Vacuum Dryers for Herbal Extracts
Medicinal plant and herbal extracts are used in the production of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and medical supplements. These high-value, bioactive compounds are extremely sensitive to heat and oxidation, requiring a gentle yet effective drying solution to preserve their potency and purity. Hosokawa Micron’s Nauta vacuum dryer is specifically designed to meet these demands, offering a low-temperature, low-pressure drying process that ensures high-quality, free-flowing powders with minimal product degradation.
Plant-derived and herbal ingredients often contain temperature-sensitive actives and are typically processed with organic solvents like ethanol. Traditional drying technologies such as bicone tumbling dryers can lead to the formation of hard lumps or agglomerates, significantly prolonging drying times and compromising product consistency. Moreover, high temperatures or uneven drying can degrade delicate compounds, reducing efficacy and yield.
Our Solution: the Nauta® Vacuum Dryer
The Nauta vacuum dryer is a proven solution for drying sensitive plant extracts under the most demanding conditions. Its gentle mixing and efficient heat transfer ensure uniform drying at low temperatures, while its conical shape and mixing screw promote continuous movement of the product, preventing lump formation. These capabilities make it ideal for processing delicate herbal extracts that require high product integrity.
Key features include:
✅ Low drying temperature (< 60°C) to protect bioactive ingredients
✅ Final moisture content < 0.5% W.B. for maximum shelf life and product stability
✅ Low operating pressure (< 5 mbar) thanks to high-performance mechanical seals
✅ No agglomerates, resulting in a free-flowing, high-bulk-density powder
✅ Safe and effective removal of solvents, such as ethanol
Advantages Over Traditional Dryers
Compared to conventional bicone dryers, the Nauta vacuum dryer delivers:
✅ Shorter drying cycles due to continuous agitation
✅ Improved homogeneity and powder quality
✅ No risk of over-drying or hot spots
✅ A single-step process from wet feed to dry powder
✅ Scalable solutions from pilot to full-scale production
Application Areas
Hosokawa Micron’s vacuum drying technology is ideal for:
✅ Botanical and herbal extracts
✅ Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
✅ Nutraceutical powders
✅ Solvent-based extractions
Technology That Preserves Value
With more than a century of innovation in powder processing, Hosokawa Micron designs equipment that delivers consistent performance and high yield, even for the most delicate materials. Our Nauta vacuum dryers are engineered to meet strict industry standards and are backed by robust after-sales support, from commissioning to maintenance and process optimisation.
Testing & Process Validation
With our many decades of experience supplying conical vacuum dryers for sensitive natural products, Hosokawa Micron is your expert partner in developing efficient, validated, and GMP-compliant drying solutions. From initial R&D trials to full-scale production, our specialists support you at every stage to optimise the drying process for herbal and plant extracts.
If you are seeking a reliable, proven solution for the gentle drying of botanical and herbal ingredients, contact Hosokawa Micron today. Arrange a consultation or schedule a trial at our state-of-the-art 2,000 m² Test & Development Centre.
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Talk to our experts
Looking for a reliable drying solution for plant extracts? Contact our experts to learn how Hosokawa Micron’s vacuum drying technologies can improve your product quality and process efficiency.
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Sustainable process technologies
Hosokawa Micron B.V. is committed to sustainable and responsible process technology. Our ISO 14001 certification covers key environmental aspects such as air, soil, energy, waste, water, noise and hazardous substances. With an EcoVadis Silver Medal, we rank among the top 3% of EcoVadis-rated companies in the special machinery industry.
