The Sherwood Model 501 Fluid Bed Dryer is a high-performance laboratory dryer designed for efficient and uniform drying of solids across multiple industries. Using fluid bed technology, the Model 501 forces air through a bed of particles, creating a fluid-like state that maximizes particle-air contact for rapid, even, and non-agglomerating drying.

Ideal for pharmaceuticals, chemicals, minerals, food, tobacco, coals, plastics, and resins, the Model 501 combines speed, precision, and flexibility for both experimental and production-scale laboratory work.

How Fluid Bed Drying Works

Fluid bed drying works by passing heated air through a particle bed, suspending particles in an air cushion. This ensures:

• Fast drying: Up to 2.5 m³/min airflow, drying 5 kg of wet sample (80% moisture) in 15–20 minutes.

• Mild treatment: High moisture removal at lower temperatures, reducing thermal stress and particle abrasion.

• Non-agglomerating: Air separation prevents clumping and caking, resulting in smoother, faster drying.

• Homogeneous samples: Continuous mixing ensures uniform moisture content, ideal for representative sample preparation.

• Reproducible results: Microprocessor-controlled airflow, temperature, and drying time allow precise control and repeatable experiments.

Key Features & Advantages

• High-Speed Drying: Complete drying is typically achieved in under 15 minutes.

• Wide Moisture and Temperature Range: Process materials from a few percent to over 80% moisture; inlet air temperatures from ambient (+15°C) to 200°C.

• Precise Microprocessor Control: Airflow, temperature, and drying period can be optimized for repeatable moisture content.

• Multi-Mode Operation: Operates as a standalone, programmable, or analytical dryer depending on workflow needs.

• Uniform Particle Treatment: Fluidization prevents hot spots, ensures consistent drying, and minimizes particle size alteration.

• Low Noise Operation: Membrane-sealed controls reduce operating noise and prevent particle ingress.

• Automation Ready: Compatible with PC control, multi-step drying protocols, and real-time data monitoring.

• Versatile Applications: Moisture content determination, mixing, blending, particle size classification, and drying heat-sensitive materials.

Three Modes of Operation

1. Standalone Fluid Bed Dryer

   • Microprocessor-controlled airflow, temperature, and drying period.

   • Reproducible drying without PC connection.

   • Easy maintenance and reduced noise with sealed controls.

2. Programmable Fluid Bed Dryer

   • PC-controlled operation for multi-step drying protocols (up to 16 steps).

   • Adjustable timer, blower speed, and inlet air temperature.

   • Optional Pulse Flow Module for difficult-to-fluidize samples.

3. Analytical Fluid Bed Dryer

   • Integrated temperature and humidity probe for real-time monitoring.

   • Captures detailed drying behavior and enables post-run analysis.

   • Ideal for research, scale-up studies, and drying curve generation.

Customizable Tub and Filter Options

• Tub Material & Volume: Glass tubs in 5 L, 2 L, or Mini-Tub sizes.

• Tub Types: Ordinary, Sealed, Analytical, Dynamic Moisture Analysis, Classifier, or Custom.

• Filter Selection: Inlet and outlet filters can be customized for material type, pore size, and bag type (Terylene, Polypropylene, Nomex).

• Accessories: Pulse Flow Module, Humidity/Temperature Probe, RS232 data cable, and Sherwood control software for advanced monitoring and automation.

Applications

• Pharmaceuticals: Tablet and granule drying, moisture analysis

• Food & Beverage: Herbs, tea, tobacco, and other moisture-sensitive products

• Chemicals & Minerals: Powders, resins, coals, and mineral samples

• Research & Development: Scale-up studies, material behavior analysis, and laboratory testing

Why Choose the Sherwood Model 501 Fluid Bed Dryer?

The Model 501 offers faster, more uniform, and reproducible drying than conventional oven or vacuum methods. Its advanced fluid bed technology, combined with microprocessor control and optional PC integration, provides versatile, automated, and high-throughput drying suitable for a wide range of industrial, research, and laboratory applications.