Designing An Effective Pharmaceutical Containment Blending System

The same pharmaceutical Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC) that is used for shipping and storage can also be used for blending. A typical tumbler or blender consists of a cradle and a pedestal support. The cradle is the structure that holds and rotates the entire IBC. The cradle is either single or tandem supported by a pedestal base and is skewed l5 to 30 on the rotational axis. This arrangement holds the IBC level with the floor for loading and produces the blending angles required by the IBC during rotation. This angle puts the straight wall sections at continuously changing opposing angles throughout the revolution. This action produces a cross-flow effect that homogenizes the batch.

The following is a typical scenario of how containment blending is accomplished in a stand-alone installation:

The operator fills the IBC with ingredients in correct proportions. The IBC may be put in storage or immediately loaded into the tumble blender. Once loaded, the operator selects the duration of the blend cycle and presses the start button on the unit. The blender then rotates the entire IBC for the predetermined interval and signals the operator upon completion.

Growing in demand are tumble/blenders that are integrated into a fully automated system. The following is a typical scenario of containment blending system integration:

The bulk container is retrieved from storage and is typically filled at an automated filling station. It is then transported by AGV or conveyor to the blender and is automatically loaded. It is then blended, unloaded, and transported to storage or to an IBC discharge station.