System and method for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation system

Abstract

A user interface (UI) for providing optimal parameters for a fluidized bed granulation process may include a first user input field for receiving the intrinsic properties of the input powder, a second user input field for receiving granulation requirements for the granules formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, a third user input field for receiving the operational capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system, and an output field configured to display the optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system. The optimal process parameters can be determined by thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims the benefits of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 300,905, filed on 14 April 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to a fluid bed granulation process, and more particularly to a system and method for providing optimal process parameters for operating a fluid bed granulation system. [Background technology]

[0003] Fluidized bed granulation is an industrial process for producing granules from powder. In the pharmaceutical industry, fluidized bed granulation is commonly employed to granulate active pharmaceutical ingredients and inert substances that act as base materials for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Granules produced using fluidized bed granulation are uniform, highly dispersible, and highly compressible. As a result, the granules can be easily compressed to form drug tablets, for example, to be dispensed to patients. In addition, unlike other granulation processes, fluidized bed granulation can be carried out entirely within a single machine, minimizing the effort required to transport materials between multiple machine units and the losses incurred by transporting them.

[0004] Using a fluidized bed granulation process to produce granules of the desired size and density that meet product specifications requires the precise selection of values ​​for several process parameters of the fluidized bed granulation system. These values ​​are typically estimated empirically or through trial and error by highly trained professionals with experience operating the specific granulation system used for the fluidized bed granulation process. Since raw materials (e.g., APIs) are often expensive and may be available in limited quantities, estimating optimal values ​​for process parameters using empirical trial and error can increase R&D costs and potentially delay the product manufacturing timeline. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] As discussed, fluidized bed granulation processes can produce granules with advantageous properties, including high dispersibility and high compressibility. However, relying on expert fluidized bed granulation system operators to estimate the values ​​of process parameters necessary to produce suitable granules is limited, inefficient, and unquantifiable. Gaining the experience necessary to accurately estimate appropriate values ​​of process parameters can take many years, because the values ​​of these parameters uniquely depend on the input powder to be granulated, the manufacturer and product name of the granulation system used, and the desired properties of the resulting granules. Furthermore, such methods require performing multiple trial-and-error experiments, which can significantly increase the cost and time of research and development. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A system and method for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation system are described. Using a user interface (e.g., a graphical user interface displayed on a laptop or smartphone), information can be received from the user regarding the fluidized bed granulation process to be implemented, including information about the input powder (e.g., material properties of the input powder), information about the desired product (e.g., chemical design specifications such as desired critical quality characteristics (CQAs)), and information about the operational capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system used in the granulation process. After the necessary information is provided, a computer system connected to the user interface can use the information entered by the user to model the thermodynamics of granulation of the input raw materials in the granulation system. Optimal process parameters, adapted to both the input powder and the granulation system, are determined using the thermodynamic model and a historical database, and can then be displayed on the user interface. The user can then set the setpoints for the process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system by simply inputting the optimal values ​​provided on the user interface into the granulation system.

[0007] The process of obtaining the information necessary to determine the optimal values ​​for process parameters of a fluidized bed granulation system can be streamlined by a user interface. Highly organized user input fields can be displayed to inform the user of the specific information that needs to be provided. Information can be entered into the interface by any user who has access to it, although this information is typically available from the raw materials being fed and the manufacturer of the fluidized bed granulation system. To ensure that the user enters the information accurately (e.g., in the correct format or in the correct units), the user interface can be configured to display further details about the information upon user request. If a problem is detected with a particular user input, the interface can display a warning to the user, prompting them to verify the accuracy of that input before the optimal process parameters are displayed. This enables even users with little experience in fluidized bed granulation to successfully operate the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0008] In addition to reducing reliance on experts, the described systems and methods can significantly reduce, or in many cases completely eliminate, the need for feasibility or trial-and-error granulation batches. Determining optimal process parameters using a computing system employing a thermodynamic model of the granulation of the input raw materials can be highly systematic and based on well-tested physical laws. This reduces the impact of human error and, as a result, improves the efficiency of research and development.

[0009] A method for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation process includes: receiving from a user a plurality of intrinsic properties of an input powder, wherein the plurality of intrinsic properties include the bulk density of the particles of the input powder and a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder; receiving from a user granulation requirements for granules to be formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, wherein the granulation requirements include the granule size distribution and the required granule density; and receiving from a user a plurality of operating capabilities of a fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the plurality of operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system include minimum and maximum volume capacity, injection velocity range, etc. The process may include: a step of determining an inlet air flow rate range, an inlet air temperature range, and an inlet air dew point range; a step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of an input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system using multiple intrinsic properties of the input powder, granulation requirements, and multiple operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system in order to determine optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the optimal process parameters include the inlet air temperature, inlet air dew point, and inlet air flow rate of the air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system; and a step of providing the optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system on a user interface.

[0010] In some embodiments of this method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the absolute humidity of exhaust gas discharged by the fluidized bed granulation system using a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder.

[0011] In some embodiments of this method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of an input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system includes determining the specific enthalpy of exhaust gas discharged by the fluidized bed granulation system using a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder and the absolute humidity of the exhaust gas.

