Systems and methods for continuously processing powder products

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for continuously processing powder products, which comprises a first inlet for a first dry powder product, a second inlet for a second dry powder product, and a dry powder mixing device for continuously providing a product mixture from the first dry powder product and the second dry powder product, wherein the dry powder mixing device comprises an inlet and an outlet for the product mixture, the inlet is connected to the first inlet of the first dry powder product and the second inlet of the second dry powder product, and further comprises a production machine, wherein the production machine comprises a powder feeding frame having a feeding frame inlet and an outlet, the feeding frame inlet is connected to the outlet of the dry powder mixing device, wherein the height level of the position where the outlet of the dry powder mixing device is located is lower than the height level of the feeding frame inlet of the production machine, and a product conveying device is located at the connection between the outlet of the dry powder mixing device and the feeding frame inlet of the production machine, and the product conveying device conveys the product mixture from the outlet of the dry powder mixing device to the feeding frame inlet of the production machine. The present invention also relates to a method for continuously processing powder products.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for continuously processing powder products, which includes a first inlet for a first dry powder product, a second inlet for a second dry powder product, and a dry powder mixing device for continuously forming a product mixture from the first dry powder product and the second dry powder product, wherein the dry powder mixing device includes an inlet and an outlet for the product mixture, the inlet is connected to the first inlet of the first dry powder product and the second inlet of the second dry powder product, and further includes a production machine, wherein the production machine includes a powder feeding frame having a feeding frame inlet and an outlet, and the feeding frame inlet is connected to the outlet of the dry powder mixing device.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for continuously processing powder products, which includes the following steps: continuously supplying a first dry powder product and a second dry powder product to the dry powder mixing device, continuously providing a product mixture from the first dry powder product and the second dry powder product using the dry powder mixing device, continuously supplying the product mixture to the production machine, continuously processing the product mixture using the production machine, and discharging the processed product from the production machine. Background Art

[0003] Solid dosage forms or oral solid dosage forms (OSDs), such as tablets or capsules, can be produced, for example, in a tablet press (such as a rotary tablet press or a capsule filling machine). In a continuous production line, a powder mixture of, for example, at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and at least one excipient is continuously provided by a mixing device and supplied to, for example, a tablet press or a capsule filling machine. The powder products to be mixed in the mixing device can be continuously provided at the inlet of the continuous production line. Feeding and metering devices can be provided for feeding and metering the components to be processed. This production process is also called direct processing, or especially for a tablet press, direct compression process, as opposed to a granulation process, in which additional devices and process steps, such as dry or wet granulators, and possibly a dryer, are used to improve the processability of products that are not suitable for direct processing, such as flowability or compressibility, or to avoid segregation of the product mixture.

[0004] Systems and methods for the continuous production of solid dosage forms are known, for example from European Patent 3 013 571 A1. The components of the system, in particular the feeding and metering devices, the mixing device and the tablet press, are stacked vertically such that the (multiple) product flows by gravity from the feeding and metering devices to the mixing device and the tablet press. This makes the product flow in the system reliable, simple and cost-effective. However, the inventors have found that this system design, which is prevalent in the current field of continuous production of solid dosage forms, has certain drawbacks. One drawback is that the height of the entire system is quite large, up to 5 meters or more. In fact, the height of the system may exceed 7 meters. This requires a specific production room to provide the necessary room height, making it difficult to use standard production rooms for tablet compression or capsule filling. In addition, for operators who need to access system components (such as the feeding and metering devices or the mixing device), it is necessary to install a specific operating platform. Since stairs and platforms are used for the operator's path, the system design becomes more complex and expensive, and access and cleaning are complicated, and it has a large total floor area.

[0005] Alternatively, for the operator platform, a lifting system combined with an automatic coupling and decoupling system can be used to allow the operator to access system components. Such a lifting and automatic coupling system also makes the system design and use complex and expensive.

[0006] EP 2 427 166 B1 discloses in one embodiment a closed module for tablet production, which module includes a granulation device that is mounted on a rear lifting mechanism to allow manual powder loading, cleaning, inspection, maintenance and setting at a lower vertical position, and the granulation device is lifted above a subsequently arranged dryer for gravity feeding from the granulation device to the dryer. Alternatively, a pneumatic conveying device can be provided for conveying the material from the granulation device to the dryer and possibly from the dryer to a subsequently arranged tablet press. Thus, the module according to European Patent 2 427 166 B1 is not a direct compression module but includes a granulation device.

[0007] In a direct processing system, a rather significant problem lies in the possible segregation of the product mixture after mixing. For example, a single component can segregate from the mixture because the particles of this component are not bound to the particles of other components through the granulation process. This results in a non-uniform mixture with either too high or too low a concentration of this component in the product mixture. This, in turn, leads to quality problems in the solid dosage forms produced. Therefore, it is preferred to directly supply the powder product from the mixing device to the production machine, such as a tablet press, via gravity, which causes the above-mentioned drawbacks, especially with regard to the height of the system. In a non-direct processing system with a granulation device, such as the module described in European Patent 2 427 166 B1, this segregation problem is not particularly relevant, especially since the particles of different components are bound together through the granulation process.

[0008] Based on the above prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for continuously processing powder products that can be constructed, installed, and utilized in a simple and cost-effective manner. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention solves this object by means of a system according to independent claim 1 and a method according to independent claim 28. The dependent claims as well as the description and the drawings contain advantageous embodiments.

[0010] For a system of the above type, the object solved by the present invention is that the height level at which the outlet of the dry powder mixing device is located is lower than the height level of the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine, and a product conveying device is located at the connection between the outlet of the dry powder mixing device and the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine, and the product conveying device continuously conveys the product mixture from the outlet of the dry powder mixing device to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine.

[0011] For a method of the above type, the object solved by the present invention is that the product mixture provided by the dry powder mixing device is set at the outlet of the dry powder mixing device, the height level at which this outlet is located is lower than the height level of the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine for the product mixture, and the product mixture is conveyed from the outlet of the dry powder mixing device to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine by means of a product conveying device, and the product conveying device is arranged at the connection between the outlet of the dry powder mixing device and the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine.

