Unit processes Flashcards

1
Q

Part 1: size reduction

first step in manufacture of many dosage forms?

A

Particle size reduction

Some powders might form clumps during storage - must be broken-up before the powder can be used.

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2
Q

5 aims/ benefits of Particle size reduction?

A
  • improve mixing
  • increase specific SA: impacts dissolution rate and flow properties
  • control texture and feel (organoleptic properties)
  • ensure ease of administration, e.g. injectables, mostly for suspensions
  • promote stability, e.g. in suspensions
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3
Q

define toughness?

A

Toughness is a measure of a material’s resistance to fracture.

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4
Q

brittle vs tough material and examples of each?

A

Brittle: fracture/break when subjected to stress. not much energy req. Glass

Tough: requires more energy to break. more difficult to reduce size. Steel

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5
Q

difference between plastic and elastic deformation?

examples

A

elastic deformation: change in shape under tensile stress. reversible once stress removed unless if stressed beyond limit
elastic band

plastic deformation:change in shape under stress, permanent once stress removed
clingfilm

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6
Q

how do fractures occur in brittle materials?

and in ductile?

A

A brittle material will experience little elastic or plastic deformation before it breaks, fracture will happen through crack propagation; while, a ductile material will undergo significant plastic deformation before it brakes.

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7
Q

whats hardness a measure of and what material will be at top/bottom of Mohs scale?

A

measure of material’s ability to resist plastic deformation through indentation or abrasion.

Mohs scale: to compare hardness of diff minerals. Diamonds at top,
talc, a soft material- bottom.

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8
Q

why do particle size reduction mechanisms matter?

i.e. what 2 factors influence the process?

A

Both toughness and hardness are likely to influence the particle size reduction process.

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9
Q

what phenomenon does particle size red. work through?

A

Crack propagation, i.e. fracture of a brittle material under stress.

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10
Q

will deformation from crack propagation -> particle size red. be permanent or temporary? why?

A

deformation = permanent as the stress ->bond rupture.

The crack is propagated along the flaws in the material and happens at high speed in the solid.

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11
Q

what affects the efficacy of the particle size reduction process?

A

the ability of the material to resist crack propagation or brittle fracture will affect the efficacy of the particle size reduction process.

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12
Q

only little energy provided to system is used to reduce particle size. not very efficient!!

how is most energy lost?

A

most of the energy is lost through

heat, friction, vibration, crack initiation or elastic/plastic deformation.

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13
Q

how does PSR of harder materials compare with very soft?

A

both can be difficult!
hard = wear and tear to equipment
very soft e.g. rubber- also problematic

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14
Q

what is beneficial about rubber and other waxy/sticky materials that allows PSR to be performed (at low temps)?

A

become brittle when cooled at low temps (often well below freezing point)

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15
Q

reason for PSR (linked to behaviour of powder)?

A

PSR = narrow size distribution = impacts behaviour

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16
Q

how does particle size affect PSR process?

2 responses to milling

A

will respond diff
bigger: change size

can be

  • bimodal: alr reduction in size
  • unimodal (normal distribution)
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17
Q

after time, what ahppens to the normal distribution unimodal curve in milling/PSR process?

% freq/ diameter graph

A

peak moves to left (i.e. smaller diameter)

overall particle size reduced :)

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18
Q

in PSR process, why do we not want to reduce size too much?

A

cohesive (like) forces increase

implications on powder flow

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19
Q

4 Different types of mechanical stress that can be used to break down particles. (PSR methods)

A

cutting
compression
impact
attrition

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20
Q

PSR reduction methods

what is compression? how is it done in lab

A

Pressure applied to break down the powder.

In the lab- mortar and pestle

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21
Q

PSR reduction methods

how is impact done?

A

powder hit by hammers or porcelain/stainless steel balls

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22
Q

PSR reduction methods

whats attrition?

A

Fragments breaking away from a larger powder particle under shear, friction, agitation, etc.

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23
Q

what are each of the 5 mills in PSR used for?

cutting mill
roller mill
hammer mill
ball mill
fluid energy mill
A

cutting mill: cutting

roller mill: compression

hammer mill: impact

ball mill: impact and attrition

fluid energy mill:impact and attrition

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24
Q

particle size range that can be used in each of the 5 mills of PSR? i.e. put in order smallest-biggest

cutting mill
roller mill
hammer mill
ball mill
fluid energy mill
A

ball mill
hammer mill
cutting mill
roller mill

fluid energy mill (anything up to 50,000 microns)

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25
Q

whats the principle of cutting mill?