[0012] In some embodiments of the method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes determining the specific enthalpy of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system based on the specific enthalpy of the exhaust gas discharged by the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0013] In some embodiments of the method, the inlet air temperature is determined based on the specific enthalpy and dew point of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0014] In some embodiments of the method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes determining the absolute humidity of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system using the inlet air temperature and enthalpy.

[0015] In some embodiments of the method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes determining the wet bulb temperature of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system using the temperature and absolute humidity of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0016] In some embodiments of the method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes determining the drying capacity of the fluidized bed granulation system based on the absolute humidity of the inlet air at the dry bulb temperature and the wet bulb temperature.

[0017] In some embodiments of the method, the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes determining the drying rate of the fluidized bed granulation system based on the absolute humidity of the inlet air at the dry bulb temperature and the absolute humidity of the exhaust gas at the dry bulb temperature.

[0018] In some embodiments of the method, the inlet air flow rate of the air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system is determined based on the drying rate and injection rate for the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of providing the fluidized bed granulation system with optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system, and granulating the input powder using the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0020] A user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation process includes: a first input field for receiving multiple intrinsic properties of the input powder from the user, wherein the multiple intrinsic properties include the bulk density of the particles of the input powder and threshold temperature values ​​or temperature ranges related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder; a second input field for receiving granulation requirements from the user for the granules formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, wherein the granulation requirements include the granule size distribution and the required granule density; and a third input field for receiving multiple operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system from the user. The operating capability may include a third input field, which includes minimum and maximum volumetric capacity, injection velocity range, inlet air flow rate range, inlet air temperature range, and inlet air dew point range, and an output field configured to provide optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the optimal process parameters are determined by thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system using multiple intrinsic properties of the input powder, granulation requirements, and multiple operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system, and the output field includes the inlet air temperature, inlet air dew point, and inlet air flow rate of the air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system.

[0021] In some embodiments, the user interface is configured to display an information window containing information related to a first user input field, a second user input field, or a third user input field, upon user request.

[0022] In some embodiments, the information associated with the first user input field, the second user input field, or the third user input field includes information about the format of the requested user input or a description of the requested user input.

[0023] In some embodiments, the user interface is configured to display a warning window indicating that a potential error has been detected when the user provides a value outside a predetermined range to a first user input field, a second user input field, or a third user input field.

[0024] In some embodiments, the output field provides the optimal process parameters by displaying the values ​​of the optimal process parameters.

[0025] In some embodiments, the output field provides the optimal process parameters by providing a downloadable file containing the optimal process parameters.

[0026] In some embodiments, the user interface is configured to provide information about inputting optimal process parameters into the fluid bed granulation system when requested by the user.

[0027] A system for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation process includes a fluidized bed granulation system, a user interface comprising: a first input field configured to receive from the user multiple intrinsic properties of the input powder, wherein the multiple intrinsic properties include the bulk density of the particles of the input powder and threshold temperature values ​​or temperature ranges related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder; a second input field configured to receive from the user granulation requirements for granules formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, wherein the granulation requirements include the granule size distribution and the required granule density; a third input field configured to receive from the user multiple operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the multiple operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system include minimum and maximum volumetric capacity, injection velocity range, inlet air flow rate range, inlet air temperature range, and inlet air dew point range; and an output field. The computing system may also include a user interface and one or more memory and one or more processors configured to receive from the user interface a plurality of intrinsic properties of input powder, granulation requirements, and a plurality of operating capabilities of a fluidized bed granulation system, and to thermodynamically model the granulation of input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system using the plurality of intrinsic properties of input powder, granulation requirements, and a plurality of operating capabilities of a fluidized bed granulation system in order to determine optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the optimal process parameters are thermodynamically modeled to include inlet air temperature, inlet air dew point, and inlet air flow rate of air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system, and to provide the optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system using output fields of the user interface.

[0028] Various aspects of the disclosed system and method are described in detail in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the disclosed system and method can be obtained by referring to the detailed descriptions of the embodiments and the appended drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This figure shows a system for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This figure shows an exemplary fluidized bed granulation system according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This figure shows a user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 4] This figure shows a method for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 5] This figure shows a method for thermodynamically modeling the granulation of input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6A] This figure shows a user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system before receiving user input, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6B] This figure shows a user input information window displayed on a user interface to provide optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system according to several embodiments. [Figure 6C] This figure shows exemplary user input fields on a user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6D]This figure shows exemplary user input fields on a user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6E] This figure shows an exemplary input error window displayed on a user interface to provide optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6F] This figure shows exemplary user controls on a user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 6G] This figure shows an exemplary output information window displayed on a user interface to provide optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 7] This figure shows a method for granulating input powder using optimal process parameters provided by a user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 8A] This figure shows exemplary relationships between thermodynamic quantities that can be used to thermodynamically model the granulation of input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system according to several embodiments. [Figure 8B] This figure shows exemplary relationships between thermodynamic quantities that can be used to thermodynamically model the granulation of input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system according to several embodiments. [Figure 8C] This figure shows exemplary relationships between thermodynamic quantities that can be used to thermodynamically model the granulation of input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Fluidized bed granulation is widely used to form granules from powdered materials, such as powdered active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) mixed with various inert components. During the fluidized bed granulation process, the input powder is heated and fluidized within the chamber of the fluidized bed granulation system. The fluidized powder is then ejected with a binder solution, causing the powder to agglomerate and form granules. These are then dried to a specific moisture level and subsequently released from the granulation system for further processing (e.g., compressed into tablets or encapsulated).

