Image processing for detecting complete two dimensional properties' distribution of granules produced in twin screw
Hamza Y Ismail1, Ahmad B Albadarin1, Javed Iqbal1
1Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technology Centre, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Department of Chemical Sciences, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|March 19, 2021
Summary
This study uses image processing to analyze twin screw granulation (TSG). We found that liquid binder properties and screw design significantly impact granule size, liquid content distribution, and residence time distribution.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Twin screw granulation (TSG) is a widely used process for producing granules.
- Understanding granule formation is crucial for optimizing product quality and process efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of liquid binder viscosity and liquid to solid ratio (L/S) on granule properties in TSG.
- To analyze the influence of screw configuration on particle size and liquid content distribution.
- To characterize the residence time distribution (RTD) within different TSG screw elements.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of an advanced image processing technique for two-dimensional particle size and liquid content distribution analysis.
- Systematic variation of liquid binder viscosity and L/S ratio to assess their impact on granule characteristics.
- Evaluation of different screw configurations and their effect on granule formation and RTD.
Main Results:
- Mean residence time distribution (MRTD) in conveying elements decreases with increasing L/S ratio and viscosity.
- MRTD in kneading elements decreases with increasing L/S ratio but increases with viscosity.
- Granule liquid saturation level shows an exponential relationship with granule size.
- Increased binder viscosity and L/S ratio result in more uneven/bi-modal particle size distribution (PSD) in conveying elements.
- Kneading elements transform bi-modal PSDs into more homogenous mono-modal distributions.
Conclusions:
- Liquid binder properties and screw design are critical parameters influencing granule characteristics in TSG.
- The study provides quantitative insights into the complex interplay between process parameters and granule attributes.
- The findings contribute to a better understanding and control of the TSG process for optimized granule production.