A

Particles fractured between 2 sets of knives.

A stationary set on the mill casing and a set attached to the rotor.

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26
Q

whats the principle of roller mill?

A

Powder is compressed between two rotating cylinders.

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27
Q

whats the principle of hammer mill?

A

Particle size is reduced upon impact driven by 4 (or more) rotating hammers

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28
Q

whats the principle of ball mill?

A

rotating cylinder filled to 30-50% with balls. The mill can be filled with a variety of ball sizes to improve the size reduction process.

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29
Q

whats the principle of fluid energy mill?

A

Air is injected at a high-pressure, creating turbulence = particle collision with other particles and with the wall of the mill.

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30
Q

what does Particle size reduction: method selection depend on?

A

intended use of the powder

Beyond this, method selection will depend on particle properties (i.e. toughness and hardness).

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31
Q

!!

what PSR method used to produce VERY coarse powders (> 1000 microns)

A

Cutting methods for tough/soft particles

Roller or hammer mill for harder particles

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32
Q

!!

what PSR method used to produce coarse powders (50-1000 microns)

A

Soft/tough materials: size reduction performed under liquid nitrogen

Cutting still possible for soft materials, under liquid nitrogen

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33
Q

!!

what PSR method used to produce fine powders (<50 microns)

A

Ball or vibration mill

under liquid nitrogen for soft materials

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34
Q

how can Size separation be performed? 3 methods

A

Size separation can be performed using:

  1. sieving methods
  2. sedimentation
  3. elutration
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35
Q

size separation:

1. sieving methods can be used with or without help of?

A

w/w out agitation, brushing, centirfugation

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36
Q

what is 2. sedimentation based on?

A

similar principle as sedimentation-based particle size analysis

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37
Q

what is 3. Elutration?

A

separation under a fluid layer moving upwards

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38
Q

What is the difference between a brittle and plastic material?

A

Plastic materials change shape permanently

Brittle materials undergo limited elastic or plastic deformation before breaking

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39
Q

benefits of PSR?

A

Increased Dissolution Rate.
Improved Drug Delivery.

Increase therapeutic effectiveness of certain drugs Pharmaceutical suspensions require finer particle size. Reduces rate of sedimentation.

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40
Q

How does particle size reduction affect size distribution?

what should be seen at end of PSR process and during initial?

A

should see a decrease in the size distribution.

In the initial stages, distribution might be widened.

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41
Q

factors to take into consideration when choosing a particle reduction method

A

intended use,
target particle size
or powder properties (e.g. hardness/toughness)

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42
Q

TRUE or FALSE: A cutter mill can be used to produce fine particles from a hard material

A

FALSE: cutting mill is used to produce coarse and very coarse powders.

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43
Q

Part 2: mixing

3 ingredients mixing can involve?

A

Solids
e.g. tablets, capsules, sachets, bulk powders

Liquids
e.g. emulsion

Solids in liquids or semi-solids
e.g. pastes, suspensions

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44
Q

Mechanisms of mixing

STATE the different types of mixing/mixtures (3)

A

Positive (simplest)
Neutral
Negative

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45
Q

Describe the main mechanisms leading to mixing (2)

A

Small scale mixing: using simple equipment

  • mortar and pestle
  • glass tile
  • closed container

Large scale mixing: Industrial-scale
Convection
Shear
Diffusion

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46
Q

Explain what demixing is and how it can be prevented

A

separation of individual powders from a powder blend = huge implications for quality and uniformity of solid dosage form

Powder blends are neutral mixtures: so easiest way to avoid demixing = limit handling of the powder bed.

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47
Q

why is PSR often a pre-requisite to mixing?

A

helps incorporation and more efficient mixixng, successful outcome quicker

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48
Q

what = ideal mix (of both powders evenly distributed in powder blend)?

A

true if both powders:

  • similar quantities
  • similar powder properties
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49
Q

whether mixing and demixing is spontaneous or not has an influence on what?

