Powder sachets

Question 1

What is the particle setting time?

Answer 1

• how quickly powder settles at the bottom of the sachet

- ideally 1 second

Question 2

What is the W.F.A?

Answer 2

• friction angle between bulk powder and solid surface

- angle should be below 20 degrees -for speedy sachet production

Question 3

what is the difference between mass and funnel flow?

Answer 3

• mass flow - powder moves as one - so particles chance of getting separated by size is decreased
• funnel flow - demixing as it is size dependent

Question 4

How are sachets packed?

Answer 4

• using laminates to maximise the shelf life

- cooled - easier to track and brand

Question 5

what are hardshell capsules made out of?

Answer 5

-gelatin

Question 6

How is gelatin produced?

Answer 6

• hydrolysis of collagen

- isolated from animal sources

Question 7

How is type A gelatin produced?

Answer 7

• acid hydrolysis (pH 1-3)

- process - up to 10 days

Question 8

How is type B gelatin produced?

Answer 8

• basic hydrolysis

- process - up to 3 months

Question 9

What is the moisture content for gelatine and does it vary in different environments?

Answer 9

• 13-16%
• water acts like a plasticiser
• in high humidity - capsules absorb water - become softer and malleable
• in low humidity - capsules release water - become brittle and more prone to breakage

Question 10

what are gelatin capsules incompatible with?

Answer 10

• deliquescent powders
• hygroscopic powders
• hydrolysis prone API’s.

Question 11

what is alternative to gelatine?

Answer 11

potato starch
12-14% moisture content
opaque coloured

Question 12

What is an alternative to potato starch and gelatine?

Answer 12

HPMC

Question 13

What happens to HPMC at high and low temperatures?

Answer 13

gels at high temperatures

soluble at low temperatures

Question 14

what is the moisture content of HPMC

Answer 14

2-6% moisture content

Question 15

is pullan a good oxygen barrier

Answer 15

• yes

- moisture content - 10-15%.