[0031] One major advantage of fluidized bed granulation over other granulation processes is that it relies on only one piece of equipment, a fluidized bed granulation system. Various fluidized bed granulation systems exist, each possessing unique characteristics that can influence the granulation process and, consequently, the resulting granules. Some of these characteristics are adjustable and must be specified by the operator of the fluidized bed granulation system for the granulation being performed. These adjustable characteristics, referred herein as the “process parameters” of the fluidized bed granulation system, may include parameters such as the injection rate of the binder solution and the temperature, dew point, and flow rate of the process air supplied through the granulation system’s inlet to heat and fluidize the input powder.

[0032] Traditionally, before commencing a fluidized bed granulation process, highly trained experts are employed to estimate the values ​​of the adjustable parameters of the fluidized bed granulation system. However, reliance on experts is expensive and inefficient, as these individuals may require extensive training and several years of experience before they are able to accurately estimate the process parameter values ​​necessary to granulate a given input powder. Furthermore, human estimations are prone to human error. Inaccurate estimations of process parameter values ​​can severely damage the input powder, rendering it unusable once granulated. Typically, empirical trial-and-error experiments are performed before finalizing the process parameters. However, conducting such trial and error can be both expensive and time-consuming.

[0033] Accordingly, a system and method are described that provides an operator of a fluidized bed granulation system with optimal process parameters for the system. The system and method utilize a user interface (UI) to enable the operator to easily input information about the input raw materials to be granulated (hereinafter referred to as "input powders"), the desired properties of the granules to be produced, and the fluidized bed granulation system used to carry out the granulation process. Once the operator has entered the information, the UI can provide guidance to the operator, for example, by displaying information about the requested information or by warning the user when a potential error is detected. This may be particularly useful for operators who are inexperienced in fluidized bed granulation or who are unfamiliar with the specific input powders to be granulated or the granulation system used.

[0034] The user interface can be connected to a computer system. After the user inputs the necessary information, the computing system can use that information to thermodynamically model the granulation of the input powder. Thermodynamically modeling the granulation process may involve determining the values ​​of various thermodynamic properties (e.g., temperature and humidity) at different locations within the fluidized bed granulation system or at different stages of the fluidized bed granulation process, based on the properties of the input powder (e.g., the temperature to which the input powder can be safely exposed without risk of degradation) and the properties of the granulation system (e.g., the maximum speed at which the system can spray the binder solution). The computing system can then use the thermodynamic model to determine the optimal values ​​for the process parameters of the fluidized bed granulation system. By systematically determining the optimal process parameters using well-tested physical laws implemented on the computing system, rather than estimating parameter values ​​based on experience, the provided system and method enable non-expert users to successfully operate the fluidized bed granulation system with minimal error or loss. As a result, the cost and time efficiency of research and development can be significantly improved.

[0035] Once the optimal process parameters are determined, they can be automatically displayed on the UI. The UI can be configured to display or link to additional information about each process parameter upon user request, or to provide the user with instructions to set the values ​​of the process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system. In some cases, the UI can offer the user the option to save, share, or download the optimal process parameters, thereby helping with record keeping or improving the overall efficiency of the granulation process.

[0036] system A system for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation system may include a computing system, a user interface, and the fluidized bed granulation system itself. The user interface may include input fields configured to receive information about the fluidized bed granulation process being performed. After the necessary information is entered into the user interface (for example, by the operator of the fluidized bed granulation system), a computing system that can be communicatively coupled to the user interface can determine optimal values ​​for the process parameters of the fluidized bed granulation system. The computing system can then cause the user interface to display the optimal process parameters in the user interface's output fields.

[0037] Figure 1 shows an exemplary system 100 for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation system 110. A user 112, who may be the operator of the fluidized bed granulation system 110, may want to use the granulation system 110 to form granules 118 from an input powder 116. To do so, the user 112 may need to set values ​​for one or more process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system 110. Setting these values ​​correctly may be important for producing granules with desired properties such as particle size distribution and density.

[0038] To determine appropriate values ​​for process parameters, user 112 can input information related to the fluid bed granulation process being performed into the user interface (UI) 102. The UI 102 may be a graphical user interface (GUI), a command-line interface, a menu-based interface, a form-based interface, or a natural language interface. The UI 102 may include a display such as an LCD display, an LED display, a personal computer display, or a mobile device display (e.g., a smartphone touchscreen). User 112 can interact with the UI 102 using one or more user controls, such as a computer mouse, keyboard, microphone, or touchpad (e.g., a laptop touchpad).

