Deformation of the Stokes B2 rotary tablet press: quantitation and influence on tablet compaction

Deformations that affect the vertical punch displacement of a Stokes B2 rotary tablet press were characterized with a cathetometer. The press deformation was found to be elastic for both the upper and lower compression roller assemblies. However, the upper and lower compression roller assemblies have different Hookian spring constants: 8.58 x 10(4) and 5.18 x 10(4) kN/m for the upper and lower assemblies, respectively. Using two-way analysis of variance, the Hookian spring constants were shown to be independent of compaction phases and lower punch penetration setting. To study the influence of press deformation on tablet compaction, the Hookian spring constants were factored into the caculation of the incremental work of compaction for dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate and microcrystalline cellulose. As the peak compression pressure increases, the force-displacement work done on the tablet during the loading phase decreases relative to calculations that neglect press deformation. This decrease in force-displacement work was attributed to elastic press deformation, which absorbs energy during the loading phase and then releases this energy later in the compaction cycle, altering the punch-displacement profile. The rate at which the press stores and releases elastic energy depends in part upon the viscoelastic properties of the tablet. Based upon these results, the coupling between press elasticity and a tablet's viscoelastic properties should be accounted for when analyzing tablet compaction or trying to simulate the punch-displacement profile of a tablet press that deforms during compaction.