A fractional lobe processor is disclosed. The fractional lobe processor comprises an intake zone comprising at least one deep flighted shovel element on each intermeshing screw for receiving a input blend comprising an active substance and an excipient; a granulation zone consisting of only fractional lobe elements, and having a provision for introducing moisture or a binder solution, for granulating the active substance and the excipient; an optional, drying zone for drying the wet granules; and a discharge zone for discharging the granules; wherein the granulation zone is located before the discharge zone and after the intake zone; wherein the drying zone has one or more fractional lobe elements on each shaft; and wherein the granulation zone has a plurality of fractional lobe elements on each shaft.