In this paper, we are going to discuss about the fundamentals of dry granulation and roller compaction technology. The process of granulation forms the main part of this paper.
The process of granulation involves the adhering of various powder particles together to form granules. It is the procedure that helps to create bond between the particles that helps in manufacturing of tablets and other forms of medicines in the pharmaceutical industry. Along with the wet granulation process, dry granulation has gained much importance in this industry. It is the process that doesn’t involve any use of liquid in the procedure.
With the exertion of some pressure the powder gets compacted, which also causes magnification in its size. The acquired compact is in the form of ribbons or flakes. The whole process is then followed by the milling process to get the desirable granules.
Fundamentals of the process
In order to get the desirable granules, two methods are generally used in the process of dry granulation.
- Slugging
- Roller compaction
The process that involves the use of tablet press is known as slugging. Because of the great difference in the weight of elements that is caused during the process, variations can be seen in the properties of the granules. For this reason, this process is not in use now-a-days.
Whereas, roller compaction is greatly used as it maintains the weight and the properties of the granules. Three chief units make up the roller compaction machine:
- Firstly, the feeding unit, which helps to pass on the powder to the compaction part that is between the rolls.
- The second unit is the compaction unit. This is where the powder gets compacted, with the help of two rollers that are constantly rotating against each, into thin ribbons.
- And lastly, the size reduction unit. In this section, the ribbons go through the milling process that helps to get the desirable sized granules.
Parts of the Roller compaction machine
The compaction machinery generally consists of the following parts:
- Inlet funnel with an agitator
- Feed auger
- Tamp auger
- Inlet funnel that holds small quantity
- Press rollers with ribbons
- Rotor with preferred granules
Product Superiority Features
In this process pressure is being exerted on the two rollers to get the desired compacted granules. The unit of the force that is applied in this machine is force per cm, expressed as kN/cm. Certain amount of the force is applied on the ribbons, which of course depends on the quantity of the powder used.
The roller compactors are generally used in two types. One consists of a fixed gap in the rollers while the other has got floating gaps that can be adjusted accordingly. Among these two types the second one is more convenient as it helps to maintain the properties of the granules.
The process of Milling
Just after the compaction process is carried on, the milling of the ribbons is done. In this process a screen is used which helps to maintain the granule size.
Application
With the help of this dry granulation process the density and property of the granules can be maintained. The result of using it is the better flow of materials along with increasing the size of the particles. Moreover, the compaction process prevents the granules from getting segregated and thus helps to maintain the uniformity of the dosages.
Conclusion
Dry Granulation and Roller Compaction technology has helped the Pharmaceutical industry in a great many ways. With the low running cost and the high efficiency it has proved its worth in the industry.
Author Bio
The author Jayesh Khambhayata in this article has explained about the fundamentals of Dry granulation and roller compaction technology that are used as pharmaceutical machinery and pharmaceutical equipment in the industry. Cemach Machineries has brought about the latest form of these machineries for the help of the industry.
