Flow of formulation granules through a conical hopper

Abstract

Gravity flow characteristics of various pharmaceutical granules through static conical hoppers of different cone angles were studied. Mass flow rate depends on properties of granules and cone angles when environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity are kept within a fixed range. The granules were made with active pharmaceutical ingredients as per Indian pharmacopoeia with other additives like binders and diluents. Lubricants were added with the granules to observe their effects on mass flow rate. Magnesium stearate and colloidal silicon dioxide of different proportions were used as lubricants after granulation. A new dimensionally analyzed equation was developed to predict flow rate of the granules. The developed equation agreed well with the experimental data with a percentage deviation of ±10%.

The moisture-dependent flow characteristics of Canarium schweinfurthii Engler nuts

“…Flow is the movement of the bulk materials in a steady and continuous stream. The free flow of the bulk products depends on the moisture content, the angle of internal friction, the outlet shape and geometry along with its surface characteristics (Mazumder et al 2008). During the bulk flow of the granular materials, the products manifest shear behaviour due to stresses that result from the impressed forces, giving rise to inter-particle friction and cohesion forces between the product surfaces (Weber et al 2004).…”