[0039] UI102 can provide user 112 with one or more user input fields configured to receive information about the granulation process, for example, by displaying input fields on the display. The user input fields can prompt user 112 to provide information about the input powder 116, the fluidized bed granulation system 110, and requirements for the granules 118 to be produced. If user 112 requires further guidance or assistance, for example, help in identifying where the necessary information can be found, or in what format the information should be provided, UI102 can be configured to display instructions or explanations related to the various user input fields (for example, in a pop-up window).

[0040] Information entered into the UI 102 by user 112 can be received by a computing system 104 which is communicably coupled to the UI 102 (for example, via a wired or wireless connection). The computing system 104 may be any device or set of devices including at least one processor 106 and at least one memory 108. For example, the computing system 104 may be, or include, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile device (for example, a smartphone), or a server. The memory 108 may include any device configured to provide storage, including electrical, magnetic, or optical memory, such as random access memory (RAM), a cache, a hard drive, a CD-ROM drive, a tape drive, or a removable storage disk. The memory 108 may store software including programs or instructions for performing methods to provide optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation system. In addition to receiving information from the UI 102, the computing system 104 may be configured to receive information from other data sources 114, such as other computers, other servers, databases, or other users.

[0041] Using the information received via UI102, the computing system 104 can be configured to thermodynamically model the granulation of the input powder 116 in the fluidized bed granulation system 110. Thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder 116 may include determining the thermodynamic properties at various locations within the granulation system 110 and at various stages of the fluidized bed granulation process to determine how the input powder 116 is affected by the fluidized bed granulation process within the fluidized bed granulation system 110. This allows the computing system 104 to determine the optimal values ​​of process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system 110 that will enable the production of granules 118 having the desired properties.

[0042] Once the computing system 104 has determined the optimal values ​​for the process parameters, the processor 106 can provide these optimal process parameters to the user interface 102, for example, by displaying them on the UI 102's display. With the optimal process parameters provided, the user 112 can then start granulating the input powder 116 by inputting these optimal process parameters into the fluid bed granulation system 110.

[0043] The fluidized bed granulation system 110 can be configured as an upper-injection, lower-injection, or tangential fluidized bed granulation system. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2 shows an upper-injection fluidized bed granulation system. In an upper-injection processor, the raw material input powder 116 can be placed in a product container 224 on a retainer screen 232. The amount of input powder that the container 224 can receive may depend on the manufacturer and product name of the granulation system and may be one of the limiting factors used to determine the optimal process parameters for the granulation process.

[0044] The granulation process can begin when the system 110 injects conditioned air 238 upward through the inlet 222 and retainer screen 232 into the container 224 in order to fluidize the particles of the input powder 116. The properties of the conditioned air 238 at the inlet 222, including its temperature and dew point, as well as the rate at which the conditioned air 238 flows through the inlet 222, may be among the process parameters for the granulation system 110. The temperature of the conditioned air 238 may affect the quality of the granules produced. If the conditioned air 238 is too hot, important attributes of the input powder 116 (e.g., safety and / or effectiveness of the input powder 116) may be degraded or destroyed during the granulation process. The flow rate of the conditioned air 238 through the inlet 222 may also affect the granule quality. If the flow rate is too high, it may not be possible to form granules of the desired size and density, while if the flow rate is too low, it may not be possible to adequately fluidize the input powder 116.

[0045] The fluidized particles of the input powder 116 can be fluidized inside the expansion chamber 220 by applying an upward force. The granulation system 110 can then pump a binder solution 226, which may be an aqueous solution of an inert or active component, into the expansion chamber through one or more nozzles 230 using a pump 228. The nozzles 230 can spray the binder solution 226 in the opposite direction to the flow of regulated air 238. The moist air can be removed from the expansion chamber via an exhaust system 234, which may include one or more filters 236 configured to separate particles from the exhaust. The filters 236 can be periodically vibrated to return the particles separated from the exhaust back into the fluidized bed. The fluidized particles can adhere to droplets of the binder solution to form granules. These granules can be collected on a holding screen 232 on which the fluidized bed is created. The fluidized bed granulation process can continue until the entire amount of the input powder 116 is agglomerated or until the entire amount of the binder solution 226 is sprayed. Once the injection of the binder solution 226 stops, the adjusted air 238 can be continuously supplied through the inlet 222 until the granules reach a predetermined moisture content.

[0046] The user interface 102 can provide the system operator with optimal values ​​for process parameters for the fluid bed granulation system (e.g., system 110), so that the operator does not have to rely on their own estimations. An exemplary embodiment of UI 102 is illustrated in Figure 3.

[0047] As shown, UI102 may include a number of user input fields configured to receive information related to the fluidized bed granulation process being performed, which may affect the values ​​of process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system. The user input fields may include a first user input field 340 configured to receive information about the input powder, a second user input field 342 configured to receive information about the granulation requirements, and a third user input field 344 configured to receive information about the fixed (e.g., non-adjustable) characteristics of the fluidized bed granulation system used for granulating the input powder.

[0048] Each user input field can be configured to accept a number of data formats, including text-based data, numerical data, image data, or audio-based data. Each user input field can be displayed in a single window, in separate windows, or in separate tabs within a single window (as shown in Figure 3).