[0012] Using the system of the present invention, solid dosage forms can be produced, for example. Solid dosage forms that can be produced using the system and method of the present invention are particularly oral solid dosage forms (OSDs). They can be made from dry powder materials supplied to the system of the present invention through the first inlet and the second inlet. As explained above, the present invention can pertain to direct processing systems and methods. Especially in a system including a tableting machine, this is also referred to as a direct compression system and method. In the system and method of the present invention, preferably in the direct processing system and method, a first dry powder product, such as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), is continuously blended with a second dry powder product, such as an excipient, in a mixing device. The mixing device is a dry powder mixing device. Thus, the product mixture produced in the dry powder mixing device is a dry powder product mixture. In particular, the dry powder product mixture can be an unbound dry powder product mixture. The mixing device is not a granulating device, especially without any chemical or mechanical granulation process. After the blending step, solid dosage forms can be continuously produced in a production machine, for example, tablets can be produced by compressing the powder product in a tableting machine. No additional devices or steps are required, such as granulating equipment or drying devices or steps, etc. In particular, the system and method of the present invention do not require the inclusion of a granulating device or process, or a drying device or process.

[0013] The system and method of the present invention are for the continuous processing of powder products. Thus, they are a continuous system and a continuous method. This includes the possibility of intermittent process components or process steps included in the system and method of the present invention.

[0014] The mixing device can be any type of continuously operating dry powder mixing or blending device, where the feed and discharge are preferably continuous product flows. The mixing device can be, for example, a screw blender. The mixing device can include a mixing tube. The mixing tube can be arranged, for example, substantially horizontally. One or more inlets of the mixing device can be provided on the upper side of the mixing tube. The outlet can be arranged on the lower side of the mixing tube.

[0015] As noted, the first product can be, for example, an API. The second product can be, for example, an excipient. Of course, products other than the first and second powder products can be added to and processed in the systems and methods of the present invention, such as one or more additional APIs or one or more additional excipients, such as one or more lubricants. To this end, the systems of the present invention can include additional inlets for the mixing and processing of more powder products. The mixing device can have a combined inlet for the first and second powder products. However, the inlet of the mixing device connected to the first and second inlets of the first and second powder products can also include two separate inlets, one connected to the first inlet of the first powder product and one connected to the second inlet of the second powder product. In addition, the mixing device can include additional inlets for additional powder products, such as additional excipients, such as lubricants. The mixing device can, for example, include a first common inlet for the API and the first excipient, and a second inlet for another excipient, such as a lubricant. For example, if a common inlet is provided for the powder products from the first and second inlets, a hopper can be provided between the first and second inlets and the inlet of the mixing device for collecting the materials to be mixed and feeding them to the mixing device.

[0016] The connections between the components of the systems of the present invention can be provided in the form of pipes and the like. The inlets and outlets of the systems and their components can be designed to be detachable, such that they can be detached from the corresponding connections. However, they can also be non-detachable, such that they are fixedly connected to the corresponding connections to which they are assembled, such as integrated with the corresponding connections. The inlets and outlets of the systems and their components can have closure means for closing the corresponding connections to which they are assembled. However, they can also be provided without such closure means, such that the inlets leading to the corresponding connections can always be open.

[0017] According to the present invention, the outlet of the mixing device is located at a lower height than the inlet of the powder feed frame of the production machine. The powder feed frame represents a part of the production machine in which the powder material to be processed in the production machine enters the production machine and / or is collected before processing. For example, in a tablet press, the feed frame typically includes a filling machine housing in which, for example, a rotating paddle is arranged to keep the powder in a flowing state so that the powder can be filled into the dies of the rotor of the tablet press. For example, in a capsule filling machine, the feed frame typically also includes a filling machine housing in which the powder is collected before being filled into the capsules, especially before being fed to a tamping station for slightly compressing the powder before filling into the capsules. The inlet of the feed frame can be arranged, for example, inside the housing of the production machine and, for example, above the feed frame of the tablet press or the tamping station of the capsule filling machine. Due to the design of the present invention, the product mixture provided at the outlet of the mixing device must be lifted to the higher inlet of the feed frame of the production machine. For this purpose, a product conveying device is provided which conveys the powder product mixture from the outlet of the mixing device arranged at a lower height to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine arranged at a higher height. Thus, the powder product conveying device horizontally lifts the powder product mixture from a lower vertical height level to a higher vertical height level. The product conveying device can have an inlet at a lower height level connected to the outlet of the mixing device and an outlet at a higher height level connected to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine. The inlet and outlet of the product conveying device can be arranged such that the powder mixture can flow by gravity from the outlet of the mixing unit to the inlet of the product conveying device and, once conveyed to a higher height level, can flow by gravity from the outlet of the product conveying device to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine.

[0018] The inventors of the present invention have found that with this design, in a continuous direct processing system and method, reliable transportation of the powder product mixture and reliable production of, for example, solid dosage forms are also possible in production machines that meet all quality requirements. In particular, the present inventors have found that with the design of the present invention having a powder product conveying device, segregation of the product mixture can be avoided to the extent necessary. Based on this finding of the inventors, the present invention makes it possible to locate the mixing device and the first and second inlets beside the production machine, rather than above the production machine, also in a direct processing system. The production machine and the mixing device, and the first and second inlets, and any other possible components of the system can be installed at the same floor height level, particularly with a significantly reduced height compared to prior art systems. Thus, the system and method of the present invention allow for simple and cost-effective installation in an already existing standard production room without the need for major modifications or even construction of a new production room, and this also applies to direct processing systems. There is no need for an operator platform to access certain components of the system. In addition, there is no need for a lifting device or an automatic coupling and decoupling device for raising and lowering system components. Thus, the system of the present invention can be provided without any such lifting device or automatic coupling and decoupling device or any operating platform for accessing the components of the present invention system, such as for setting up, disassembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing. Instead, the system generally provides better accessibility and ergonomic characteristics for setting up, inspecting, cleaning, disassembling, maintaining or repairing, and for product replacement. In addition, the elimination of the operator platform reduces the footprint of the production line. The system of the present invention is more compact, and installation and startup are easier and faster. At the same time, all the advantages of a continuous direct processing system and method can be achieved. A compact unit, such as the system of the present invention, can also be made movable, allowing it to be moved from one production room to another. The powder conveying device of the present invention allows, for example, the mixing device and possible feeding and metering devices to be located away from the production machine in the same room or an adjacent room. It becomes easier to integrate a powder diversion mechanism between the mixing equipment and the production machine to eliminate non-conforming materials. Of course, the system of the present invention is also more cost-effective than multi-stage complex prior art systems.

[0019] The system of the present invention can be a closed system, for example, a closed level of product toxicity level OEB3 or higher (e.g., measured according to the SMEPAC test (Standardized Measurement of Equipment Particulate Airborne Concentration)).

