Predicting capsule fill weight from in-situ powder density measurements using terahertz reflection technology

Abstract

Graphical abstract

Application of Multiple Linear Regression and Artificial Neural Networks for the Prediction of the Packing and Capsule Filling Performance of Coated and Plain Pellets Differing in Density and Size

“…In Figure 5a-c plots of CFW vs. bulk (pb) or tap (pt) density and FWV vs. Kawakita's a and CC% are presented. A linear increase in CFW with pb (circles) or pt (squares) is notable in Figure 5a, which was expected from the results of earlier works [3,7]. Although the correlation coefficients were relatively high (R 2 0.975 and 0.982, respectively) the scatter of the data restricted an accurate…”

“…The variability was predicted for a variety of pellet sizes and shapes. Other newer works under investigation report feasibility of terahertz reflection measurements to predict relative densities of packed powders and capsule fill weight [7].…”

Review of sensing technologies for measuring powder density variations during pharmaceutical solid dosage form manufacturing

“…Stranzinger et al [21] related the measured relative density at sampling positions (i.e. where the dosator collects the powder from the powder bed) to the fill weight of collected capsules filled with powder.…”

“…This relationship was used to develop a linear model which is capable of predicting the relative densities of the powder in the container. In a further study [21], we applied this new terahertz-based density measurement method to analyze the correlation of the measured powder bed density with the fill weight in a capsule. This was performed by drawing small quantities from the powder bed using a novel sampling system that mimics the capsule filling process in proximity to the rotating container.…”

Industrial Applications of Terahertz Sensing: State of Play

“…Of particular interest is the relationship between THz transmission properties and tablet dissolution (Figure 16) [101], because dissolution time is a critical parameter in drug delivery. The behavior of powder during the manufacturing process and the effects of density variations in the final product have also been studied [105].…”