Liquid Dosage
Inhalable Suspension
Inhalation is often the preferred drug delivery method for lung diseases, offering a number of advantages for both patients and medical professionals for the administration of vaccines and other biological drugs.
The active ingredient of many inhalable products, such as anti-asthma medications, acts on the muscle cells of the pulmonary airways. Such medications can be rendered inefficient, however, if particles aggregate in the inhaler. In addition, to prevent dry powder aerosols from depositing particulate matter in the oropharyngeal cavity — and in the inhaler — dispensed particles should have a geometric diameter of 1–3 µm and a mass density of approximately 1 g/cm3.
Inhaled drugs are usually dissolved in an aqueous system, such as an isotonic salt solution, and aerosolized at a high pressure to obtain nebulized particles. The liquid solution is pumped through a homogenizing valve at 500–1000 bar, using a single stage process, during which semi-solid particles become dispersed in the liquid.
The high-pressure homogenization enables the size reduction of average to large particles and makes the suspension more stable as a result of the decreased sedimentation rate. Moreover, it eliminates biological risk and provides better tolerance to irritants, as well as improving the clarity and transparency of the processed product.
In addition to a comprehensive range of homogenizers, GEA also offers production-scale mixing, blending, spray drying and micronization solutions for the manufacture of inhalable products, plus an unparalleled level of expertise in the design and layout of suitable plant: from vessel size dimensions to valves and 3D P&IDs, and from R&D to full-scale production.
Products & Technologies
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Analytical, in-line control & measurement devices
Combining process monitoring using online analyzers, together with solid process engineering principles and advanced process modelling techniques will enable processes to be actively controlled in order to compensate for input variations.
Aseptic valves & components
Aseptic valves face exceptionally high demands within UltraClean and Aseptic processes. You can be assured that they all provide highest quality in terms of hygienic design and sustainability.
Centrifugal Separator
GEA separators are designed for liquid-based applications. Using centrifugal force, they are used for separating suspensions consisting of two or more phases of different densities, i.e. they can be used for liquid-liquid separation, for liquid-liquid-solid separation or for liquid-solid separation. They are equally as effective at separating liq...
CIP/SIP Solutions
Innovative CIP concepts of GEA meet comprehensive high standards. Our experts guarantee product safety at every point of the process. Every upgrade is adapted to individual local conditions and customer requirements and leads to noticeable savings.
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GEA Insights
A new recipe for indulgence
What if your favorite chocolate didn’t require cocoa beans and your coffee was locally produced? As climate disruption, price hikes and ethical concerns hit two of our most beloved indulgences, scientists are reimagining how we produce them – using microbes, not monocultures. The goal: preserve the flavor and properties of coffee and chocolate while minimizing carbon emissions and improving food resilience.
Fueling the circular economy in shipping
Ports now compete not just on logistics, but on sustainability. At Greece’s Piraeus port, an advanced processing and recovery facility recycles ship waste oil into fuel. Equipped with GEA’s high-performance centrifuges, it sets a new benchmark for state-of-the-art, environmentally responsible port operations.
Closing the loop: key lessons for breweries from OeTTINGER
The 2022 CO2 shortage forced breweries to review their dependency on global supply chains. Many were forced to close, unable to carbonate their products. At its breweries in Germany, OeTTINGER GETRÄNKE is turning its own CO2 into a powerful lever for independence and sustainability – with the help of CO2 recovery technology from GEA.
