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Andritz has introduced a new generation of small-scale spray dryers, designed to help manufacturers bridge the gap between laboratory trials and industrial-scale operation.

The modular portfolio supports product development, process optimisation and scale-up from pilot trials to industrial validation, as well as small-scale production.

The Andritz Dedert small-scale spray dryer range comprises six models with water evaporation capacities from 5 to 250kg per hour, enabling small-scale production and process verification across multiple sectors.

Systems are offered in standard execution with single-stage or multi-stage configurations, including the option to integrate a fluid bed to enhance powder properties and optimise energy use.

Each unit features a modular, skid-mounted, plug-and-play design intended to shorten installation time. Andritz said its design prioritises safety and hygiene, complying with internationally recognised fire protection, safety and hygienic manufacturing standards.

Typical application areas include food, dairy, nutraceuticals and chemicals. With increasing pressure to validate formulations quickly and navigate frequent product changes, operators can benefit from a flexible R&D and small-scale plant that mirrors industrial conditions, Andritz said.

The design enables raid adaptation to new recipes and process parameters, allowing teams to run controlled tests, troubleshoot drying behaviour and generate reliable scale-up data without tying up full-scale production lines. This reduces development loops, enhances process predictability and helps ensure consistent powder quality.

Suresh Sundararaj, global spray dryer technology manager at Andritz Dedert, said: “Our objective is to provide a clear pathway from pilot trial to validated operational conditions. These systems support data-driven decisions by combining modular configurations with proven standards in safety and hygiene.”