TABLETING
transfer, ensuring repeatable results independent of the operator and avoiding transfer modelling. Figure 2 illustrates the ultra
small amount funnel’s effectiveness, achieving a 98% yield when processing 10g of material and collecting ribbons before milling. This effectiveness is achieved by avoiding any loss in the inlet funnel, feeding unit and milling area. Yield further increases with larger batch sizes. The small scale mill, optimised
Figure 2: Ultra small amount funnel, yield [%] over batch size [g]
force regardless of material feed rate resulting in a stable gap by regulating the feed rate. This stability is essential for reliable trial results with limited product quantities. The introduction of an ultra small
amount funnel facilitates stable gap achievement with material quantities ranging from 10g to 100g. Core principle of the ultra small amount funnel is replacing the feeding unit with a funnel using the roll surface
for feeding. No augers are required for material transport. An adjustable gate opening allows the setting of different gap values. Figure 1 demonstrates the rapid stabilisation of a 50g material batch using the ultra small amount funnel installed on a standard R&D Mini-Pactor, which also supports production throughput of 100kg/h. The funnel allows seamless scaling from small trials to full- scale production without equipment
for high-yield small amount trials, mirrors the design of the Pactor series’ oscillating mill, ensuring equivalent milling results. Key features such as rotor, screen type, mesh size, and screen distance are consistent, offering various screen types to meet different specifications. The manually operated milling bars process material through screens in the milling chamber, with fully processed granules collected in a drawer. The small-scale mill supports
development processes even without a roller compactor. Milling tablets produced on a compaction simulator or single punch press helps determine granule properties for later-stage dry granulation processes. The design emphasizes ease of use, with quick fitting and cleaning of components, and compliance with pharmaceutical regulatory guidelines. The combination of the ultra
The small-scale mill supports development
processes even without a roller compactor
small amount funnel and the small- scale mill provides a highly efficient solution for small amount trials in OSD development. This integrated approach ensures high yield, process stability, and scalability from R&D to full-scale production without modelling uncertainty. By optimising the granulation process for small quantities, pharmaceutical companies can reduce development costs, accelerate time to market, and enhance sustainability, ultimately benefiting both the industry and patients.
AUTHORS: Michael Schupp, Head of Process Engineering, Gerteis Maschinen + Processengineering AG
Figure 3: Gerteis small scale mill
For more information visit:
www.gerteis.com
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