[0020] According to one embodiment, the continuous processing of the powder product can be the continuous production of solid dosage forms in direct processing, where a production machine is provided for continuously producing solid dosage forms from a product mixture and has an outlet for discharging the produced solid dosage forms. Thus, the production machine can discharge the solid dosage forms as the processed product. Therefore, the product discharged according to the method of the present invention can be a solid dosage form. The production machine can be a tablet press or a capsule filling machine. Thus, the solid dosage form can be a tablet or a capsule. The tablet press can specifically be a rotary tablet press.

[0021] The production machine can also be a different production machine, such as a granulation device. The granulation device is supplied with a dry powder product mixture from a dry powder mixing device for the purpose of binding the various single components together. The granulation device can be a dry or wet granulation device. In a dry granulation device, the binding is formed by compaction. In a wet granulation device, the binding is formed by using a binder, such as water or a solvent. The dry granulation device can be, for example, a roll press. In any case, the powder product conveying device of the present invention conveys the dry powder product mixture.

[0022] The system of the present invention can also include more than one production machine and / or more than one dry powder mixing device, where more than one product conveying device of the present invention can be provided between each of the respective dry powder mixing devices and the corresponding production machine downstream of the respective dry powder mixing device.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the first inlet for the first powder product and the second inlet for the second powder product can be arranged at a height level not higher than that of the production machine or the product conveying device. The first inlet and the second inlet can be specifically positioned such that they do not extend to a height level above the production machine or the product conveying device. The outlet of the product conveying device or its inlet for discharging the conveyed product mixture into the feed frame inlet of the production machine can extend higher than the feed frame inlet of the production machine. In this case, the first inlet and the second inlet can be set to be not higher than the product conveying device or its outlet. When additional inlets for additional powder products are provided, then this embodiment can also be applied to them. The above embodiment results in a further reduction in height.

[0024] According to another embodiment, a feeding and metering device can be connected to each of the first inlet and the second inlet for the first powder product and the second powder product and to the inlet of the mixing device. The feeding and metering device can be, for example, a loss-in-weight feeder. The feeding and metering device can be arranged in the corresponding connection between the first inlet and the second inlet and the inlet of the mixing device.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the feeding and metering devices can be arranged in one row, two rows or more than two rows, in particular along one, two or more than two horizontal axes. If more than one row of feeding and metering devices is provided, these rows can be arranged, for example, along mutually parallel horizontal axes. Such an arrangement further contributes to a compact design, different from the circular arrangement proposed in the prior art.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the feeding and metering devices can be arranged at a height not higher than that of the production machine or the product conveying device. The feeding and metering devices can in particular be positioned such that they do not extend to a height level above the production machine or the product conveying device. The feeding and metering devices can also be arranged next to the production machine. The product conveying device or its outlet for discharging the conveyed product mixture into the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine can extend higher than the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine. In this case, the feeding and metering devices can be arranged at a position not higher than the product conveying device or its outlet.

[0027] According to another embodiment that results in a particularly compact design, the feeding and metering devices can together with the mixing device form a feeding, metering and mixing module. The feeding, metering and mixing module can be arranged in a module housing. This embodiment also allows the tightness requirements to be easily met. Furthermore, providing the feeding, metering and mixing module allows a movable module to be provided, such that the feeding, metering and mixing module can be moved from one production site to different places, for example different production sites. The module housing can have the same or a smaller height than the housing of the production machine.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the module housing can together with the housing of the production machine form a system housing, such as a tablet press housing or a capsule filling machine housing. The module housing is thus integrated or connected with the housing of the production machine. This results in a particularly compact design and again allows the tightness requirements to be easily met.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the height difference between the outlet of the mixing device and the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine can be greater than 0.50 m, preferably greater than 1 m, more preferably greater than 1.50 m. The product mixture can be conveyed from the outlet of the mixing device to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine by means of a product conveying device with a height difference greater than 0.50 m, preferably greater than 1 m, more preferably greater than 1.50 m. The height difference corresponds to the vertical lifting distance of the product mixture that the product conveying device has to perform. It can preferably be about 2 m.

[0030] According to another embodiment, the overall height of the system can be less than 3.50 m, preferably less than 3 m, and more preferably less than 2.50 m. The overall height represents the height from the floor level where the system is installed to the first and second inlets of the system. Through the system design of the present invention, it is possible to have a system with such a small height and to allow the use of standard rooms with enhanced accessibility of system components.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the product conveying device can be a pneumatic product conveying device, such as a vacuum dense-phase product conveying device. Such a conveying device is particularly suitable for the purposes of the present invention for conveying a mixed powder material from the outlet of the mixing device to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine without critical segregation occurring. Segregation during the conveying process is usually due to differences in powder particles, mainly differences in particle size, particle shape and / or particle density. Thus, the first dry powder product can be different from the second dry powder product in terms of particle size, particle shape and / or particle density. Granulation attempts to solve the segregation problem by effectively producing particles of the same size, shape and density by combining different single components. However, depending on the production system, it may not be necessary to add a granulation device, or it may be necessary to convey the powder mixture from the dry powder mixing device before entering the granulation device. The inventors of the present invention have found that in particular a vacuum dense-phase product conveying device enables the segregation of the dry powder mixture during conveying to be low enough.

