Yacheng / PILOTECH YC-610 Laboratory High-Efficiency Film Coating Machine
| Brand | Yacheng / PILOTECH |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Product Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model | YC-610 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
| Touchscreen | 7-inch color HMI with PLC control |
| Batch Capacity | 100–400 g per batch |
| Heating Power | 3 kW (PID temperature control) |
| Air Consumption | 0.6 m³/min |
| Fan Airflow | 1.5 m³/min (variable-frequency controlled) |
| Power Supply | 220 V / 50 Hz, Total Rated Power: 4 kW |
| Coating Pan Diameter | φ210 mm (customizable) |
| Motor | 370 W, infinitely variable speed (adjustable via touchscreen) |
Overview
The Yacheng / PILOTECH YC-610 Laboratory High-Efficiency Film Coating Machine is an engineered solution for precision-controlled pharmaceutical coating development at the R&D and pilot scale. Designed in accordance with core principles of fluidized-bed–assisted pan coating, the system integrates controlled rotational dynamics, regulated thermal airflow, and programmable spray atomization to deliver reproducible, uniform film coatings on solid oral dosage forms. The machine operates on a modified conventional pan principle: a motor-driven, tiltable, perforated drum rotates under precise speed control while internal Z-pattern baffles induce complex, extended-trajectory tumbling—enhancing particle exposure homogeneity. Simultaneously, a pressure-regulated pneumatic spray nozzle delivers atomized coating suspension across the bed surface; concurrent negative-pressure hot-air flow passes axially through the tablet bed and exits via the bottom manifold, enabling rapid solvent evaporation and film consolidation without thermal degradation or agglomeration. This architecture supports both immediate-release film coating and functional barrier layers—including pH-dependent enteric and sustained-release formulations—under fully documented process conditions.
Key Features
- 7-inch color HMI touchscreen interface with integrated PLC logic, enabling real-time monitoring and adjustment of critical process parameters: inlet air temperature, pan surface temperature, fan frequency, atomization pressure, needle purge cycle timing, drum rotation speed, and peristaltic pump feed rate.
- Modular pan design: standard φ210 mm stainless-steel drum with optional custom diameters and volumes to accommodate varying R&D batch scales—from micro-tablets (≥2 mm) to larger clinical trial batches.
- Z-configuration baffle geometry optimized for longitudinal and transverse particle displacement, increasing residence time distribution and minimizing segregation during coating.
- Adjustable pneumatic fan-spray nozzle: dual-gas-path design allows dynamic modulation of spray fan angle and droplet dispersion profile without interrupting operation—critical for matching atomization characteristics to pan geometry and load mass.
- Dual-stage airflow management: inlet and exhaust ducts feature aerodynamic horn-shaped diffusers to maximize heat-and-mass transfer efficiency across the tablet bed, reducing drying time and improving coating uniformity (measured by weight gain RSD ≤ 2.5% across 30 g test batches).
- Dedicated micro-tablet coating kit available: includes low-inertia drum, high-frequency needle purge mechanism, and low-flow spray configuration to prevent attrition and ensure complete coverage of sub-3 mm dosage units.
- Self-cleaning spray gun with integrated sonic needle purge: purge frequency, duration, and pressure are programmable via HMI; automatic feed cutoff triggers if atomization pressure deviates beyond user-defined thresholds (±5 psi), preventing drips and non-uniform deposition.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The YC-610 accommodates tablets (3–15 mm), capsules (size 0–3), granules, and mini-tablets (≥1.5 mm) with minimal risk of edge chipping or core erosion. Its sealed, GMP-aligned chamber design meets ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom compatibility requirements when operated within controlled environments. All wetted parts are electropolished AISI 316L stainless steel; non-metallic components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. Process data logging supports 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when paired with validated software extensions—audit trails, electronic signatures, and role-based access control can be implemented via optional firmware modules. The system adheres to fundamental principles outlined in Ph. Eur. 2.9.40 (Coating of Solid Dosage Forms) and aligns with ASTM E2500-13 guidance for equipment qualification in pharmaceutical development.
Software & Data Management
Embedded firmware records all operational parameters at 1-second intervals and stores up to 100 full batch histories locally. Export formats include CSV and PDF reports containing timestamped parameter curves, alarm logs, and operator annotations. Optional Ethernet/IP or Modbus TCP connectivity enables integration into centralized MES or LIMS platforms. Data integrity safeguards include cyclic redundancy checks (CRC), write-protected archive partitions, and automatic backup to external USB drives. For regulatory submissions, raw data files retain native resolution and metadata tags—including instrument ID, calibration status, and environmental sensor inputs—ensuring traceability from raw measurement to final coated product.
Applications
- Formulation screening of polymer-based film coatings (e.g., HPMC, Eudragit® series, cellulose acetate phthalate)
- Process parameter optimization for scale-up studies—correlating lab-scale YC-610 settings (drum speed, airflow, spray rate) with production-scale Accela-Cota® or Glatt GPCG parameters
- Stability-indicating coating development: evaluation of moisture barrier performance under ICH Q1A(R3) accelerated conditions
- Enteric coating validation: pH-triggered dissolution profiling per USP using simulated gastric/intestinal fluids
- Continuous improvement of coating uniformity metrics (e.g., content uniformity, thickness distribution via SEM cross-section analysis)
FAQ
What is the minimum tablet size compatible with the standard YC-610 configuration?
Standard configuration supports tablets ≥3 mm in diameter; optional micro-coating kit extends capability to 1.5–2.5 mm mini-tablets.
Can the YC-610 be qualified for GMP-compliant development batches?
Yes—the system supports IQ/OQ protocols; documentation packages and calibration templates are provided for user-executed qualification under EU Annex 15 and FDA Process Validation Guidance.
Is remote monitoring supported out of the box?
Local HMI-only operation is standard; remote viewing and limited parameter adjustment require optional network module and secure VPN configuration.
How is spray nozzle clogging mitigated during prolonged runs?
Integrated ultrasonic needle purge cycles—configurable in duration (0.1–5 s), interval (1–120 s), and pressure (1–6 bar)—prevent suspension residue buildup without manual intervention.
Does the system support solvent-based coating formulations?
Yes—equipped with explosion-proof motor, intrinsically safe solenoid valves, and ATEX-rated electrical enclosures (Zone 22) for ethanol-, acetone-, or isopropanol-based systems.