A

The type of mixing:

positive (simplest), neutral or negative mixture

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50
Q

What mixture category do powder blends fall into and what does this mean?

A

neutral mixture category
mixing and demixing = NOT spontaneous
- energy input required for powders to mix/ demix

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51
Q

describe the type of mix most likely to result form mixing 2 powders

A

random mix (not ideal mix)
not completely uniform.
zones with higher conc of Powder A/B.

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52
Q

a caution when taking small samples of random mix of 2 powders etc.?

A

can work with this but ensure good distribution of both powders when you take small samples

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53
Q

technique used for small scale mixing (when unequal amounts of powders are mixed together)?

A

use mortar and pestle

Doubling-up technique can also help achieve a good distribution when unequal amounts of powders are mixed together.

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54
Q

Describe the different types of mixing/mixtures (3)

  • is mixing spontaneous or not?
  • is energy needed?
A

Positive (simplest)

  • spontaneous mixing
  • energy only req if time constraint

Neutral

  • non-spontaneous mixing and demixing
  • need energy input

Negative

  • spontaneous demixing: fast/slow
  • need energy input
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55
Q

which type of mixing is least problematic in drug formulation?

A

positive.
leats likely to demix

also spontaneous mixing- can occur between miscible liquids, gases e.g. air

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56
Q

when is segregation/demixing of powders likely in a neutral mixture?

A

only if its disturbed

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57
Q

why is negative mixing a challenge in drug formulation?

A

spontaneously demix- can happen fast or slow

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58
Q

example of negative mixing?

A

emulsions w no stabiliser- must input energy to mix oil and water

once mixture left to rest, O and W will spontaneously demix

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59
Q

3 steps/ mechanisms of large scale industrial mixing?

A
  1. convection
  2. shear
  3. diffusion
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60
Q

large scale: what is 1. convection mixing?

what is it the main mixing mechanism for?

A

powder moved in bulk from one part of powder to another.

Convection = main mixing mechanism for agitator mixers

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61
Q

2 types of convection mixers and what do they acheive?

A

planetary mixers and ribbon mixers

achieve macromixing (i.e. mixing of large groups of particles), which is large scale mixing under stirring.

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62
Q

convection mixers: 2 pros, 1 con?

A

+ can mix powders with poor flow properties
+ lower risk of segregation/demixing vs tumble mixers

  • dead spots (where no mixing) in hard to reach corners. hard to avoid
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63
Q

large scale: what is 2. shear mixing?

2 types?

A

layers of bulk powder are moved during the mixing process.

v blender and High-shear mixer granulator

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64
Q

what mixing is acheived in shear mixing (large scale)?

what is this process the main mechanism for?

A

semi-micromixing, intermediate between the macromixing of agitators and micromixing (i.e. mixing of individual particles) of diffusion methods.

Shear mixing is the main mechanism for:
Tumbling agitators

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65
Q

large scale: what is 3. diffusion mixing and type?

A

individual particles are moved during the mixing process.

This allows micromixing as particles rearrange as they mix.

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66
Q

Diffusion mixing is the main mechanism for?

and whats the method typically used for?

A

Fluidised bed mixers

Typically used to dry and coat granules, but can allow for mixing of powders before granulation

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67
Q
  1. diffusion mixing: 2 pros 1 con?
A

(+) Allows mixing and granulation in the same bowl

(+) True random mix

(-) Low mixing rate

68
Q

State the different types of demixing: 3 methods

A

Percolation
Trajectory Segregation
Dusting out

69
Q

3 possible causes of demixing?

A

(lack of uniformity)
Demixing is more likely in powders with a wide distribution of

  • sizes
  • densities
  • shapes
  • surface properties
70
Q

density of powders is a more considerable factor in what pharmaceutical prep, which may then induce demixing?

A

fluidised beds

71
Q

how do different shapes (wide distribution) of powders cause demixing?

A

spherical = better flow = better mixing BUT also higher risk of demixing

irregular = more cohesive = lower risk of demixing

72
Q

what may lead to a non-homogenous distribution of the different components within powder bed.

and what powders may demixing be more likely in?

A

Powder particles with similar properties will accumulate in different zones within the powder bed, leading to a non-homogenous distribution of the different components.

Demixing may also be more likely in powder with good flow properties!!!!

73
Q

demixing: when may shape of powder particles vary? and affect demixing?

