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Capsule filling machine simulation. I. Low-force powder compression physics relevant to plug formation.
P K Heda1, F X Muller, L L Augsburger
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore 21201, USA.
Pharmaceutical Development and Technology
|May 8, 1999
Summary
This study simulated powder plug formation using a tablet compaction simulator, revealing that compression models like Heckel and Kawakita accurately describe low-force powder compression physics for capsule filling.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Powder plug formation is critical for capsule filling.
- Understanding low-force compression physics is essential for process optimization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To simulate powder plug formation and investigate the associated low-force powder compression physics.
- To evaluate the applicability of established tableting compression models to powder plug formation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a tablet compaction simulator with a saw-tooth waveform to create powder plugs.
- Tested three materials (Avicel PH 102, anhydrous lactose, Starch 1500) at varying punch speeds and plug heights.
- Applied Heckel, Kawakita, and Shaxby-Evans compression models to analyze the data.
Main Results:
- Heckel analysis yielded apparent yield pressures (25-70 MPa) influenced by material, speed, and height.
- Shaxby-Evans relationship confirmed exponential decrease in axial load transmission with increasing plug height/diameter ratio.
- Kawakita's model effectively described plug formation, indicating Avicel PH 102 had the greatest volume reduction potential.
Conclusions:
- Powder plug formation can be accurately simulated using programmable tablet compaction simulators.
- Standard tableting compression models (Heckel, Kawakita, Shaxby-Evans) are applicable to powder plug formation with careful interpretation.
- Findings provide insights into optimizing powder compression for capsule manufacturing.