[0032] The product conveying device, such as a vacuum dense-phase product conveying device, can preferably include a hose for conveying the product mixture. Due to its simple and smooth internal geometry and large bending radius, the flexible hose allows a flexible connection between the dry powder mixing device and the production machine, with a minimal impact on the powder transportation process and / or the transportation process control, or only requiring very small control adjustments. The hose with dense powder under vacuum can also advantageously act as a buffer for upstream disturbances in the downstream process. Due to upstream disturbances, such as the stoppage of the refill system, the stoppage of the feeding and metering devices or the stoppage of the mixing device, the components upstream of the hose may be temporarily emptied. In such a case, the powder remaining in the hose will ensure that the production machine can continue to operate normally. When the powder starts to flow normally again, due to the denseness of the powder and the vacuum in the hose, the hose will automatically fill with powder without affecting the downstream process.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the ratio between the hose length and the hose diameter can be at least 25, preferably at least 50, more preferably at least 100. Thus, the hose has a relatively small diameter compared to its length. By using a small-diameter hose, the friction of the powder in the hose is increased. This in turn will further degas and densify the powder in the hose, which will help to form a powder plug in the hose, followed by an air plug. The formation of the powder plug, i.e., the powder in the hose forms a powder plug, followed by the formation of an air plug, is a phenomenon that occurs when the pressure in the delivery hose drops or the vacuum increases. The densification of the powder plug embeds and locks the fine components of the powder material in the coarser component matrix, and will further reduce the air movement through this powder plug during transportation. The movement between the particles and particles in the powder plug and the air passing through the powder plug are further reduced, which further reduces segregation. Using a sufficiently long hose also allows for flexible positioning of the delivery unit and the production machine, thereby further reducing the footprint of the system and allowing the system to be placed in a smaller room, or the individual components of the system to be placed in different rooms. In addition, with a system for continuously producing solid dosage forms, product tracking of batch pedigree and advanced process control is very important. The concept of batch pedigree here refers to tracking each batch of raw materials until the final dosage form, so that when an unqualified raw material batch is identified, the final dosage form can be identified, recalled from the market if necessary, and processed. Advanced process control here refers to the concept of combining different process measurements of products within the same process in terms of time and space to improve process measurement and process understanding. Advanced process control here can also refer to the use of feedforward or feedback control loops, where process changes or actions are taken on the product before or after measuring the product. To achieve reliable product tracking, product backmixing should be minimized or product first-in-first-out (FIFO) flow should be maximized. The small-diameter hose further improves FIFO product flow. In addition, the pressure drop in the delivery line can be increased as needed by reducing the hose diameter or increasing the hose length.

[0034] As described above, the product delivery device can be a vacuum dense-phase product delivery device. The solid loading ratio of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device can be greater than 15, preferably greater than 30, more preferably greater than 60. The solid loading ratio is defined as the ratio of the mass flow rate of the transported solid to the mass flow rate of the air used. The inventors have found that such a solid loading ratio is particularly advantageous for minimizing segregation. The solid loading ratio can be measured, for example, at the outlet of the hose, and thus at a relatively high end height level of the hose. The outlet of the hose can lead directly or indirectly to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine. For example, the hose can lead directly to a hose outlet hopper, from which the powder mixture is transferred to the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine.

[0035] Note that the vacuum in the conveying pipeline of the vacuum dense-phase product conveying device, such as in the product conveying hose for conveying the product mixture, decreases as the length of the conveying pipeline extends. It is actually atmospheric pressure at the inlet of the conveying pipeline and the highest vacuum at the outlet of the conveying pipeline. According to another embodiment, the pressure drop in the conveying pipeline of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product conveying device, such as over the length of the hose for conveying the product mixture, can be greater than 0.5 bar, preferably greater than 0.7 bar, more preferably greater than 0.9 bar. The absolute pressure at the outlet of the conveying pipeline (such as a hose) can be less than 0.5 bar absolute pressure, preferably less than 0.3 bar absolute pressure, more preferably less than 0.1 bar absolute pressure. Thus, a (very) deep vacuum is generated in the main body of the vacuum dense-phase product conveying device. Typically, in vacuum conveying, a small amount of air is added to the powder flow at the inlet of the conveying system (by forming an opening to the environment to allow air to be drawn in or by adding some compressed air) to assist in the formation of the powder plug and reduce the wall friction of the powder in the conveying pipeline. By using the deep vacuum according to the above embodiments, powder plug conveying can be ensured without the need for additional venting or compressed air. Without additional air addition, the powder is transported in the form of a powder plug with minimal air movement. This in turn minimizes the movement between the particles and the air passing through the powder, with the least amount of air through the powder, thus effectively minimizing segregation.

[0036] According to another embodiment, at the inlet of the product conveying device, it can be provided as an inlet hopper, wherein the diameter of the conveying pipeline (such as the product conveying hose) towards the product conveying device is set to preferably have a conical diameter reduction section. This enables further degassing and densification of the powder material, thereby embedding and locking the fine components in the coarser component matrix and preventing air from passing through the powder material during conveying. The movement between the particles and the air passing through the powder is further reduced, which further reduces segregation.

[0037] As is known to those skilled in the art, vacuum conveying can be an intermittent process. Intermittent vacuum conveying typically includes the following cycle:

[0038] - Creating a vacuum at the outlet of the conveying pipeline (such as a hose or pipe),

[0039] - Conveying the product through the conveying pipeline by means of the vacuum,

[0040] - Opening the discharge valve of the conveying pipeline to discharge the product from the outlet of the conveying pipeline,

[0041] - Closing the discharge valve,

[0042] - Repeating the cycle.

[0043] The vacuum product conveying pipeline thus has a cycle frequency. In each cycle, a specific powder portion is conveyed together through the product conveying device, having a specific cycle volume and mass. The powder portion conveyed through the vacuum product conveying pipeline in each cycle may consist of one or more powder plugs.

[0044] By increasing the cycle frequency of the product conveying device, the cycle time is shortened, and the conveying volume of the conveyed powder portion is reduced. The smaller conveying volume will minimize the impact on the upstream and downstream processes. For the upstream processes, such as the feeding and metering devices, the small powder volume means small changes in the powder height level at the inlet of the product conveying device, and thus small air pressure fluctuations at the outlet of the feeding and metering devices. For the downstream processes, such as the feeding frame of the production machine, the small powder volume means small changes in the powder height level and powder pressure in the inlet of the feeding frame, thereby minimizing the variations in the feeding process of the production machine. According to another embodiment, the cycle mass may not exceed 2 kg, preferably not exceed 1 kg, and more preferably not exceed 0.5 kg. The cycle mass can be calculated from the cycle time and the mass flow rate (the powder throughput of the system, in kg / h) as follows:

[0045] Cycle mass [kg] = Cycle time [h] × Mass flow rate [kg / h].

[0046] The fast-cycle conveying device, having a small conveying volume, allows the use of small inlet and outlet hoppers. The volumes of the inlet and outlet hoppers can be calculated based on the cycle mass and the powder density. Since the powder is poured into the hopper, this is called the pour density:

[0047] Hopper volume [l] = Cycle mass [kg] / Powder density [kg / l].

[0048] According to another embodiment, the inlet hopper can be provided at the inlet of the product conveying device, and / or the outlet hopper can be provided at the outlet of the product conveying device. The volumes of the inlet hopper and / or the outlet hopper may not exceed 7 l respectively, preferably not exceed 3 l, and more preferably not exceed 0.5 l. Minimize the buffer formed by the inlet and outlet hoppers to minimize segregation by minimizing packing segregation, minimizing vibration segregation, minimizing shear segregation, and minimizing air segregation.

