Optimizing particle size segregation in vacuum drum-based capsule filling machines: A stirrer design approach.

This study investigates particle size segregation within the powder chamber of a vacuum drum-based capsule filling machine using various stirrer types and proposing novel designs to mitigate segregation. The stirrer is essential to the process, ensuring uniform density during volume-based filling. Three lactose grades, comprising 10% fine, 80% medium, and 10% coarse particles, were used, with tracer particles replacing fine or coarse particles, respectively.

Design of a vertical Loss-in-Weight feeder prototype with experimental proof of concept validation.

Loss-in-Weights (LiW) feeders are commonly oriented in a horizontal way. In this work, an experimental proof of concept, including mechanical and electrical design, construction, and operation, of a vertical LiW feeder prototype is performed. In a systematic design process, based on functional design specifications, the semi-automated vertical LiW feeder for dosing a wide range of powders, especially cohesive ones, is developed.

Deriving control parameter settings from process models to control capsule fillers integrated into continuous manufacturing.

The aim of this work was to investigate the mean fill weight control of a continuous capsule-filling process, whether it is possible to derive controller settings from an appendant process model. To that end, a system composed out of fully automated capsule filler and an online gravimetric scale was used to control the filled weight. This setup allows to examine challenges associated with continuous manufacturing processes, such as variations in the amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in the mixture due to fluctuations of the feeders or due to altered excipient batch qualities.

Using online content uniformity measurements for rapid automated process development exemplified via an X-ray system.

This paper addresses the relevance of automated content testing for the rapid automated process development (RAPD). Our previous work demonstrated that RAPD allowed a fast and efficient development of a continuous capsule-filling process. Target was the mean weight and the relative standard deviation of the weight.

Rapid automated process development of a continuous capsule-filling process.

This paper introduces a rapid automated process-development approach for a continuous capsule-filling process. In our proposed method, both the material attributes and the critical process parameters were varied to understand and to optimize the overall process. Using our approach a statistical process model can be generated with unprecedented speed (2 days), which is the prerequisite for effectively developing and operating continuous process platforms.

Automation of a dosing-disc capsule filler from the perspective of reliability and safety.

The aim of this paper is to explore the possibility to develop an automatically adjustable, reliable, and safe capsule filling operation. Process parameters that are critical for the tamping pin process were reviewed based on the literature and via experiment. Dosing disc height, powder bed height, machine speed, pressure on the tamping pin, and immersion depth were reviewed.

Preparation and measurement of combinatorial screen printed libraries for the electrochemical analysis of liquids.

A combinatorial approach to the development of new screen printing pastes is introduced. We used a novel technique for printing electrodes out of different binary mixtures of pastes. The pastes applied are based on the transition metals iridium and ruthenium in the form of their (IV) oxides.