Guest Column: Powder Characterization For Equipment Manufacturers

Equipment manufacturers share with process engineers the task of specifying plant for optimal performance. For processes involving powders this is a challenge, with fundamental compatibility between plant and material being the key to success. Designing or modifying equipment to suit the characteristics of a powder provides a firm basis for reliable and successful operation, building quality into the manufacturing process, in accordance with the concept of QbD. Here and in a subsequent editorial we examine ways of using universal powder testers such as the FT4 from Freeman Technology to achieve these goals.

It is too simplistic to label powders ‘good' or ‘bad' when in fact the response they exhibit depends on the demands of any given process step. For example, spherical spray dried lactose with a relatively large particle size may flow freely from a hopper, but perform badly in a force feeder, as the particles ‘lock up' and the powder bed resists movement with significant strength. This may subsequently result in attrition, with changes to particle size and morphology.

Developing a relevant and comprehensive understanding of the nature of a powder is the first step towards achieving a good match between formulation and plant. Combining a suite of complementary measurement techniques that allow real insight into powder behavior, universal powder testers deliver the necessary information. Quantifying powders in terms of well-defined shear, dynamic and bulk properties allows the building of a database that can be used to learn how to design equipment that will work well with different materials. And conversely how to develop specifications for powders that will suit a particular piece of plant.