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22 April 2017 Tablets & Capsules Number of guns How many guns you use depends primarily on batch size. But what if the size varies over the course of the batch run? In one such case—a powder layering process—the batch grew from 30 to 240 kilograms over a 7-hour run, an eightfold increase. The process was a con- tinuous sequence of spraying a binder onto neutral spheres and then applying a powder API. Because the batch size would grow over time, the manufacturer opted for a system that automatically varied the number of guns used—between 2 and 4 in this case—in tandem with the length of the screw feeder that conveyed powder to the process. This ensured the liquid binder and API powder were properly distributed over the full 7 hours without operator intervention. The resulting pellets were uniform in size, smoothness, and shape, and free of defects. If the tablets break or damage easily, you may need to adjust how you load and discharge them. Sampling It's important to sample tablets from time to time to see whether the operation is under control and the tablets are free of defects. If you operate a contained system, consider specifying equipment that allows you to take samples without breaking containment. One approach uses a telescopic sampling thief that you guide from out- side the pan into the tablet bed, where it gently captures the samples using suction. Once extracted, the tablets are released with a small burst of compressed air. The opera- tion has no impact on the tablets. Loading and discharging For tablets that break or are easily damaged, adjust how you load and discharge them to and from the coating pan. When loading, for example, position the pan so that the flow of uncoated tablets gently reaches the unloading blade. This prevents the tablets from falling to the bottom of the coater too fast, which could damage them. Other factors These are just a few examples of how modifying the equipment and/or adjusting it will help prevent coating defects, such as orange peel, twinning, sticking, nonuni- form coating or color, and tablet damage. Just keep in mind that many factors can contribute to defects, includ- ing the cores, coating, coating recipe, equipment setup, and human error. Because all these factors must be identified, accounted for, and controlled, spend the time to fully assess the equipment and controls of the coating equipment you're using or considering using. Ask the equipment suppliers how easily and effectively they can customize the hard- ware and software to meet your process needs, prevent problems, and allow you to manage the coating process. T&C Caterina Funaro is process R&D laboratory manager and Massimo Malavolti is product manager for coating equipment at IMA Active, Bologna, Italy. The company's North American subsidiary is IMA North America, 7 New Lancaster Road, Leominster, MA 01453. Tel. 978 537 8534. Website: www.ima -na.com. Interested in articles like this one? Check out our article archive online! www.tabletscapsules .com techceuticals.com echnical Services Director/CEO Technical Services Director/CEO ousey Michael T Tousey "The best training I've - Nik Steinert had in twenty years." equipment." proactive on actual and put them to take lessons learned "Great to be able to Zoetis im Kingsley, - T Tim Kingsley,