Integrated design and manufacturing of turn-key vacuum drying systems
Italvacuum specializes in the integrated design and manufacturing of complete vacuum-drying and vacuum-processing equipment for the pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and chemical industries. Our technical approach is based on the in-house engineering and production of all key components required for an efficient and reliable vacuum drying process technology. This ensures total system compatibility, optimizes performance, and simplifies both installation and maintenance.
Comprehensive system engineering
A vacuum drying plant is a complex system where each component must be precisely designed and integrated to ensure optimal results. Italvacuum manages the entire process, from the pilot trials and the initial feasibility study through to detailed engineering, construction, and commissioning, as well as the maintenance for the full life of the equipment. Each system is customized according to the specific requirements of the customer’s process, product characteristics, and international regulatory needs. Our batch vacuum drying solutions are designed to meet the most demanding industrial applications.
What are the main components of the vacuum drying system?
Vacuum pump
The vacuum pump is a critical element, responsible for creating and maintaining the required vacuum level inside the vacuum drying chamber. Italvacuum’s Saurus939 vacuum piston pump stands out in this context, offering exceptional reliability and performance even under severe operating conditions. The Saurus939, with over 85 years of history in the market, is widely recognized for its robust construction and suitability for all main chemical and pharmaceutical processes, making it a benchmark in the industry for vacuum technology. Our vacuum pump systems are engineered to integrate seamlessly with vacuum controller technology for precise process management.
Process and safety filters
Filtration plays a fundamental role in protecting both the product and the equipment. Process filters remove solid particles from the vapor stream, while additional safety filters prevent any residual contaminants from reaching sensitive components such as the vacuum pump or the condenser. This dual filtration system helps to maintain product quality and extend the life of all the downstream components; moreover, no money is wasted due to product loss.
Vacuum condensation group
The condensation unit, which comprises a condenser and a collection tank, is crucial for the efficient recovery of solvents that evaporate during drying. By condensing solvent vapors through vacuum evaporation processes, the system reduces the load on the vacuum pump, supports solvent recycling through an integrated solvent recovery system technology, and contributes to environmental sustainability by minimizing emissions and waste. For further technical insights on Italvacuum’s condensation solutions, see our article on the advantages of the condenser unit in vacuum drying applications.
Heating and cooling units
Precise and accurate temperature control is crucial for the success of vacuum drying, especially when processing temperature-sensitive products. Italvacuum manufactures and supplies integrated heating and cooling systems that guarantee stable and uniform temperature profiles throughout the process, improving product consistency and process safety.
Powder loading and unloading systems
Efficient handling of powders is vital for process continuity and operator safety. Italvacuum designs and realizes loading and unloading solutions tailored to the specific properties of the processed materials, reducing manual intervention and minimizing the risk of contamination or product loss.
PLC control panels and automation
The last tile of the mosaic in the Italvacuum service portfolio, advanced automation is provided through PLC-based control panels and vacuum controller systems, which manage all process parameters in real time. The software can be certified following CFR 21 Part 11, enabling secure data logging, batch traceability, and seamless integration with centralized supervision systems (SCADA or DCS). This ensures compliance with international regulations and supports quality assurance. Also, safe PLCs are used due to the explosion risk area of the installation.
The advantages of an integrated approach
Due to decades of acquired know-how, by engineering and manufacturing all components internally, Italvacuum guarantees total compatibility and operational synergy across the entire vacuum drying machine and vacuum drying equipment portfolio.
This unique and integrated approach leads to several key benefits:
- Final product quality and added value guaranteed
- Optimized process efficiency, as every part of the plant is designed and configured to work together without compromise.
- Reduced installation and validation times, thanks to the elimination of interface issues between components from different suppliers.
- Simplified maintenance and spare parts management, as all components are designed and supported by a single manufacturer.
- Full compliance with international standards for safety, quality, and data integrity, facilitating regulatory approval and market access.
Conclusions
Italvacuum’s integrated vacuum drying systems and pharmaceutical drying equipment are engineered to deliver reliable, repeatable results in demanding industrial environments, supporting both product quality and operational sustainability through advanced technology solutions.
