
Spray dryers are important equipment used to rapidly convert liquids into free-flowing powders with controlled particle size. They are widely used in pharmaceutical, new energy, food material processing, advanced materials science, and biotechnology applications.
PI-KEM supplies a broad range of spray dryers, distributed on behalf of Pilotech, who have decades of experience producing high quality laboratory equipment.
Designed for reliability, high recovery, and easy operation, Pilotech spray dryers deliver advanced drying technology for research, development and pilot-scale applications.
Why Choose Pilotech Spray Dryers
- Wide Capacity Range – From benchtop lab units (500 mL/h capacity) to pilot scale systems (10 L/h)
- Versatile Applications – Suitable for aqueous solutions, organic solvents, heat-sensitive compounds, sugars, nano particles, ceramics, and more
- Sensitive Feedstock Materials - Can dry abrasive, corrosive, flammable, explosive, or toxic feedstock in the form of a solution, slurry, paste, gel, suspension or melt type (as long as it is pumpable)
- High Material Recovery & Quality – Efficient drying with excellent powder yield and uniform particle distribution
- User-Friendly Controls – PLC controls and colour touch screen interfaces with customisable language options for intuitive operation. Adaptable to fully automatic control
- Compact & Stable – Small footprint, low noise, easy cleaning and maintenance make them ideal for R&D and pilot environments
- Upgradable & Customisable – Expand functionality with vacuum modules, inert loop systems, and low-temperature, and ceramic-specific drying options
What is Spray Drying?
Spray drying is a continuous process that transforms liquid feed into dry powder. The liquid is atomised into fine droplets inside a heated chamber, where rapid solvent evaporation produces dry particles which are then collected via a cyclone separator, bag filters, or electrostatic precipitators.
Key parameters, such as inlet temperature, feed rate, and airflow, are digitally managed via an integrated control system. Decreasing the inlet temperature or humidity level increases the powder particle size.
Spray drying enables the mixing of two individual components into one, allows for the aseptic production of pharmaceuticals, and reduces the cost of product handling and transport. It is an ideal technique for products that cannot withstand direct heating.
It is one of the most widely used drying techniques in research and industry due to its speed, scalability, and ability to preserve the properties of sensitive materials.
Applications & Industries
- Pharmaceuticals – Development of APIs, excipients, probiotics and heat-labile drugs with strict control over thermal exposure. Extends their shelf life, reduces bacteria exposure and makes it easy to use by patients
- Chemicals & Materials – Polymers, catalysts, ceramics and oxide powders for advanced materials, paint powders, nanomaterials, conductive powders, detergent and surfactant powder production, and specialty chemicals
- Industrial – Separating waste and liquid in waste treatment, and the recycling of liquid and using the waste in manure manufacturing
- Biotech & Life Sciences – Drying biological suspensions, enzymes, proteins and cultures with preserved activity
- Energy & Advanced Materials – Cathode and anode materials for lithium-ion and solid-state batteries, nano-composites and functional coatings, SOFC electrolyte and electrode materials
- Food & Nutrition – Milk powders, eggs, instant coffee, juices, spices, plant extracts and food additives. Extends the lifespan of these products and reduces the transportation cost
Spray Dryer Product Lines
Benchtop & Laboratory Models
Compact Entry-level laboratory systems ideal for small sample volumes and routine R&D. Borosilicate glass drying chambers allow direct visual observation of the drying process. PLC touchscreen control, low noise design, and a compact footprint make these units straightforward to operate in a standard laboratory.
Pilot Scale Spray Dryers
Pilot-scale systems bridge the gap between laboratory research and full-scale production, supporting higher throughput.
Advanced & Specialty Drying Systems
Technology You Can Trust
Each Pilotech spray dryer is engineered using premium components to give you reliable performance, repeatable results and easy usability. Whether you’re optimising formulations or scaling up processes, these dryers help shorten development cycles and improve product quality.
At PI-KEM, we’re committed to providing industry-leading support – from helping you choose the right model, through to installation guidance, operation training, maintenance tips and spare parts supply. Our decades of experience ensures that you get the spray dryer that perfectly suits your research gaols and environment.
Need help choosing the right spray dryer? Get in touch.
Interested in a quote, technical datasheet, or customised spray dryer solution? Reach out to our team today and discover how Pilotech spray dryers can elevate your process.
Our expert team has in-depth knowledge of the Pilotech range and can help you identify the most appropriate model based on your feed material, solvent system, required scale, and target particle characteristics.
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📞 Call our technical team on 01827 259250
📧 Email sales@pi-kem.co.uk
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