A pulse-jet based, spray dry powder dispersion device and method of operation

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of based on impulse airflow's spray dry powder dispersion device and operating method, including dispersion entrance, powder entrance, dry powder sample table, dispersion pedestal, lifting platform, dust cover, high-frequency electromagnetic valve, high-pressure gas source, programmable pulse control instrument and muffler, the high-pressure gas source is connected high-frequency electromagnetic valve gas inlet by air pipe, the high-frequency electromagnetic valve normally open outlet is connected the muffler, the high-frequency electromagnetic valve normally closed outlet is connected the dispersion entrance by air pipe, the dispersion pedestal is connected the dry powder sample table by through-hole, the dry powder sample table is placed in the powder entrance, the powder entrance is placed in the dispersion entrance, the programmable pulse control instrument is connected the high-frequency electromagnetic valve by signal line, the dust cover is placed in the dispersion pedestal directly below, the dispersion pedestal is connected the lifting platform by screw nut. The present application has low time cost, wide application range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to dry powder dispersion technology, and more particularly to a jet-type dry powder dispersion device and its operation method based on pulsed airflow. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of pharmaceutical formulation, particularly in inhaled formulations, vaccine preparation, and targeted drug delivery systems, the uniform and efficient dispersion of minute amounts of drug powder particles (typically ranging from milligrams to grams) is a crucial factor determining the quality of subsequent processes and the efficacy of the product. These powders typically have small particle sizes (large specific surface area and high surface energy), making them highly susceptible to agglomeration during production, storage, and transportation due to van der Waals forces, electrostatic attraction, and liquid bridging forces. These agglomerates severely affect the flowability and dosage uniformity of the powder, posing significant challenges to subsequent uniform filling, mixing, and delivery. For example, in the preparation of dry powder inhalers, if the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) cannot be effectively separated and sufficiently dispersed from the surface of the carrier particles, the deposition efficiency of the drug in the lungs will be significantly reduced, directly impacting the therapeutic effect.

[0003] In the existing technology, there are various devices and methods for solving the problem of drug powder dispersion. Although traditional mechanical stirring or grinding methods can break up agglomerates to a certain extent, for small quantities of drug powders with fragile structures or sensitive activity, strong mechanical forces may cause particle breakage, crystal transformation, or degradation of active ingredients, making them unsuitable for high-value biological agents or easily broken particles. In addition, when processing extremely small amounts of powder, traditional methods often result in unsatisfactory yield and uniformity due to large material losses or many mixing dead zones.

[0004] Another common dispersion technique is the Venturi tube airflow dispersion method, which utilizes the shear force generated by high-speed airflow to disperse powder. However, for small quantities of pharmaceutical powder, the pressure and velocity gradients created by traditional continuous airflow are unevenly distributed, easily leading to insufficient dispersion in local areas and forming dispersion blind zones, making it difficult to effectively and uniformly deagglomerate small agglomerates. Research has found that pulsed airflow injection can generate pulse velocity at the Venturi tube inlet. The pulsed approach increases the carrying capacity and prevents the dry powder from clumping during transport after entering the Venturi tube, which is more conducive to ensuring the uniformity of polymer powder carried by the airflow. However, most existing pulsed airflow dispersion devices suffer from insufficient control precision, lacking the ability to precisely adjust the pulse frequency, pulse duration, and air pressure, making it difficult to meet the requirement of "gentle yet efficient" dispersion of small quantities of high-value pharmaceutical powder. For example, existing devices struggle to achieve control systems with pulse timing accuracy down to the millisecond level and air pressure accuracy down to 0.1 bar, failing to meet the requirements for high-precision dispersion.

[0005] Furthermore, most existing anti-caking technologies on the market are either too costly or have limited effectiveness, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the requirements of economic efficiency and technical performance. For example, some technologies involving high-pressure gas flow processing, with their large equipment and complex gas path designs, often result in powder loss and contamination during the transfer and transportation of milligram-level precious powders due to their large footprint and cumbersome operating procedures. These technologies are extremely unsuitable for applications in laboratories or small-batch drug development where space is limited and materials are precious.

