Optimizing Tablet Coating Drop Size

Problem:
A pharmaceutical company introduced a new tablet coating formulation. The application required low flow rates and consistent small- to medium-size drops in a flat fan spray pattern.

Objective:
The Spraying Systems Co. nozzle being used was able to accomplish this process. However, it was necessary to characterize the nozzle and then optimize the spray parameters to help improve the coating efficiency of the proprietary tablet coating system. The pan coating system consisted of 3 spray guns across a 100 mm header which was designed to optimize total system efficiency.

Procedure:
The spray distribution, drop size distribution, and velocity distribution were collected and analyzed to offer a total spray characterization. The header was then designed and optimized for the system.