[0049] According to another embodiment, at the inlet of the product conveying device, it can be provided as an inlet hopper, the half-angle of which is less than 45°, preferably not greater than 30°, and more preferably not greater than 20°. The inlet hopper can have, for example, a conical shape. The hopper half-angle is measured between the hopper wall (such as a conical hopper wall) and the hopper central axis. Thus, the smaller the hopper half-angle, the steeper the hopper half-angle. The steep hopper half-angle further reduces agglomeration and shear segregation by preventing rat-holing and promoting mass flow of the powder. The mass flow also improves the flow of FIFO products. For a hopper of a given volume, a steep hopper half-angle results in a smaller inlet diameter of the hopper. The smaller hopper inlet diameter can further reduce segregation by agglomeration.

[0050] According to another embodiment, at the outlet of the product conveying device, it can be provided as an outlet hopper, where the ratio of the height to the diameter of the outlet hopper is at least 2, preferably at least 5, and more preferably at least 10. The outlet hopper is preferably cylindrical. This geometry further minimizes segregation by agglomeration.

[0051] In the outlet hopper, for example, after opening the discharge port of the outlet hopper, a positive pressure can be applied. Using a small diameter and thus a high or long outlet hopper increases the friction of the powder in the outlet hopper. The use of positive pressure in the outlet hopper can ensure overcoming the friction on the powder and discharging the powder from the outlet hopper.

[0052] Other conveying devices are generally also feasible. For example, the conveying device can also be a powder pump, preferably a powder diaphragm pump or a pneumatic dilute-phase product conveying device, or a screw conveyor, such as a rigid or flexible screw conveyor, or, for example, a bucket elevator, a disc conveying system or a conveyor belt.

[0053] According to another embodiment, the feed frame inlet may be provided with a vent opening, preferably with dust removal, more preferably without a filter. The product conveying device intermittently supplies or discharges a powder volume to the inlet of the supply frame of the production machine. When the discharge valve of the product conveying device is closed, the powder height level at the feed frame inlet decreases or drops. Since the system is closed or airtight, this will create a negative pressure at the feed frame inlet and in the feed frame. This can have a negative impact on the powder feed into the production machine and may cause unwanted feed fluctuations. To avoid this negative pressure, a vent opening is added at the feed frame inlet. Typically, an air filter (more specifically: a particulate air filter for filtering out particles from the air) is added to maintain airtightness and ensure that no powder escapes from the system. However, particulate air filters have particularly relevant drawbacks here. On the one hand, the filter tends to accumulate fine powder on the filter material. When this fine powder detaches from the filter material again, it can cause the fine powder to become separated or segregated from the mixture. On the other hand, the filter causes a pressure drop when air flows through the filter material. Powder clogging the filter further increases the pressure drop. Depending on the direction of the air flow through the filter, the pressure drop across the filter will create an overpressure or a negative pressure inside the system.

[0054] Therefore, it is particularly preferred to provide an open vent without a filter. To ensure that no powder escapes from the vent, the vent opening may include a sufficiently long (preferably vertical) vent pipe and an actual vent opening at the top. The air volume of the vent pipe can be at least the same as the powder conveying volume. When the powder volume is charged into the feed frame inlet, air (possibly dusty air) can enter the vent pipe, but will essentially not leave the vent pipe and enter the surrounding environment. In the next step of the conveying cycle, the reduced powder height level in the feed frame inlet will draw the (dusty) air in the vent pipe back. The air movement effectively follows the cycle of the product conveying device, with a certain amount of air rising (during powder discharge) and falling (when the outlet valve of the blending conveyor is closed) in the vent pipe, but the air does not actually escape. As a safety feature, to ensure that no dusty air or powder escapes from the vent pipe, a dust hood or dust pipe opening (connected to a vacuum cleaner or a central dust collection system) can be installed above the vent pipe, especially above the vent opening. This is not directly connected to the vent pipe, but there is a small gap above the vent pipe. Due to the preferential air flow in the vent pipe, entrained powder, or due to long-term transient effects, the hood or pipe opening will suck out any dust that may escape from the vent pipe.

[0055] The inlet hopper of the product conveying device may also be provided with a ventilation opening, preferably without a particulate filter, as explained above regarding the inlet of the feed frame of the production machine. As in the case of the feed frame inlet, a similar intermittent circulation process exists in the inlet hopper with the product conveying device, where the powder height level rises and falls. The inlet hopper is continuously fed with powder by the dry powder mixing device and intermittently emptied by the product conveying device, effectively causing the powder in the inlet hopper to rise (slowly) and fall (rapidly). This may also cause pressure variations at the outlet of the mixing device and the feeding and metering devices. The open ventilation opening at the inlet hopper avoids pressure variations at the outlet of the feeder, pressure increases during the filling process of the inlet hopper, and pressure drops during the emptying process of the inlet hopper.

[0056] The control of the mixing device, the product conveying device, the first inlet and the second inlet and / or the possible feeding and metering devices can be achieved by separate control units or a central control unit. For example, the mentioned components can be controlled by the same control unit as the production machine (such as the control unit of a tablet press or a capsule filling machine). This makes the control of the system particularly easy and allows for remote control from separate rooms, thereby further enhancing the operator's safety.

[0057] The method of the present invention can be carried out using the system of the present invention. Therefore, the system of the present invention can be designed to perform the method of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings schematically show:

[0059] Figure 1 : A first perspective view of a system according to a first embodiment of the present invention,

[0060] Figure 2 : Figure 1 Another perspective view of the system shown,

[0061] Figure 3 : A perspective view of a system according to a second embodiment of the present invention,

[0062] Figure 4 is Figure 3 An enlarged view of detail A in

[0063] Figure 5 is Figure 3 An enlarged view of detail B in

[0064] Figure 6 : A perspective view of a system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figure 1 and 2 shows a system according to a first embodiment of the invention for the continuous production of solid dosage forms in direct compression. The system includes a production machine 10, which is a rotary tablet press 10 in the example shown. The tablet press 10 is arranged in a production machine housing 12, which is a tablet press housing 12 in the example shown. The tablet press housing 12 is integrated with a module housing 14, which contains feeding, metering and mixing modules that will be explained in more detail below. The tablet press housing 12 and the module housing 14 together form a system housing 16. The system housing 16 includes a plurality of windows 18, which can be opened to access the components of the system. Although in Figure 1 , the window 18 is shown in its closed position, but in Figure 2 , the respective windows 18 are shown in their open positions to better explain the system components. To better understand the system design, the lower part of the module housing 14 is further cut away in Figure 2 . For example, it can be seen from Figure 1 that the tablet press housing 12 and the module housing 14 have substantially the same height. At the top of the system housing 16, the outlet 20 of the product delivery device 22 of the system can be seen. The inlet of the product delivery device 22 can be seen at reference numeral 24 in Figure 2 .