[0006] In summary, the existing technology lacks an integrated dispersion device that specifically targets minute quantities of pharmaceutical powder particles and integrates high-precision pulse control and precision gas handling functions. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a novel, efficient, stable and controllable pulsed airflow-based spray-type dry powder dispersion device and its operation method. It can achieve precise and uniform deagglomeration of trace amounts of drug powder through precise pulsed airflow, and at the same time has the characteristics of convenient operation, low material loss and strong adaptability, so as to meet the technical requirements of modern pharmaceutical industry for high-value, small-batch sample processing.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this invention is: a jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow, including a dispersion inlet, a powder inlet, a dry powder sample stage, a dispersion base, a lifting mechanism, a dust cover, a high-frequency solenoid valve, high-pressure gas, a programmable pulse control, a sample dish, and a silencer; The high-pressure gas source is connected to the inlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve via a gas pipe. The normally open outlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve is connected to the silencer. The normally closed outlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve is connected to the dispersion inlet via a gas pipe. The dispersion base is connected to the dry powder sample stage. The powder inlet is placed inside the dry powder sample stage. The dispersion inlet is placed above the powder inlet. The programmable pulse controller is connected to the high-frequency solenoid valve via a signal line. The dust cover is placed directly below the dispersion base. The sample dish is placed directly below the dispersion base and in the center area of ​​the dust cover. The dispersion base is connected to the lifting platform via a threaded nut.

[0009] Furthermore, the dispersion inlet is provided with an annular groove, into which a rubber sealing ring is embedded, and the dispersion inlet is fixed to the dry powder sample stage by the rubber sealing ring.

[0010] Furthermore, the powder inlet is provided with an arc-shaped peripheral groove, into which a rubber sealing ring is embedded, and the powder inlet is fixed to the dry powder sample stage by the rubber sealing ring.

[0011] Furthermore, the dry powder sample stage is provided with several through holes, and the dry powder sample stage is fixed to the dispersion base by screws through the through holes.

[0012] Furthermore, the dispersing base is provided with several through holes, and the dispersing base is fixed to the lifting platform with screws through the through holes.

[0013] Furthermore, the powder inlet is provided with a funnel-shaped slope to facilitate the smooth addition and concentration of powder.

[0014] The above-mentioned operating method of a pulsed airflow-based spray-type dry powder dispersion device specifically includes the following steps: 1) Install the air tube by pulling it out through the air tube interface of the decentralized inlet; 2) Secure the powder inlet to the bottom of the dry powder sample stage cavity using a rubber ring; 3) Weigh the powder using an electronic scale; 4) Add powder by pulling out and separating the dispersion inlet from the dry powder sample stage; 5) Set the initial pressure using a high-pressure air source; 6) Set the pulse parameters using a programmable pulse controller; 7) The high-frequency solenoid valve responds to the signal to generate a pulsed airflow, which impacts and disperses the powder in the dry powder sample stage; 8) Receive the dispersed powder through a sample dish and observe the dispersion effect by taking pictures with a camera.

[0015] Beneficial effects: This invention is an integrated dispersion device specifically designed for small quantities of pharmaceutical powder particles, combining high-precision pulse control and precision gas handling functions. This invention has a small space requirement, low time cost, significant dispersion effect, and good preservation of the original powder integrity. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the device of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dispersing device of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dispersive inlet of the device of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispersion inlet of the device of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the powder inlet of the device of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the dispersion stage of the device of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the dispersion stage of the device of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the dispersion base of the device of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will now be further described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0018] like Figure 1-8 As shown, a jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow includes a dispersion inlet 1, a powder inlet 2, a dry powder sample stage 3, a dispersion base 4, a lifting platform 5, a dust cover 6, a high-frequency solenoid valve 7, a high-pressure air source 8, a programmable pulse controller 9, a sample dish 10, and a silencer 11. The high-pressure gas source 8 is connected to the air inlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve 7 via a gas pipe. The normally open outlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve 7 is connected to the silencer 11. The normally closed outlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve 7 is connected to the dispersion inlet 1 via a gas pipe. The dispersion base 4 is connected to the dry powder sample stage 3. The powder inlet 2 is placed inside the dry powder sample stage 3. The dispersion inlet 1 is placed above the powder inlet 2. The programmable pulse controller 9 is connected to the high-frequency solenoid valve 7 via a signal line. The dust cover 6 is placed directly below the dispersion base 4. The sample dish 9 is placed directly below the dispersion base 4 and in the center area of ​​the dust cover 6. The dispersion base 4 is connected to the lifting platform 5 via a threaded nut.