A

shape may vary as the powder is process/handled, for example through attrition

74
Q

what type of demixing is PERCOLATION and when does it occur?

A

size based separation

happens when powder moved about:

  • vibration
  • shaking
  • pouring
75
Q

examples of situations when percolation may occur?

A

brazil nut effect: shake and larger nuts float to top as smaller ones occupy the tight spaces at bottom.

same with cereal: shavings fall to bottom

76
Q

what type of demixing is TRAJECTORY SEGREGATION and when does it occur?

A

size based separation

difference in kinetic energy

77
Q

how does trajectory segregation demixing occur? mechanism

A

larger larticles farther than smaller before settling.

happens on conveyer belts

(pile of powder)

78
Q

what particles can trajectory segregation occur for?

A

difference in kinetic energy of larger vs. small particles or for particles of similar sizes but different densities

smaller particles around periphery of powder heap

79
Q

how does demixing method DUSTING OUT occur?

A

small particles are lifted and settle at the top of the powder bed
done by air flow

80
Q

what is dusting out method also called? (2)

A

fluidisation segregation

elutriation segregation

81
Q

what is being referred to in the following terms of particle density:

a) particular density (m/Vp)
b) granular (m/Vg)
c) bulk (m/Vb)

A

a) vol occupied by 1 particle
b) similar to a, aggregates of individual powder particles
c) vol occupied by powder bulk

82
Q

when is particular and granular density equal?

A

if particles are not porous

83
Q

how are the following measured?

a) Vp (particular density
b) Vg (granular density)
c) Vb (bulk density)

A

a) displacement of helium
b) “ of mercury
b) in a measuring cyclinder- inc void spaces

84
Q

how is DENSITY BASED SEPARATION done?

A

downward movement of dense particles

gravity = main issue

impact on:

  • trajec segregation
  • percolation (denser + smaller)
85
Q

how is SHAPE BASED SEPARATION done?

A

sphere: better flow, higher risk of demixing
irregular: more cohesive, lower risk of demixing

86
Q

what are the 5 mechanisms of demixing?

A

size:

  • percolation (cereal)
  • traject segregation (heap)
  • dusting out (air flow)

density:
- downward movement of dense parts)

shape:
- spherical vs non

87
Q

Suggest methods to prevent/ lower the risk of demixing (4)

A

size based separation (particle shape/size reduction
density based separation: avoid large differences
shape based sep: processing
general:
- granulation: even distrib
- reduce vibration/movement/ disruptions
- reduce processing

88
Q

whats ordered mixing?

A

adhesion (diff) of small particles (<5microM) on large carrier particle

89
Q

why is ordered mixing done i.e. benefits?

A

imporve powder flow: small parts are cohesive: negative impact on flowability.

adding them onto carrier particles = larger size better flow :)

90
Q

problem with ordered mixing?

A

demixing still possible!

  • large size distrib of carrier particle
  • displacement segregation- binding sites ot CP competition
  • not enough CPs for all small ones. few small left :(
91
Q

testing mixing efficacy: how is it done? (formula)

A

mixing index = (content stdec random mix) / (content stdev sample)

92
Q

testing the mixing efficacy formula for mixing index is reliable if what? (2)

A

sufficient num of samples tested (min 10 from powder bed)

suitable analytical technique (Near infrared!)

93
Q

when is near infrared analysis used in pharm?

A

to test mixing efficacy (index)

most pharms absorb in NIR region 800-2500nm

94
Q

Are powder blends positive, negative or neutral mixtures..

and What does this means for their ability to mix and demix?

A

NEUTRAL mixtures

Powder blends will not mix or demix spontaneously.

95
Q

Explain the difference between convection, shear and diffusion mixing

A

Convection: the powder is moved in bulk from one part of the powder to another
Shear: layers of bulk powder are moved during the mixing process
Diffusion: individual particles are moved during the mixing process

96
Q

What is percolation?
Why does it occur?
How can differences in density make it worse?

A

What? accumulation of small particles at the bottom of a powder bed
Why? increased risk if the powder is disturbed
Density? can be potentiated if the small particles also have a higher density

97
Q

ow can granulation prevent demixing?

