Roller Compactors for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Granular Materials in Pharmaceutical Production
75% of pharmaceutical remedies and preparations are administered in the form of solid dosage, a large share of which is in tablets or capsules. In addition to active substances, tablet formulations are composed of a number auxiliary agents and additives such as fillers and flavorings.
In many cases the powder mixtures cannot be processed into the finished form by direct compression in a tablet press because of the poor handling properties of the powder. Segregation, partly filled press dies and inconsistent final product may result. To economically and gently process such powders into the final product, the powder should be transformed into granular material. This influences the materials physical properties such as particle size, distribution, hardness, bulk density and surface area. Unlike the powders from which they are formed, granular materials are characterized by significantly improved flowability and an increased density.
This means:
- Granular materials can be easily and accurately dosed (e. g. when being fed into tablet presses).
- Less dust occurs inside machines or working spaces; resulting in lower OEL’ s and subsequent reduced health risks to operators. The noticeable reduction in dust also results in extended machine life of the final form machinery.
- Solubility or dispersion rates are often improved by the formation of the compacted granulates.
- Homogeneous distribution of the active substance.
The production of granular material is a two stage process:
