A numerical tool to predict powder behaviour for pharmaceutical handling and processing

• Published in: Journal of drug delivery science and technology Vol. 70; p. 103258
• Main Authors: Rouabah, Maroua, Bourgeois, Sandrine, Briançon, Stéphanie, Cogné, Claudia
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-04-2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Compression; DEM simulation; Engineering Sciences; Galenic pharmacology; Granulation; Life Sciences; Mechanics; Mechanics of materials; Mixing; Pharmaceutical sciences; Powder handling; Segregation; Powder handling; Mixing; Compression; DEM simulation; Granulation; Segregation; Coefficient of static friction; Static angle of repose; mixing; granulation
• ISSN: 1773-2247
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103258

In this article, we discuss the potential of a numerical model to predict the behaviour of powders during pharmaceutical handling and processing. The model is based on the discrete element method (DEM) where simple experiments are required to calibrate the model used such as angle of repose tests. In a first step, the numerical calibration provided the coefficient of static friction and surface energy of the powders tested. This model has been validated with experimental data in different configurations: powder and granule settling by vibration, powder flow within a polydisperse system and mixing study in a rotary drum. Each comparison with the experimental data leads to a good accuracy of the model. In a second step, the method was used to predict numerically the granule formation during the wet granulation process and the manufacture of tablets during the compression process. Therefore, mixing (segregation), compression (mass uniformity and homogeneity of the components in the tablet) or cohesion problems can be modelled and predicted in order to limit some of the manufacturing problems during the industrialisation of pharmaceutical products such as granules or tablets, providing a scale-up of the process.
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•DEM modelling allows the prediction of behavioural properties of powders during handling and processing.•Problematics of segregation, mixing or cohesion can be modelled and predicted with the developed approach.•Experimental results validate the numerical model.•Behaviour of powder during a wet granulation, or compression process was predicted, especially the cohesion, the granule size evolution and the compressive force.