A

by reducing size distribution and uniformising particle density

98
Q

Section 3: Granulation
Explain how granulation affects powder properties
Explain how granules are formed

What are the 3/4 main granulation bonding processes/mechanisms?

A

adhesion and cohesion
liquid bridges
Solid bridges and other attractive forces

99
Q

when do adhesion and cohesion forces occur and how do they form granules?

A

forces occur when have small amount of liquid

thin liquid layer= enough to bring parts together and increase conpact pores, stick to powder parts, sticky, aggregation of granules

100
Q

when is absorbed small amout of moisture (from increased contact area) useful in granule formation? i.e. what process

A

adhesion and cohesion

normally - effect on powder flow = stickier.
but flow of powder prevented with adhesion and cohesion. part of process for granulation!

101
Q

role of viscous adhesive solution in granulation? (increased contact area)

A

intervening to exploit adhesion and cohesion= form stronger granules: relatively stronger bond e.g. starch mucilage as gran fluid

102
Q

what are liquid bridges? (granulation: bonding mechanism 2)

A

interfacial forces in mobile liquid films

103
Q

(liquid bridges) whats wet granulation and hows it done?

A

given vol of gran lfuid mixed into powder.

done using diff mixers e.g. planetary

104
Q

5 states/stages of liquid bonding to form granules?

A

dry state: individual powders, no strong bonds, some moisture
pendular: GF forms some bonds, some void spaces (decrease as more GF added)
funicular
capillary: GF and surface tension create strong bonds
suspension

105
Q

whats happened in final stage of liquid bridges- suspension?

and why is it not desired?

A

GF and solute parts suspended in drug.

most drugs DONT WANT THIS! too much GF.
dry to move back to state 4: capillary

106
Q

why is liquid bonding stages of granulation reversible?

A

liquids! dry to go back stages/ add GF to go forward

107
Q

whys liquid bridges an important process i.e. what does it create between parts?

A

create more permanent bonds between and strengthens bonds

ideal: want dmthn stronger and permanent at end so wont fluctuate too much

108
Q

what else in liquid bridges mechanism will also help to move through the different stages, for example, from funicular to capillary stage.

A

agitation

109
Q

Granulation mechanism 3: solid bridges- what do they replace?

A

liquid bridge formed during gran process

turn into something more permanent

110
Q

how are solid bridges formed? after liquid bridges

3 possible mechanisms

A

during drying after wet granulation.

drying through:

  • crystallisation of solutes
  • hardening binders!!
  • partial melting
111
Q

how is crystallisation of solutes done? (to form solid bridges in granulation mechanism 3)

A

dissolution in GF
then that dissolved solid will recrystallise upon drying (form solid bridges between parts)
e.g. lactose when water used as GF

112
Q

what does crystal size of solutes in gran mechanism depend on?

A

crystal size depends on drying size

longer = bigger crystals

113
Q

relying on crystallisation of API, consequences?

A

size are important, impact on dissolution rate!

114
Q

how is hardening binders process done? (to form solid bridges in granulation mechanism 3)

A

binders used in wet gran.
harden/crystallise during drying
adhesive soluble in GF
granules dry, this recystallises and form bonds

115
Q

3 examples of hardening binders used in wet gran?

A

polyvinylpyrrolidone
cellulose derivatives
pregelatinised starch

116
Q

how does crystallisation of solutes, and use of hardening binders differ in process of forming solid bridges?

A

with HB: not relying on dissolution of random solute,

adding excipient to form so it contributes to formation of solid bridges

117
Q

common mechanism for solid bridge formation during wet gran? out of 3 options

A

hardening binders

118
Q

how is partial melting done? (to form solid bridges in granulation mechanism 3)

A

melting of solid under pressure

  • dry gran! pressure to powder, particles closer, form aggregates
  • binding upon recrystallisation

not usually most important mechanism

118
Q

how is partial melting done? (to form solid bridges in granulation mechanism 3)

A

melting of solid under pressure

  • dry gran! pressure to powder, particles closer, form aggregates
  • binding upon recrystallisation

not usually most important mechanism

119
Q

what forces used for granulation when no solid/liquid bridges can form?

A

other attractive forces:

electrostatic: rel weak
van der Waals: stronger.
- granule strength during dry gran.
- stronger at short interparticular distances

120
Q

granule formation

3 steps?