[0049] UI102 may include one or more user input controls 348 (e.g., one or more selectable icons) that allow the user to upload a file relating to the requested information or to add a link (e.g., a hyperlink) relating to the requested information. In such a case, the computing system controlling UI102 (e.g., the computing system 104 shown in Figure 1) may be configured to use the uploaded file or added link to evaluate and automatically populate one or more of the user input fields with values.

[0050] The input powder characteristics configured to be received by the user input field 340 may include physical properties of the input powder that may affect the granulation of the input powder. Such physical properties may include, for example, the bulk density of the input powder. The user input field 340 may also be configured to prompt the user to provide information about the temperature tolerance of the input powder, for example, a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder (e.g., efficacy and / or safety). Information about the input powder may be provided to the user by the manufacturer or developer of the input powder.

[0051] The granulation requirements configured to be received by the user input field 342 may include the physical properties that the granules produced by the fluidized bed granulation system should have. These granule properties may include the desired granule size distribution and the required granule density. The granulation requirements may be provided by the parties involved in planning (for example) to purchase granules of the input powder for further processing or dispersion.

[0052] The fixed characteristics of the fluidized bed granulation system configured to be received by the user input field 344 may include any immutable physical characteristics of the granulation system that may affect the thermodynamics of the granulation process. Such characteristics may include the maximum speed at which the granulation system can eject the liquid binder, and the maximum volume of input powder that the granulation system can granulate during a given granulation session. In some cases, information about the specific manufacturer and product name of the granulation system used by a particular operator can be stored in the memory of the computing system controlling the UI 102, and the processor of the computing system can automatically populate the user input field 344 with values ​​when prompted by the user (for example, when the user selects a specific manufacturer and product name of the granulation system from a stored list of granulation systems displayed in the user input field 344).

[0053] After the user enters the necessary information into the user input fields of UI102, they can, for example, use the user output control 350 to prompt the computing system to provide optimal process parameters for the granulation system in the output field 346. The computing system can also be configured to automatically start the process of providing the optimal process parameters as soon as the necessary information is entered by the user. UI102 can be configured to display the output field 346 in the same window as one or more of the user input fields (as shown in Figure 3), in a separate window from the window in which the user input fields are displayed, or in a different tab of the same window in which the user input fields are displayed. Once the computing system has determined the optimal values ​​for the process parameters, UI102 can display the progress of the computing system using, for example, the visual status indicator 352.

[0054] Once the computing system has determined the optimal values ​​for the process parameters of the fluidized bed granulation system, the UI 102 can provide these optimized values ​​in the output field 346. The values ​​can be displayed (as shown in Figure 3) or provided as a downloadable file, such as a spreadsheet or CSV file. The output field 346 may include one or more user controls 354 configured to allow the user to save, download, print, or share the provided optimal process parameters, for example, to facilitate user record-keeping related to the granulation process or to enable the user to send the optimized parameters to another party.

[0055] method A method for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation process can be carried out using one or more components of a system such as system 100 shown in Figure 1. An exemplary method 400 for providing optimal process parameters for a fluidized bed granulation process is shown in Figure 4.

[0056] Method 400 can begin with receiving a plurality of intrinsic properties of the input powder to be granulated (step 402). The plurality of intrinsic properties can be provided by a user via a user interface (e.g., UI 102) and can be received by one or more processors of a computing system (e.g., computing system 104). The plurality of intrinsic properties of the input powder may include physical properties of the input powder that may affect granulation, such as the bulk density of the input powder, or threshold temperature values ​​or temperature ranges related to the degradation of attributes of the input powder (e.g., efficacy and / or safety).

[0057] In addition to the inherent properties of the input powder, the system can receive granulation requirements (step 404) for the granules formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, and several fixed properties of the fluidized bed granulation system used to perform the granulation process (step 406). Like the properties of the input powder, the granulation requirements and the fixed properties of the fluidized bed granulation system can be provided by the user through a user interface. The granulation requirements may include desired granule properties such as a desired granule size distribution and a required granule density, while the fixed properties of the granulation system may include the maximum velocity at which the granulation system can eject the liquid binder, and the maximum volume of input powder that the granulation system can granulate during a given granulation session.

[0058] Using the received information, the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system can be thermodynamically modeled (step 408). The computing system can thermodynamically model the granulation of the input powder by applying thermodynamic principles governing the physical and chemical behavior of moist air to model the state within the fluidized bed granulation system during the granulation process. The information received in steps 402-406 enables the computing system to determine the values ​​of various thermodynamic quantities at various locations within the granulation system or at various stages of the granulation process, thereby enabling the computing system to determine the optimal values ​​of process parameters for the granulation system. The specific process parameters for which the optimal values ​​are determined may depend on the specific manufacturer and product name of the granulation system used in the granulation process. Once the optimized values ​​of the process parameters have been determined, these values ​​can be provided to the user on the user interface (step 410).

