rotating shafts. Monitor vibration and noise levels, and verify that all safety interlocks are fully functional.

For hygienic production lines, CIP (Cleaning in Place) or SIP (Sterilization in Place) procedures can be performed to maintain sterile conditions.

⚠️ Important Safety Notes:

Never operate the machine without the screen or safety covers properly installed.

Avoid using metal tools inside the granulation chamber to prevent surface scratches.

Document every cleaning and maintenance operation in the quality control logbook.

Advantages of the Frewitt Granulator

The Frewitt granulator offers multiple advantages for pharmaceutical manufacturers in the United States and worldwide:

Compact, durable, and easy to disassemble for fast cleaning and maintenance.

Electronic speed control to adapt the rotor speed to different powder types.

Fully compliant with GMP and FDA standards for maximum safety and reliability.

Modular screen system, allowing flexible adjustment of granule sizes without replacing the entire machine.

Simplified Working Diagram

Raw Material (Hopper)

        ↓

High-Speed Rotor

        ↓

Through the Screen

        ↓

Granule Formation

        ↓

Collection and Transfer

The Frewitt Granulator stands as a cornerstone of modern pharmaceutical production. Its intelligent design, precision, and reliability make it an ideal choice for companies seeking consistent granule quality and operational efficiency.

With proper use and regular maintenance, this equipment becomes a true asset for any GMP-certified pharmaceutical facility in the United States or abroad — ensuring both product excellence and regulatory compliance.

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