[0067] In Figure 2 , the first inlet 26 for a first powder product (such as an API) and the second inlet 28 for a second powder product (such as an excipient) can be seen. In addition, in Figure 2 the third inlet 30 for a third powder product and the fourth inlet 32 for a fourth powder product can be seen. The third powder product can be, for example, another API or another excipient. The fourth powder product can be, for example, an excipient, such as a lubricant. Each of the inlets 26, 28, 30, 32 is connected via refill systems 42, 44, 46, 48 to subsequent feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38, 40. Each of the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38, 40 can be a loss-in-weight feeder. It can be seen from Figure 2 that the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38, 40 are arranged in a row, particularly along a horizontal axis.

[0068] On the other hand, the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38 and 40 are connected to the mixing device 50. The mixing device 50 can generally be any type of dry powder mixer or blender. The mixing device 50 has a first inlet 52 which is connected to the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38. The second inlet 54 of the mixing device 50 is connected to the feeding and metering device 40. The mixing device 50 also has an outlet 56 which is connected to the inlet 24 of the product conveying device 22. The outlet 20 of the product conveying device 22 is connected to the inlet 58 of the feeding frame 60 of the tablet press 10. The outlet 20 of the product conveying device 22 and the inlet 58 of the feeding frame 60 of the tablet press 10 are connected by a vertical pipe 62. The tablet press 10 also has an outlet 64 for discharging the produced tablets.

[0069] The method of the present invention carried out with the system of the present invention will be explained below. During the production process, the first powder product, the second powder product and the third powder product provided at the first inlet 26, the second inlet 28 and the third inlet 30 are continuously supplied to the first inlet 52 of the mixing device 50 through the feeding and metering devices 34, 36 and 38. The fourth powder product provided at the fourth inlet 32 is continuously supplied to the second inlet 54 of the mixing device 50 through the feeding and metering device 40. The mixing device 50 continuously produces and provides a powder product mixture of the four powder products at its outlet 56. The product mixture is continuously supplied to the inlet 24 of the product conveying device 22. As can be seen, for example, in Figure 2 the inlet 24 of the product conveying device 22 is located below the outlet 56 of the mixing device 50 so that the product mixture can flow from the outlet 56 to the inlet 24 via gravity. As can also be seen from Figure 2 the outlet 56 of the mixing device 50 and the inlet 24 of the product conveying device 22 are arranged at a lower height than the inlet 58 of the feeding frame of the tablet press 10 and the outlet 20 of the product conveying device 22, and the outlet 20 is located above the inlet 58 of the feeding frame of the tablet press 10. The product conveying device 22 continuously conveys the product mixture supplied to its inlet 24 to its outlet 20, thereby lifting the product mixture vertically to a higher height. The lifted product mixture is continuously supplied to the inlet 58 of the feeding frame of the tablet press 10 via gravity from the outlet 20, and the tablet press 10 continuously produces tablets with the supplied product mixture and discharges the produced tablets at its outlet 64.

[0070] According to the system design explained above, the total height of the system can be limited to less than 3.50 m, preferably less than 3 m, more preferably less than 2.50 m. For this purpose, the product mixture can be lifted vertically by the product conveying device 22 by more than 1.50 m, for example about 2 m. From Figure 1 and 2As can be seen, system inlets 26, 28, 30, and 32, and thus the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38, and 40, are arranged such that they do not extend above the height of the product conveyor 22 and its outlet 20. As explained above, the design of the above system and method allows for a particularly compact construction with a simple installation and enhanced accessibility of the system components.

[0071] In Figures 3 to 5 is shown a second embodiment of the system of the present invention, which is very similar to the system shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 It also includes a feeding, metering, and mixing module arranged in the module housing 14 and a production machine 10 arranged in the production machine housing 12. The production machine 10 can also be, for example, a tablet press, such as a rotary tablet press. However, the production machine 10 can also be, for example, a capsule filling machine or another production machine.

[0072] In Figures 3 to 5 the shown embodiment, the module housing 14 includes two doors 66 for accessing the interior of the module housing 14 instead of the windows 18 shown in Figure 1 and 2 In Figure 3 for better explanation of the system components, the doors 66 are shown in the open position. At the top of the production machine housing 12, the outlet 20 of the product conveyor 22 of the system can be seen. Near the outlet 56 of the mixing device 50, the inlet 24 of the product conveyor 22 can again be seen. At the inlet 24 of the product conveyor 22, a conical inlet hopper 68 is arranged. Connected to the inlet hopper 68 of the product conveyor 22 is a flexible product conveying hose 70 for the vacuum dense-phase conveying of the product mixture leaving the mixing device 50. In Figure 5 the enlarged view of, the conical diameter reduction portion 72 of the inlet hopper 68 can be seen.

[0073] Figures 3 to 5 The shown vacuum dense-phase product conveyor 22 also includes a flexible vacuum hose 74 and a vacuum generating device 76. The vacuum generating device 76 generates a vacuum at the outlet 20 of the product conveying hose 70 through the vacuum hose 74, which causes the product mixture to be conveyed from the inlet 24 of the product conveyor 22 through the product conveying hose 70 to the outlet 20. The discharge valve at the outlet 20 of the product conveying hose 70 is intermittently opened and closed to discharge the conveyed product mixture into the inlet 58 of the feed frame of the production machine 10. For this purpose, an outlet hopper 69 is provided at the outlet 20 of the product conveyor 22.

[0074] As explained above, this intermittent conveying process causes an intermittent rise and fall in the powder height level in the inlet frame inlet 58 of the production machine 10. To avoid an undesired underpressure in the inlet frame inlet 58, a vertical vent pipe 78 with a vent opening at the top is provided at the inlet frame inlet 58 of the production machine 10. At the top of the vent pipe 78, a dust hood 80 and a dust removal hose 82 are provided, which lead to a dust removal system for extracting any dust that may leave the vent pipe 78 through the vent opening.

[0075] Due to similar problems of pressure increase and decrease caused by intermittent conveying at the inlet hopper 68 of the product conveying device 22, as Figure 5 shown, a corresponding vent pipe 78 with a vent opening at the top is arranged at the inlet hopper 68.