[0059] Thermodynamic model As described, the optimal tunable parameters for a fluidized bed granulation system can be determined by thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system. A computing system can be configured to analyze the thermodynamic state in the fluidized bed granulation system using thermodynamic relationships governing the behavior of moist air, and to determine the values ​​of various thermodynamic properties (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) at various locations within the fluidized bed granulation system or at various stages of the fluidized bed granulation process. The optimal tunable parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system can be determined using the thermodynamic properties provided by the thermodynamic model.

[0060] definition The thermodynamic quantities used to thermodynamically model the granulation of the input powder may include one or more of the following: Atmospheric pressure (p): The pressure within the Earth's atmosphere, which depends on altitude. Dry air (DA): Air that does not contain (or is assumed to not contain) water vapor. Moist air (MA): A binary mixture of dry air and water vapor. Saturated air (SA): The equilibrium state between moist air and condensed water. At a given temperature, saturated air contains the maximum possible amount of water vapor. The general gas constant (R = 831.41 J / (kg·mol·K)): A proportionality constant relating the energy scale to the temperature and amount of substance scale. Gas constant, dry air (R d.a. =287.055J / (kg·mol·K)): Specific gas constant for dry air. Gas constant, water vapor (R w =461.50J / (kg·mol·K)): The specific gas constant for water vapor. The vapor pressure of water in saturated moist air (p s ): The pressure caused by water vapor at a given temperature T. Saturation pressure of water vapor (p ws ): The pressure of water vapor in the absence of air at a given temperature T. In some examples, p ws is, p s The difference should be small enough to be negligible. Partial pressure of dry air (p d.a. ) : The pressure of dry air in a given volume at a given temperature, assuming that the entire volume is occupied only by dry air. Partial pressure of water vapor (p w ) : The pressure of water vapor in a given volume at a given temperature, assuming that the entire volume is occupied only by water vapor. Pressure of moist air (p) : The sum of the partial pressure of dry air and the partial pressure of water vapor in a moist air sample. Mole fraction of water vapor (x w ) : The amount of water vapor in the sample (expressed in moles) divided by the total amount of all components in the sample. It can be defined with respect to the partial pressure of dry air and water vapor in the sample. Mole fraction of dry air (x d.a. ) : The amount of dry air in the sample (expressed in moles) divided by the total amount of all components in the sample. It can be defined with respect to the partial pressure of dry air and water vapor in the sample. Humidity ratio of moist air (W) : The ratio of the mass of water vapor (M w ) to the mass of dry air (M w ) contained in a sample of moist air. It can be defined with respect to the mole fractions of water vapor and dry air contained in the sample, as well as the molecular weights of water vapor and dry air (m w )(m d.a. ). Saturated humidity ratio (W s (t,p)) : The humidity ratio of moist air saturated with respect to water (or ice) at a given temperature t (in Celsius) and a given pressure p. Specific humidity (γ) : The ratio of the mass of water vapor to the total mass of a sample of moist air. Specific volume of moist air (ν) : The total volume of moist air per unit mass of dry air in a sample of moist air. Density of moist air (ρ) : The ratio of the total mass of moist air to the total volume (V) of moist air. Absolute humidity (d) : The ratio of the mass of water vapor in the sample to the total volume (V) of the sample. Specific volume of dry air (v d.a. ) : The volume occupied by 1 kilogram of dry air (in m 3 units). Degree of saturation (μ): Humidity ratio (W) and humidity ratio (W) of saturated humid air at the same temperature and pressure. s The ratio of ) Relative humidity (φ): The ratio of the mole fraction of water vapor in a sample of moist air to the mole fraction of saturated air in a sample of saturated air at the same temperature and pressure. Dry bulb temperature (t db ): Temperature measured by a thermometer that is freely exposed to the air but shielded from radiation and water droplets. t db Specific enthalpy of dry air (h d.a. ): Enthalpy per unit mass of dry air in the sample. t db Specific enthalpy (h) of saturated water vapor g. ): Enthalpy per unit mass of saturated water vapor in the sample. t db And the specific enthalpy of moist air at p (h): the enthalpy per unit mass of moist air in the sample. Specific enthalpy of condensed water (h w ): The enthalpy per unit mass of condensed (liquid or solid) water in equilibrium with saturated moist air at a specified temperature and pressure. Specific enthalpy of moist air at saturation

[0061]

number

[0062] : The enthalpy per unit mass of saturated, moist air in the sample. Dew point (t dp ): The temperature at which air must be cooled to saturate with water vapor at a given pressure and humidity ratio. Wet bulb temperature (t wb ): The temperature at which water (liquid or solid) can adiabatically saturate air by vaporizing at a given dry-bulb temperature and humidity ratio. Dry capacity (DC): The amount of water per unit volume that moist air can potentially remove from a system if it leaves the system at 100% relative humidity. This may depend on the absolute humidity of the moist air at the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures. Moisture removal capacity

[0063]

number

[0064] The amount of water per unit time that moist air can potentially remove from a system at a given airflow rate if it were to leave the system at 100% relative humidity. This may depend on the dry-bulb capacity and the flow rate of the moist air. Drying rate (DR): The amount of water removed per unit volume by moist air when it exits the system at a temperature higher than its wet-bulb temperature. This may depend on the absolute humidity of the moist air when it enters and exits the system. Moisture removal rate

[0065]

number

[0066] The amount of water per unit time that moist air can remove from a system at a given airflow rate, provided that the moist air exits the system at a temperature higher than its wet-bulb temperature. This may depend on the drying rate and the flow rate of the moist air. Spray velocity (SR): The speed at which the aqueous liquid is introduced into the system. Moisture addition rate

[0067]

number

[0068] : The rate at which liquid water is introduced into the system. The water content (γ) of the aqueous solution introduced into the system. w You may depend on ). Flow rate of moist air

[0069]

number

[0070] The speed at which moist air flows through the system.