A

nucleation: powder particles come together, liquid bridge bonding (adhesiom)
transition: nuceli growth. pendular bridges, nuc aggregation, wide size distr
ball growth: into granules

121
Q

why is final step in granule formation (ball growth) not really wanted?

A

as issues associated with excessive growth.

tabs/caps usually stop at stage 2: transition

122
Q

what 2 states of granules usually in step 1 of gran fomration (nucleation)?

A

pendular

capillary

123
Q

4 possible mechanisms of ball growth to form granules (final step out of 3)?

A

coalescence: 2 granules fuse-> bigger
breakage: stong and weak grans. weak break and absorb others

abrasion transfer: friction between, some absorb on surface

layering: spheronisation (controlled release grans) add 2nd powder, absorb on surface of parts

124
Q

possible issue? with the 4 mechanisms of ball growth and why is it therefore desired to stop at transition step?

A

excessive growth, i.e. all 4 mechanisms may overlap and happen at same time, hard to identify which responsible.

coalescence:
breakage:
abrasion transfer:
layering: spheronisation

125
Q

What are granules? How do they differ from dry powder particles? (2)

A

Granules are aggregates of powder particles. Granules will have a larger size and a different particle density (granular density)

126
Q

How does granulation affect/ improve powder flow?

A

Biggest impact will likely be through an increase in size

127
Q

How does granulate affect particle size and size distribution?

A

Increase in size and (hopefully) decrease in size distribution

128
Q

TRUE or FALSE: Stopping granule formation at the transition stage is adequate for granules used in capsule or tablet manufacture.

A

TRUE

129
Q

TRUE or FALSE: Demixing is impossible if granules are used. Justify your answer

A

FALSE. Demixing can still happen, depending on the quality of the granules.

130
Q

last unit process: drying

Explain the difference between bound and unbound water

A

unbound = easily remoevd by drying (FREE moisture content)

bound = not removed easily, use specific methods after drying
unbound (EQM moisture content)
- gelatin capsules etc.

131
Q

moisture content is the sum of what 2 types of MC?

A

moisture content
-> total moisture content
1-> free moisture content- unbound water - drying
2-> equilibrium moisture content - bound water- hydrates

132
Q

how is bound water present in a formulation? (2) and a key word

A

absorbed on surface of solid/

integrated within chem structure (mono hydrate)

133
Q

Explain how relative humidity can affect drying

A

at high % rel hum: MC decreases because unbound/free water lost easily
then, % rel hum decrease: eqm water harder to remove and slower curve

134
Q

what are dessicators and give examples?

A

protect from humidity e.g. silica gel beads in bag/shoes

absorb humidity form air and shift curve of EQM MC

135
Q

why is it hard to maintain a very low MC (drying curve)?

i.e. why does MC increase in atmosphere?

A

because EQM water will change w rel hum, goes back up

moisture good but too little = problem (static charge: prevents flow)

136
Q

What makes drying efficient? (4)

A

A large contact SA
Efficient heat transfer
Efficient mass transfer
Efficient vapour removal

= same factors that will mean clothes or a mopped floor will dry faster!

137
Q

considerations for drying method selection? (7)

A
Properties of the powder
Sensitivity to heat
Physical properties
Nature of the liquid to be removed
Amount of powder to dry
Need for sterility
Available source of heat
138
Q

name the 5 main drying mechanisms?

A

Convection: bulk movement of heated air (e.g. convection oven at home)

Conduction: heating by contact with a hot surface (e.g. fan oven)

Radiation: heat transfer by radiation (e.g. microwave oven)

Spray drying: drying of liquid into a solid particle

Freeze-drying: drying through sublimation

139
Q

Convection drying: Advantages? (7)

  • bulk movement of heated air (e.g. convection oven at home)
A
High drying rates
Shorter heat exposure
Constant rate
Uniform
Attrition
Free flowing particles
Decreased risk
- Migration
- Aggregation
140
Q

Convection drying: Disadvantages? (5)

  • bulk movement of heated air (e.g. convection oven at home)
A
Dust production
Segregation
Small particles trapped on filters
Static electricity
Risk of explosion!
141
Q

example of 1. convection drying

A

fluidised bed dryer (as seen before)

142
Q

Describe conduction drying? and give example

  • heating by contact with a hot surface (e.g. fan oven)
A

Wet solid in contact with hot surface

e. g Vacuum oven/ tray drying
- Drying at lower temperatures
- Reduction in pressure reduces temperature required water can be removed at 25-35 °C

143
Q

Radiation drying 5 advantages?