[0076] To supply the dry powder product to the dry powder mixing device 50, Figures 3 to 5 the system shown also includes a first inlet 26 for a first powder product such as API, a second inlet 28 for a second powder product such as an excipient, and a third inlet 30 for a third powder product. The third powder product can also be, for example, another API or another excipient. Each of the inlets 26, 28, 30 is connected again to subsequent feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38 through refilling systems 42, ۴۴, ۴۶. Behind the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38, other technical components are also arranged, such as drive devices, which are only partially shown in the Figure 3 housings 84, 86, 88 in. In Figure 3 the rear wall 90 of the module housing 14 can also be seen.

[0077] Figures 3 to 5 The production process of the system shown is basically the same as that Figure 1 and Figure 2 explained above. The powder products are continuously supplied to the inlet 52 of the mixing device 50 through the inlets 26, 28, 30, via the refilling systems 42, 44, 46 and the feeding and metering devices 34, 36, 38, via the hopper 92. The dry powder products supplied to the mixing device 50 are continuously blended in the dry powder mixing device 50 and discharged through the outlet 56 of the mixing device 50 to the inlet 24 of the product conveying device 22, particularly the inlet hopper 68. As explained above, the vacuum dense phase product conveying device 22 conveys the product mixture through the product conveying hose 70 to the inlet frame inlet 58 of the production machine 10. In the production machine 10, the product mixture is continuously processed into a product, such as a solid dosage form, such as tablets or capsules. The produced product is discharged from the production machine 10 through the outlet 64.

[0078] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the system of the present invention is shown.Figure 6 The system shown includes two feeding, metering and mixing modules arranged in two module housings 14. The feeding, metering and mixing modules and their module housings 14 can be implemented as explained for the Figures 3 to 5 system shown. In Figure 6 , the door 66 of the module housing 14 is closed. Figure 6 Another difference between the system shown and the Figures 3 to 5 system shown is that the system according to Figure 6 includes two production machines 10, each arranged in a production machine housing 12. Figure 6 The production machine 10 shown on the left can be, for example, a tablet press, such as a rotary tablet press or a capsule filling machine. As shown, the production machine 10 located between the two feeding, metering and mixing modules can be, for example, a granulating device, such as a roller compactor or similar equipment. In Figure 6 the first feeding, metering and mixing module shown on the right, different dry powder products are continuously blended together in the dry powder mixing device 50, as explained with respect to the above embodiments. The powder mixture is then conveyed through the product delivery hose 70 of the product delivery device 22 of the first feeding, metering and mixing module to the inlet of the feed frame of the subsequent first production machine 10, such as a granulating device. The product delivery device 22 is also a vacuum dense-phase product delivery device. In this granulating device, the product mixture is granulated to produce a granular product. The granular product is then conveyed through a conventional granular conveying device 94 to one of the inlets 26 of the subsequent second feeding, metering and mixing module. The granular conveying device 94 can be any suitable granular conveying device. Additional product can enter the second feeding, metering and mixing module via additional inlets 28 and / or 30. The powder products provided, including the granular product, are then continuously blended together again in the dry powder mixing device 50 of the second feeding, metering and mixing module and are subsequently conveyed through the powder delivery hose 70 of the product delivery device 22 of the second feeding, metering and mixing module to the inlet of the feed frame of the second production machine 10, which is, for example, a tablet press or a capsule filling machine. The product delivery device 22 is also a vacuum dense-phase product delivery device. In the second production machine 10, a product, such as tablets or capsules, is produced from the powder mixture provided and is discharged via the outlet 64.

[0079] Similar to the Figure 1 and 2 and Figures 3 to 5 system shown, Figure 6 the system shown is also operated continuously.

[0080] In addition, all systems shown in the figures can be closed systems, for example, with a containment level of OEB 3 or higher for product toxicity, such as measured according to SMEPAC tests.

[0081] List of Reference Numerals

[0082] 10 Production machine

[0083] 12 Production machine housing

[0084] 14 Module housing

[0085] 16 System housing

[0086] 18 Window

[0087] 20 Outlet of product conveying device

[0088] 22 Product conveying device

[0089] 24 Inlet of product conveying device

[0090] 26 First inlet

[0091] 28 Second inlet

[0092] 30 Third inlet

[0093] 32 Fourth inlet

[0094] 34, 36, 38, 40 Feeding and metering devices

[0095] 42, 44, 46, 48 Refill system

[0096] 50 Mixer

[0097] 52 First inlet of mixing device

[0098] 54 Second inlet of mixing device

[0099] 56 Outlet of mixing device

[0100] 58 Inlet of feeding frame of production machine

[0101] 60 Feeding frame of production machine

[0102] 62 Vertical pipe

[0103] 64 Production machine outlet

[0104] 66 Door

[0105] 68 Inlet hopper

[0106] 69 Outlet hopper

[0107] 70 Product delivery hose

[0108] 72 Conical diameter reduction section

[0109] 74 Vacuum hose

[0110] 76 Vacuum generating device

[0111] 78 Vent pipe with ventilation opening

[0112] 80 Dust removal hood

[0113] 82 Dust removal hose

[0114] 84, 86, 88 Technical component housing

[0115] 90 Rear wall

Claims

1. A system for continuously processing powder products, comprising: A first inlet (26) for a first dry powder product, a second inlet (28) for a second dry powder product, and a dry powder mixing device (50) that continuously provides a dry powder product mixture from the first and second dry powder products. The dry powder mixing device (50) includes an inlet (52) and an outlet (56) for the product mixture. The inlet (52) is connected to the first inlet (26) for the first dry powder product and the second inlet (28) for the second powder product. It further includes a production machine (10), where the production machine (10) includes a powder feeding frame (60) having a feeding frame inlet (58) and an outlet. The feeding frame inlet is connected to the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50). Characterized in that the height level of the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) is lower than the height level of the feeding frame inlet (58) of the production machine (10), and a product conveying device (22) is located at the connection between the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) and the feeding frame inlet (58) of the production machine (10). The product conveying device (22) continuously conveys the product mixture from the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) to the feeding frame inlet (58) of the production machine (10). Wherein the product conveying device includes a product conveying hose (70) for conveying the product mixture, and wherein the ratio of the length of the product conveying hose (70) to the diameter of the product conveying hose (70) is at least 25.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein The continuous processing of the powder product is the continuous production of solid dosage forms in direct processing, and the production machine (10) is used to continuously produce solid dosage forms from the product mixture and has an outlet (64) for discharging the produced solid dosage forms.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein The production machine (10) is a tablet press or a capsule filling machine.

4. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The production machine (10) is a granulating device.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein The height levels of the first inlet (26) for the first dry powder product and the second inlet (28) for the second dry powder product are not higher than the height level of the production machine (10) or the product conveying device (22).

6. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The height difference between the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) and the feeding frame inlet (58) of the production machine (10) is greater than 0.50 meters.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The height difference between the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) and the feeding frame inlet (58) of the production machine (10) is greater than 1 meter.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The height difference between the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) and the feeding frame inlet (58) of the production machine (10) is greater than 1.50 meters.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The total height of the system is less than 3.50 meters.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The total height of the system is less than 3 meters.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The total height of the system is less than 2.50 meters.

12. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The product conveying device (22) is a pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product conveying device (22).

13. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The ratio of the length of the product delivery hose (70) to the diameter of the product delivery hose (70) is at least 50.

14. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the length of the product delivery hose (70) to the diameter of the product delivery hose (70) is at least 100.

15. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The solid loading ratio of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) is greater than 15.

16. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The solid loading ratio of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) is greater than 30.

17. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The solid loading ratio of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) is greater than 60.

18. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The pressure drop of the delivery pipeline of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) is greater than 0.5 bar.

19. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The pressure drop of the delivery pipeline of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) is greater than 0.7 bar.

20. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The pressure drop of the delivery pipeline of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) is greater than 0.9 bar.

21. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The circulating mass of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) does not exceed 2 kg.

22. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that The circulating mass of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) does not exceed 1 kg.

23. The system according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that, The circulating mass of the pneumatic vacuum dense-phase product delivery device (22) does not exceed 0.5 kg.

24. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet (24) of the product delivery device (22), and a conical diameter reducing portion (72) is provided in the direction of the diameter of the delivery pipeline leading to the product delivery device (22).

25. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet (24) of the product delivery device (22) and / or an outlet hopper (69) is provided at the outlet (20) of the product delivery device (22), and the volume of the inlet hopper (68) and / or the outlet hopper (69) does not exceed 7 liters.

26. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet (24) of the product delivery device (22) and / or an outlet hopper (69) is provided at the outlet (20) of the product delivery device (22), and the volume of the inlet hopper (68) and / or the outlet hopper (69) does not exceed 3 liters.

27. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet (24) of the product delivery device (22) and / or an outlet hopper (69) is provided at the outlet (20) of the product delivery device (22), and the volume of the inlet hopper (68) and / or the outlet hopper (69) does not exceed 0.5 liters.

28. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet of the product delivery device, and the inlet hopper has an inlet hopper half angle less than 45°.

29. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet of the product delivery device, and the inlet hopper has an inlet hopper half angle not greater than 30°.

30. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, An inlet hopper (68) is provided at the inlet of the product delivery device, and the inlet hopper has an inlet hopper half angle not greater than 20°.

31. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, An outlet hopper (69) is provided at the outlet (20) of the product delivery device (22), and the ratio of the height to the diameter of the outlet hopper (69) is at least 2.

32. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, An outlet hopper (69) is provided at the outlet (20) of the product delivery device (22), and the ratio of the height to the diameter of the outlet hopper (69) is at least 5.

33. The system according to claim 1, wherein An outlet hopper (69) is provided at the outlet (20) of the product conveying device (22), wherein the ratio of the height to the diameter of the outlet hopper (69) is at least 10.

34. The system according to any one of claims 31 to 33, characterized in that Positive pressure is applied in the outlet hopper (69).

35. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The product conveying device (22) is a powder pump.

36. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The product conveying device (22) is a powder diaphragm pump.

37. The system according to claim 1, wherein The inlet (58) of the feed frame is provided with a ventilation opening.

38. The system according to claim 1, wherein The inlet (58) of the feed frame is provided with a ventilation opening and no particle filter.

39. The system according to claim 1, wherein The inlet hopper (68) of the product conveying device (22) is provided with a ventilation opening.

40. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet hopper (68) of the product conveying device (22) is provided with a ventilation opening and no particle filter.

41. The system according to any one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that, The ventilation opening includes a ventilation pipe (78).

42. The system according to any one of claims 37 to 40, characterized in that, The ventilation opening includes a dust removal hood (80).

43. The system according to claim 1, wherein The feeding and metering devices (34, 36, 38, 40) are connected to each of the first inlet (26) and the second inlet (28) of the first dry powder product and the second dry powder product and the inlet (52) of the dry powder mixing device (50).

44. The system according to claim 43, characterized in that, The feeding and metering devices (34, 36, 38, 40) are arranged in one row, two rows or more than two rows.

45. The system according to claim 43 or 44, characterized in that, The feeding and metering devices (34, 36, 38, 40) and the dry powder mixing device (50) together form a feeding, metering and mixing module, and the feeding, metering and mixing module is arranged in the module housing (14).

46. The system according to claim 45, wherein The module housing (14) and the housing (12) of the production machine (10) together form a system housing (16).

47. A method for continuously processing a powder product, comprising the following steps: The first dry powder product and the second dry powder product are continuously supplied to the dry powder mixing device (50), the dry powder mixing device (50) continuously forms a dry powder product mixture from the first dry powder product and the second dry powder product, the product mixture is continuously supplied to the production machine (10), the product mixture is continuously processed by the production machine (10), and the processed product is discharged from the production machine (10). It is characterized in that the product mixture provided by the dry powder mixing device (50) is arranged at the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50), the height level of the position where the outlet (56) is located is lower than the height level of the inlet (58) of the feed frame of the production machine (10) of the product mixture, and the product mixture is conveyed from the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) to the inlet (58) of the feed frame of the production machine (10) by the product conveying device (22), and the product conveying device is arranged at the connection between the outlet (56) of the dry powder mixing device (50) and the inlet (58) of the feed frame of the production machine (10). Wherein, the product conveying device includes a product conveying hose (70) for conveying the product mixture, and wherein, the ratio of the length of the product conveying hose (70) to the diameter of the product conveying hose (70) is at least 25.

48. The method according to claim 47, wherein The method is for continuously producing solid dosage forms in direct processing, wherein the solid dosage forms are continuously produced from a product mixture by the production machine (10) and discharged from the production machine (10).

49. The method according to claim 48, characterized in that, The solid dosage forms are tablets or capsules.

50. The method according to any one of claims 47 to 49, characterized in that, The method is carried out using a system according to any one of claims 1 to 46.

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