[0071] Exemplary relationships between the quantities defined above can be found in Figure 8. These examples are provided for illustrative purposes. Depending on the information available for a particular fluidized bed granulation process, alternative thermodynamic relationships may be used.

[0072] example An exemplary method 500 for thermodynamically modeling the granulation of an input powder in a fluidized bed granulation system is shown in Figure 5. A computing system (for example, computing system 104 shown in Figure 1) can be configured to automatically (for example, algorithmically) execute one or more steps of method 500 upon receiving relevant information about the fluidized bed granulation process to be performed.

[0073] Firstly, known thermodynamic parameters can be determined based on information provided by the user (step 502). Known parameters may include values ​​directly provided by the user (e.g., batch size, granulation system capacity, e.g., volumetric capacity, inlet air flow rate range, inlet air flow dew point range, and injection velocity range), or they may be estimated based on the information provided by making certain assumptions about the thermodynamic state within the granulation system. These assumptions may include, for example, assuming that the thermodynamic state within the granulation system can be accurately approximated by using the law of ideal gases or by assuming that heat loss from the granulation system during the granulation process is negligible. By making such assumptions, it may be possible to determine thermodynamic parameters such as the dry-bulb temperature in the exhaust of the granulation system by, for example, equaling the dry-bulb temperature in the exhaust to a threshold temperature value or a temperature value below which the degradation of the input powder is relevant. Other thermodynamic parameters that can be determined based on information provided by the user include the relative humidity of the exhaust (which can be determined based on the final granule bulk density and particle size distribution), and the injection velocity and inlet airflow characteristics (which can be determined based on the batch size and the capacity of the granulation system used). In some embodiments, manufacturing concerns (e.g., process time) can determine a specific combination of known thermodynamic parameters that is optimal for a particular product.

[0074] The values ​​of one or more thermodynamic parameters can be determined using known thermodynamic parameters (steps 504-524). The specific parameters shown in steps 504-524 are intended as examples only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The properties whose values ​​are determined during the thermodynamic modeling period of the granulation process may depend on the specific process parameters being optimized, which may further depend on the fluidized bed granulation system used to carry out the granulation process.

[0075] The first thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 504) is the absolute humidity of the air exiting the exhaust port of the fluidized bed granulation system (e.g., exhaust port 234). The absolute humidity of the air exiting the exhaust port may depend on known thermodynamic parameters such as the dry-bulb temperature and relative humidity at the exhaust port. Depending on the thermodynamic parameters known from the information and results provided by the user, the absolute humidity of the exhaust can be determined based on the following relation:

[0076]

number

[0077] A second thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 506) is the specific enthalpy of the exhaust. The specific enthalpy of the exhaust may depend on the dry-bulb temperature at the exhaust port and the relative humidity at the exhaust port or the absolute humidity of the air leaving the exhaust port, and can be determined using the following relation.

[0078] h=h d.a. +Wh g (2)

[0079] A third thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 508) is the specific enthalpy of the air flowing into the inlet (for example, inlet 222 shown in Figure 2). The specific enthalpy of the air flowing into the inlet can be determined by imposing a constraint that no enthalpy loss is required during the granulation process, i.e., by making the specific enthalpy of the exhaust equal to the specific enthalpy of the air flowing into the inlet.

[0080] A fourth thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 510) is the dry-bulb temperature at the inlet. Since the specific enthalpy of the inlet air depends on the dry-bulb temperature at the inlet, the dry-bulb temperature at the inlet can be determined using Equation 2. The dry-bulb temperature at the inlet may be one of the process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system. Therefore, the value determined in 510 may be one of the optimal process parameters.

[0081] A fifth thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 512) is the absolute humidity of the inlet air at the inlet dry-bulb temperature. The absolute humidity of the inlet air may depend on the dry-bulb temperature and the inlet dew point at the inlet and, in some embodiments, can be determined using relation 1.

[0082] A sixth thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 514) is the wet-bulb temperature of the inlet air. The wet-bulb temperature of the inlet air may depend on the inlet dew point and the dry-bulb temperature of the inlet air and can be determined using the following relation.

[0083]

number

[0084] A seventh thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 516) is the absolute humidity of the inlet air at the wet-bulb temperature of the inlet air. The absolute humidity of the inlet air at the wet-bulb temperature may depend on the wet-bulb temperature and can be determined using relation 1.