  • heat transfer by radiation (e.g. microwave oven)
A

Rapid drying at low temperatures
High thermal efficiency
No dust/attrition
Reduced solute migration

144
Q

Radiation drying 2 disadvantages?

  • heat transfer by radiation (e.g. microwave oven)
A

For smaller batch sizes

Hazardous radiation

145
Q

what is spray drying and give 2 example applications

A

drying of liquid into a solid particleDrying of individual liquid droplets to generate individual solid particle

  • Atomizer
  • Drying chamber

Applications:

  • Thermolabile compounds
  • Dry powder inhalers
146
Q

Spray drying 3 ads

A

Efficient heat/mass transfer
Rapid evaporation
Improved flow

147
Q

spray drying 2 disads?

A

Cost (money and space)

Low thermal efficiency

148
Q

Freeze-drying (lyophilisation) process used for?

drying through sublimation

A
Heat-sensitive materials
Sublimation
- Solid to gas
Light and porous solid produced
- Quick dissolution
 - Hygroscopic!
Powders for injection
149
Q

Suggest an appropriate method to dry a wet powder/ wet solid in contact with hot surface

A

conduction drying (vaccuum oven)

150
Q

Explain what solute migration is

A

solution moving towards surface

and taking any solid dissolved within it

151
Q

consequences solute migration can have

then give two other things which may happen

A

surface becomes populated by the solid

changes solute conc: uniformity issues
loss of drug on granule surface

also

  • mottling in coloured tabs (intragran mig of colour)
  • migration of solute binder
152
Q

drying issues: describe the 2 types of solute migration

A

intergranular
- gran-gran, short intergran distances (Tray drying)

intragranular

  • movement wihtin a single gran
  • solute moving to gran surface
153
Q

how is mottling in coloured tabs (drying issue consequence) fixed? (3)

A

fix high colour density on surface by:

decrease gran size
change GF
adsorbption on alumina particles

154
Q

what does migration of soluble binder mean for the strength and bonding of granules?
(drying issues consequences)

A

layer of binder on gran surface
= harder grans
, may help bonding during compaction

155
Q

how to prevent solute migration? 6 ways

A
  • Add an absorbent powder
  • Control solubility: limit affinity for the fluid
  • Use viscous granulation fluids
  • Select the drying method carefully
  • Limit the initial moisture content
  • Control the granule size
156
Q

2 examples of absorbent powders to add to prevent solute migration and role?

A

Starch, microcrystalline cellulose

will increase affinity of solute for granule, rather than GF.

157
Q

why use viscous granulation fluids to prevent solute migration?
method 3

A

diffusion rate reduced in viscous liquids

158
Q

how to select drying method carefully to prevent solute migration?

A

ensure that heat is distributed uniformly
- lower risk with microwave vs tray drying on static surface
keeping the particle moving might help
- intragranular migration still an issue

159
Q

how does moisture content affect/induce solute migration?

A

the higher the initial moisture content, the more likely issues will be

160
Q

why will Controlling the granule size prevent solute migration?

A

the larger the granules = more likely drying issues

use the smallest size that will not impede flow

161
Q

What can happen if granules are overdried (i.e. moisture content is too low)?

A

Granules can break down to individual powder particles.

162
Q

What are the main differences between bound and unbound water?

A

Differences include the fact that unbound water is easily removed by drying using common techniques. Bound water is equilibrium moisture content and can change with the % relative humidity.

163
Q

Name one advantage and two disadvantages of water as a granulation fluid.

A

See feedback to LabPrac 2-3 as this was one of the questions!

You need to think also about the temperature/time needed to remove water and what this could mean for solute migration and chemical stability

164
Q

What is sublimation and how can it be applied for drying?

A

Sublimation is the transition from solid to gas. For example, from ice to vapour. Sublimation is exploited in freeze-drying.

165
Q

Name an application of spray-drying, other than as a drying method

A

At the time this question was set in week 5, mixing was the most likely answer. However, you should now be able to suggest other applications, including for coating and granulation