5 March 2013: Malvern, UK: The Parsum in-line particle sizing probe from Malvern Instruments is proving its value as a PAT instrument in granulation research being conducted at Ghent University in Belgium. Professor Thomas De Beer’s Process Analytical Technology (PAT) group at the university are successfully using the instrument to continuously monitor granulation processes and to develop effective automated strategies for process control.
The Parsum particle sizing probe installed in a fluidized bed granulator.The Process Analytical Technology group is part of the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and focuses on identifying robust and relevant PAT tools. The team researches how these can be applied to improve manufacturing efficiency. Granulation trials have shown that real-time particle size measurements, in combination with other analytical data, support consistent production of granules to a defined specification.
Professor De Beer said, “In our research we look at all aspects of PAT. We focus not only on assessing different technologies and instrumentation for monitoring, but on applying the resulting data to process control. Using Parsum we have tracked the evolution of particle size in real time during fluidized bed granulations. The data provide detailed information during Design of Experiment (DoE) studies and enable us to develop models for real-time batch evaluation. These models help drive effective automated process control and reduce batch release times, both of which are important goals for pharmaceutical processors.”
PAT is playing a pivotal role in achieving the pharmaceutical industry’s stated aims of moving away from batch operation and off-line monitoring towards continuous, integrated processing and real-time release. Granulation is a unit operation that is used widely in pharmaceutical processing, particularly in tablet production, but its control can be challenging.
Prof De Beer’s research shows that by correlating particle size data - and other process variables such as binder addition rate and inlet air temperature - with granule quality defined in terms of density, it is possible to develop predictive process models. These can be used to define and control processing conditions to deliver a successful outcome.1 Such work is an essential precursor to the integration of granulation processes in continuous powder-to-tablet production lines.
The rugged Parsum probe measures particle size across the size range 50 to 6000 microns using the technique of spatial particle velocimetry. Available in a number of different probe lengths it is designed specifically for in-process use and can be installed directly into a line or vessel for real-time monitoring. With a number of in-built features that prevent fouling, the Parsum delivers continuous performance even for demanding applications such as wet granulation, and is easily integrated in automated control hierarchies.
For further details of Prof De Beer’s work visit http://bit.ly/ProfTDBeer
To find out more about the Parsum probe go to http://www.malvern.com/velocimetry
About Malvern Instruments
Malvern provides the materials and biophysical characterization technology and expertise that enables scientists and engineers to understand and control the properties of dispersed systems. These systems range from proteins and polymers in solution, particle and nanoparticle suspensions and emulsions, through to sprays and aerosols, industrial bulk powders and high concentration slurries. Used at all stages of research, development and manufacturing, Malvern’s materials characterization instruments provide critical information that helps accelerate research and product development, enhance and maintain product quality and optimize process efficiency.
Our products reflect Malvern’s drive to exploit the latest technological innovations and our commitment to maximizing the potential of established techniques. They are used by both industry and academia, in sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals to bulk chemicals, cement, plastics and polymers, energy and the environment.
Malvern systems are used to measure particle size, particle shape, zeta potential, protein charge, molecular weight, mass, size and conformation, rheological properties and for chemical identification, advancing the understanding of dispersed systems across many different industries and applications.
Headquartered in Malvern, UK, Malvern Instruments has subsidiary organizations in all major European markets, North America, China, Japan and Korea, a joint venture in India, a global distributor network and applications laboratories around the world. www.malvern.com
Facebook: MalvernInstruments
Blog: www.materials-talks.com
Youtube: malverninstruments
Linked-In: malvern-instruments
Twitter: malvern_news
Google +: https://plus.google.com/105749461389316404960/posts#105749461389316404960/posts
USA contact:
Marisa Fraser, Malvern Instruments Inc.
117 Flanders Road, Westborough, MA 01581-1042 USA
Tel: +1 508 768 6400 Fax: +1 508 768 6403 [email protected]
Please send sales enquiries to:
Alison Vines, Malvern Instruments Ltd
Enigma Business Park, Grovewood Road, Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1XZ UK
Tel: +44 (0) 1684 892456; Fax: +44 (0) 1684 892789 [email protected]
www.malvern.com