In the pharmaceutical industry, roller compactors are used for dry granulation methods. During the earlier years, dry granulation was performed by slugging, but now, roll compaction is preferred as it provides you with greater production capacity and simplified operations.
Roller compactors for dry granulation press raw materials/powders into thin sheets, flakes and strips. The machine consists of three units, which are:
• The feeding system sends the powder to the compaction area.
• The compaction unit, where the rollers work on the material and convert it into a ribbon by applying force.
• The size reduction unit is used for reducing the ribbons to the needed size.
The most important parameter is that the powder is compacted between two rolls using force.
Why use roller compactors?
• Dry granulation means there will be an absence of water or any organic solvents. Roller compactors are best for making drugs that are sensitive to heat or moisture.
• As dry granulation has no drying step, this device is suitable for the compounds that low melting point.
• Roll compaction produces granules that can be made into porous tablets.
• The process is environmentally friendly and has a low operational cost.
• Minimised dust is produced during the process.
• It can be used for powder densification before encapsulation.
What are the types of roller compactors?
Roller compactors for dry granulation are broadly categorised into two categories- 1) one has a fixed gap, and 2) one has a floating gap.
• When there is a fixed gap, you cannot calculate the amount of powder drawn to the compaction area. This results in applying different forces to the powder.
• When there is a floating gap, the distance between the rolls changes. The force remains constant as the powder is introduced.
Now when you briefly know about roller compactors for dry granulation, it will be easier for you to purchase one!
