Manetco finds the optimal mixing solution for Lebsa

Lebsa is an innovative European laboratory active in the synthesis, manufacture and commercialization of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). One of Lebsa’s R&D Project Managers, Mateo Berton, was working on the development of a new API manufacturing process and was facing a challenging mixing issue. He was struggling to find a suitable T-junction that would allow the efficient mixing of neat reagents with a highly viscous fluid with a viscosity of 500 cPs.

His first attempt involved using a simple 1/8” T-junction, but the mixing efficiency was poor, and it resulted in an unacceptable high pressure drop. After considering other possibilities and rejecting them, Mateo called in the assistance of Tanguy Van Regemorter at Manetco. Based in Belgium, Manetco specializes in helping start-ups, research labs and industrial facilities overcome challenges and obstacles in their R&D labs and pilot plants by designing and making custom parts, sensors and equipment.

“We suggested to Mateo that he tests three of our off-the-shelf 1/8'' stainless steel mixing T-junctions,” recalls Tanguy. “These incorporate an integrated mixing element and a design that limits the pressure drop. They are designed for flow chemistry applications and are compatible with standard connectors.”

The tests were carried out in Mateo’s laboratory in Barcelona and the results were very positive. One design in particular significantly improved the mixing efficiency while maintaining a low pressure drop. With this mixer, Lebsa’s prototype, constructed in stainless steel tubing of ¼” outside diameter, was able to generate up to 2 kg/hour of API intermediate.

These excellent results encouraged Mateo to move to the next stage and upscale the process. Manetco adapted the design of the selected T-junction to create a mixer with a larger inner volume and tubing. This was suitable for flow rates up to 300 ml/min of reagent without solvent to produce approximately 15 kg/h of product!

“We are very pleased with Manetco’s solution to our mixing challenge,” says Mateo. “Working with Manetco was a fast and efficient process that undoubtedly saved us time and expense and enabled us to upscale our new process rapidly.”

Are you facing a mixing challenge in your research or pilot project? Contact Tanguy at Manetco. He will be delighted to discuss your specific requirements and propose a suitable solution.

More information: www.manetco.be