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How To Choose The Right Gelatin Storage Tank for Food & Pharmaceutical Applications?

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How To Choose The Right Gelatin Storage Tank for Food & Pharmaceutical Applications?

Gelatin storage tanks, or gelatin tanks, are critical components in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to food manufacturing. These systems ensure the precise preparation, storage, and delivery of gelatin solutions—a foundational step in producing softgel capsules, edible films, and other gelatin-based products. Selecting the right gelatin tank requires a deep understanding of material compatibility, process efficiency, regulatory compliance, and adaptability to modern production demands. This article explores the technical considerations, comparative analysis of systems, and emerging trends to guide decision-makers in optimizing their gelatin processing workflows.

Gelatin Tank

The Role of Gelatin Tanks in Modern Manufacturing

Gelatin tanks serve as the backbone of gelatinization systems, responsible for:

  • Raw Material Mixing: Blending gelatin powder with water, plasticizers, or active ingredients.

  • Temperature Control: Maintaining consistent heat for viscosity management.

  • Bubble Elimination: Ensuring homogenous solutions free of air pockets.

  • Sanitization: Compliance with hygiene standards in regulated industries.

In sectors like pharmaceuticals, where gelatin is used for capsule shells or drug delivery systems, even minor inconsistencies in gelatin viscosity or purity can compromise product efficacy. Similarly, food-grade gelatin tanks must meet stringent safety standards while handling large batch volumes.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Gelatin Tank

1. Material Compatibility and Durability

Gelatin solutions are sensitive to contamination and chemical reactions. Tanks constructed from 316L stainless steel are preferred for their:

  • Resistance to corrosion from acidic or alkaline additives.

  • Compliance with FDA, EU, and GMP regulations.

  • Ease of cleaning and sterilization.

For specialized applications (e.g., nutraceuticals with bioactive additives), tanks may require electropolished interiors or glass-lined surfaces to prevent ingredient adhesion.

2. Temperature and Viscosity Control

Precision heating systems are non-negotiable. The ideal gelatin tank should offer:

  • ±0.5°C temperature accuracy to maintain gelatin viscosity between 40–60°C.

  • Programmable thermal zones for multi-stage gelatin hydration.

  • Insulated jackets to reduce energy consumption.

Feature Basic System HJG Water Bath System Advanced CIP System
Temp. Accuracy ±2°C ±1°C ±0.5°C
Heating Method Single-coil Multi-zone water bath Steam injection
Energy Efficiency 60–70% 75–85% 90–95%
Response Time 15–20 mins 8–12 mins 3–5 mins

3. Mixing Efficiency and Bubble Removal

Agitation systems must balance shear force to prevent gelatin degradation while eliminating bubbles.

  • Helical Ribbon Mixers: Ideal for high-viscosity solutions (≥50,000 cP), offering laminar flow.

  • Vacuum Degassing: Integrated systems can reduce bubble content to <0.5% volume.

  • Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): Enable adjustable RPM for different gelatin grades.

4. Automation and Smart Controls

Modern gelatin tanks like Sinagel’s CIP-enabled systems incorporate:

  • PLC-Based Automation: One-touch operation for mixing, heating, and cleaning cycles.

  • Real-Time Monitoring: Sensors track viscosity, pH, and temperature, syncing data to MES/ERP platforms.

  • Predictive Maintenance: AI algorithms alert users to component wear or process deviations.

5. Cleaning and Validation

Pharmaceutical applications require tanks designed for Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Steam-in-Place (SIP) protocols. Key features include:

  • Spray Ball Coverage: 360° cleaning with ≤2% shadow areas.

  • Documentation Support: Automated logs for audit trails compliant with 21 CFR Part 11.

Industry Trends Shaping Gelatin Tank Design

Trend 1: Industry 4.0 Integration

Smart gelatin tanks now interface with IoT platforms to:

  • Optimize batch cycles using historical viscosity/temperature data.

  • Enable remote troubleshooting via AR-assisted diagnostics.

  • Reduce waste through machine learning-driven recipe adjustments.

Trend 2: Sustainability-Driven Engineering

Energy recovery systems, such as heat exchangers that repurpose thermal energy, cut operational costs by up to 30%. Additionally, modular designs allow capacity scaling without replacing entire units.

Trend 3: Hybrid Material Solutions

To address niche applications (e.g., plant-based gelatin alternatives), manufacturers are testing ceramic-coated tanks and PEEK-composite agitators that resist sticky residues.

Trend 4: Compact and Mobile Units

With the rise of personalized medicine, smaller tanks (100–500L capacity) with wheeled bases and rapid setup are gaining traction in pilot plants and R&D facilities.

Comparative Analysis: Sinagel’s Gelatin Tank Portfolio

Model HJG-500 HJG-1000 HJG-CIP Pro
Capacity 500L 1000L 200–2000L
Heating Method Water Jacket Steam Jacket Dual Jacket
Mixing Speed 0–60 RPM 0–80 RPM 0–100 RPM
CIP/SIP Manual Semi-Auto Full Auto
Degassing None Vacuum Pump Vacuum+Ultrasound
Data Integration Basic SCADA OPC-UA IIoT Ready
Compliance FDA, CE GMP, ISO 9001 FDA, GMP, EU

Key Differentiators:

  • HJG-CIP Pro: Features a dual heating jacket for rapid thermal recovery and ultrasound-assisted degassing, reducing cycle times by 40% compared to conventional systems.

  • IIoT Readiness: Sinagel’s tanks support API integration with platforms like Siemens MindSphere and Rockwell FactoryTalk.

Aligning Gelatin Tank Features with Client Needs

Pharmaceutical Clients

  • Priority: Compliance, traceability, and sterile processing.

  • Solution: Opt for CIP Pro models with full validation support and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant software.

Food Manufacturers

  • Priority: High throughput and ease of cleaning.

  • Solution: HJG-1000 with steam jacket heating and semi-automated CIP reduces downtime between batches.

Nutraceutical/Cosmetic Brands

  • Priority: Flexibility for diverse formulations (e.g., CBD-infused gels).

  • Solution: Modular tanks with VFD mixers and additive injection ports.

Future-Proofing Your Investment

  1. Scalability: Choose systems that allow capacity upgrades via bolt-on modules.

  2. Retrofittable Tech: Ensure older models can integrate new sensors or software updates.

  3. Vendor Support: Partner with providers offering lifecycle services, from installation to predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

Selecting the optimal gelatin storage tank demands a holistic view of current operational needs and future industry shifts. By prioritizing precision controls, material resilience, and smart automation—as exemplified by Sinagel’s HJG and CIP Pro systems—manufacturers can achieve unmatched consistency in gelatin processing. As regulations tighten and markets demand faster, greener production, investing in adaptable, IoT-enabled gelatin tanks will separate industry leaders from competitors. Whether for pharmaceutical capsules or gourmet edible films, the right gelatin tank is not just a vessel—it’s the cornerstone of quality and efficiency.

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