Fabdec has manufactured a set of prototype pharmaceutical vessels designed to help a skincare manufacturer refine a new cream production process.
The project includes two 30-litre atmospheric vessels, each manufactured in separate upper and lower sections. This modular construction allows the vessel sections to be assembled, separated and reconfigured during process trials.
Alongside the primary vessel assemblies, two additional lower sections were produced. These give the customer the ability to compare both conical and dished-end configurations before selecting the most suitable design for future production equipment.
Comparing Vessel Geometries
The shape of a vessel’s lower section can influence product discharge, mixing behaviour, cleaning and the amount of material retained after processing. These considerations are particularly important when handling creams and other viscous skincare products.
Rather than committing immediately to a larger production vessel, the customer can use the 30-litre prototypes to test each bottom geometry under realistic process conditions.
The trials will help determine which configuration provides the best results for:
- Product movement and mixing
- Complete and controlled discharge
- Cleaning between batches
- Minimising residual product
- Supporting the intended manufacturing process
Once testing is complete, the preferred design can be incorporated into additional vessels manufactured for the customer’s wider production requirements.
Manufactured in Grade 316 Stainless Steel
All product-contact sections have been manufactured from grade 316 stainless steel. This material provides strong corrosion resistance while offering a smooth, hygienic surface suitable for processing creams, cosmetics and other sensitive products.
Each vessel has a nominal capacity of 30 litres and is designed for atmospheric operation. The compact scale makes the equipment suitable for prototype development, formulation testing and small trial batches.
The removable sections are secured using hygienic clamps, allowing the vessel configuration to be changed without manufacturing an entirely separate test unit for each geometry.
Supporting Process Development
Prototype vessels give manufacturers the opportunity to validate a process before investing in full-scale equipment. Mixing performance, discharge behaviour and cleaning requirements can all be assessed using the intended product rather than relying solely on theoretical calculations.
For this project, the interchangeable conical and dished lower sections provide a direct comparison between two potential vessel designs. The customer can gather practical data from each arrangement and make an informed decision before ordering further units.
This approach reduces the risk of selecting an unsuitable geometry and ensures that future vessels are based on a proven process.
Bespoke Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Vessels
Fabdec manufactures stainless steel process vessels for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and other hygienic applications. From small prototype vessels to full production equipment, each system can be developed around the customer’s product, process and installation requirements.
Developing a new cosmetic or pharmaceutical process? Contact Fabdec to discuss a prototype or production vessel designed around your application.