[0019] The dispersion inlet 1 has an annular groove into which a rubber sealing ring is embedded, and the dispersion inlet 1 is fixed to the dry powder sample stage 3 by the rubber sealing ring. The powder inlet 2 has an arc-shaped peripheral groove into which a rubber sealing ring is embedded, and the powder inlet 2 is fixed to the dry powder sample stage 3 by the rubber sealing ring. The dry powder sample stage 3 has several through holes, and the dry powder sample stage 3 is fixed to the dispersion base 4 by screws through the through holes. The dispersion base 4 has several through holes, and the dispersion base 4 is fixed to the lifting platform 5 by screws through the through holes. The powder inlet 2 has a funnel-shaped slope.

[0020] To test the dispersion performance of a novel inhaled drug powder, a small amount (5 grams) of easily agglomerated micronized drug needed to be efficiently dispersed. During operation, all components of the device were installed and the lifting platform 5 was adjusted to a convenient height for operation. 5 grams of drug powder were added from the funnel slope of the powder inlet 2 to the dry powder sample stage 3, and then the dispersion inlet 1 was sealed with a rubber sealing ring. The air compressor was started in the high-pressure air source 8, with an initial pressure of 3 bar, and precisely adjusted to 2.5 bar using a filter pressure reducing valve, while simultaneously filtering out oil and water vapor from the gas. The pulse duration of the programmable pulse controller 9 was set to 0.2 ms, and the frequency to 15 times / second. The program was started, and the high-frequency solenoid valve 7 responded rapidly within 0.02 ms, generating a pulsed airflow to impact the drug powder. After dispersion, a sample was taken for testing, and the powder agglomeration rate was reduced from over 70% to below 18%. This process effectively avoided damage to the drug powder due to excessive impact, achieving precise and non-destructive dispersion of a small amount of highly active drug powder.

[0021] The above embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Any equivalent substitutions, modifications, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow, characterized in that: Includes dispersion inlet (1), powder inlet (2), dry powder sample stage (3), dispersion base (4), lifting platform (5), dust cover (6), high frequency solenoid valve (7), high pressure gas source (8), programmable pulse controller (9), sample dish (10) and silencer (11); The high-pressure gas source (8) is connected to the inlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve (7) through a gas pipe. The normally open outlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve (7) is connected to the silencer (11). The normally closed outlet of the high-frequency solenoid valve (7) is connected to the dispersion inlet (1) through a gas pipe. The dispersion base (4) is connected to the dry powder sample stage (3). The powder inlet (2) is placed inside the dry powder sample stage (3). The dispersion inlet (1) is placed above the powder inlet (2). The programmable pulse controller (9) is connected to the high-frequency solenoid valve (7) through a signal line. The dust cover (6) is placed directly below the dispersion base (4). The sample dish (9) is placed directly below the dispersion base (4) and in the center area of ​​the dust cover (6). The dispersion base (4) is connected to the lifting platform (5) through a threaded nut.

2. The jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dispersion inlet (1) is provided with an annular groove, and a rubber sealing ring is embedded in the annular groove. The dispersion inlet (1) is fixed to the dry powder sample stage (3) by the rubber sealing ring.

3. The jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow according to claim 2, characterized in that: The powder inlet (2) is provided with an arc-shaped outer groove, and a rubber sealing ring is embedded in the arc-shaped outer groove. The powder inlet (2) is fixed to the dry powder sample stage (3) by the rubber sealing ring.

4. The jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow according to claim 3, characterized in that: The dry powder sample stage (3) is provided with several through holes, and the dry powder sample stage (3) is fixed to the dispersion base (4) by screws through the through holes.

5. The jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow according to claim 4, characterized in that: The dispersing base (4) is provided with several through holes, and the dispersing base (4) is fixed to the lifting platform (5) by screws through the through holes.

6. The jet-type dry powder dispersion device based on pulsed airflow according to claim 5, characterized in that: The powder inlet (2) is provided with a funnel-shaped slope.

7. A method for operating the pulsed airflow-based spray-type dry powder dispersion device as described in claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6, characterized in that: Specifically, the following steps are included: 1) Install the air tube by pulling it out through the air tube interface of the dispersed inlet (1); 2) The powder inlet (2) is first fixedly installed at the bottom of the dry powder sample stage (3) using a rubber ring; 3) Weigh the powder using an electronic scale; 4) Add powder by pulling out the dispersion inlet (1) and the dry powder sample stage (3); 5) Set the initial pressure using a high-pressure air source (8); 6) Set the pulse parameters using the programmable pulse controller (9); 7) The high-frequency solenoid valve (7) generates a pulsed airflow in response to the signal, which impacts and disperses the powder in the dry powder sample stage (3); 8) Receive the dispersed powder through a sample dish (9) and observe the dispersion effect by taking pictures with a camera.

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