[0085] The eighth thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 518) is the dry capacity of the granulation system. The dry capacity may depend on the absolute humidity of the inlet air at the dry-bulb and wet-bulb temperatures and can be determined using the following relation.

[0086]

number

[0087] The ninth thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 520) is the drying rate of the granulation system. The drying rate may depend on the absolute humidity of the exhaust and inlet air at the dry-bulb temperature and can be determined using the following relation.

[0088]

number

[0089] A tenth thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 522) is the moisture removal rate. Assuming that moisture is added and removed from the system at the same rate, the moisture removal rate may be equal to the moisture addition rate, which can further be determined based on the injection rate of the granulation system and the water content of the binder solution.

[0090] The eleventh thermodynamic parameter that can be determined (step 524) is the flow rate of air through the inlet. The flow rate of air through the inlet may be related to the moisture removal rate and the absolute humidity of the inlet and exhaust at the dry-bulb temperature, and can be determined using the following relational equation.

[0091]

number

[0092] The airflow rate through the injection port may be one of the process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system. Therefore, the value determined in step 524 may be one of the optimal process parameters.

[0093] After the dry-bulb temperature of the inlet air and the inlet air flow rate have been determined, these values ​​can be adjusted as needed, for example, to express the values ​​in units accepted by the fluidized bed granulation system, or to account for expected losses (e.g., heat) previously ignored during the period of Method 500 (step 526). Information about expected losses and units accepted by the granulation system can be provided by the user via the user interface. The final determined optimal process parameters can then be output to the user interface (step 528).

[0094] UI Features As previously discussed, the user interface 102 for providing optimal adjustable parameters for the fluid bed granulation process may include various features configured to assist the user in providing necessary information and receiving optimal parameters. Examples of such features are shown in Figures 6A to 6G.

[0095] As shown, user input fields 340–344 can be configured to receive data in various formats. Some user input fields may include a text field 658 configured to allow the user to enter a known value (e.g., a temperature value corresponding to the temperature tolerance of the input powder) (for example, by typing as shown in Figure 6C). Other user input fields may include a drop-down menu configured to allow the user to select relevant information from a stored list (for example, menu 660 shown in Figure 6D).

[0096] If the user requires a specific amount of additional explanation in an input field, UI102 can be configured to display an input information window 664 at the user's request, for example, when the user selects or hovers over an information icon 656 with the cursor (Figure 6B). If the user enters a value that the computing system determines may be incorrect, UI102 can be configured to display a warning icon 666 that flags an error (Figure 6E). If the user hovers over or selects the warning icon 666, UI102 can be configured to display information about the error detected in the error window 668. The error window 668 may include a user control 670 configured to allow the user to view a unit conversion chart, request assistance from an expert, or proceed with the entered input while disabling the warning.

[0097] To have UI102 provide the optimal adjustable parameters, the user can select a user output control 350 configured to prompt the computing system to determine the optimal adjustable parameters (Figure 6F). Once the optimal parameters are provided, UI102 can be configured to display an output information window 672 at the user's request, for example, when the user selects or hovers over an information icon 662 with the cursor (Figure 6G). The information window 672 can provide a description of the optimal parameters, as well as a link 674 to instructions for setting the values ​​of the adjustable parameters for the granulation system to the optimal values.

[0098] Fluidized bed granulation using optimal process parameters Once the optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system have been determined, the fluidized bed granulation process can be started. An exemplary method 700 for granulating input powder using the optimal process parameters provided by the described system and method is shown in Figure 7. After receiving the optimal process parameters determined by the computing system (e.g., via the UI), the operator of the fluidized bed granulation system can input the optimal process parameters into the fluidized bed granulation system (step 702). The input powder can then be filled into the fluidized bed granulation system (step 704).

[0099] The fluidized bed granulation system can be fluidized by supplying regulated air through the inlet to fluidize the particles of the input powder within the chamber of the fluidized bed granulation system (step 706). The fluidized powder can then be heated to a target temperature (step 708). The temperature and flow rate values ​​of the regulated air supplied through the inlet may be between the optimal process parameters set by the operator in step 702. A computing system may determine these values ​​based on a thermodynamic model of the input powder granulation to ensure, for example, that the inlet air temperature is at a temperature that can safely expose the input powder.

[0100] After the fluidized powder has reached the target temperature, the fluidized bed granulation system may spray a binder solution into the fluidized powder (step 710). When the fluidized particles of the powder become wet and collide, they can stick together to form granules. Once a predetermined amount of the binder solution has been applied, the moisture level of the granules can then be reduced to the target moisture level (for example, by heating the granules to evaporate any excess water content) (step 712). Once the granules are sufficiently dry, they may be extracted from the fluidized bed granulation system for further processing, for example, to compress them into drug tablets.

[0101] The above description has been based on reference to specific embodiments and / or examples. However, the discussion in the above description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in terms of the above teachings. Embodiments have been selected and described to best illustrate the principles of the technique and their practical applications. Thereafter, those skilled in the art will be able to best utilize the technique and its various embodiments with various modifications suitable for their specific intended use.

[0102] While this disclosure and examples are adequately described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications should be understood to be included within the scope of this disclosure and examples as defined by the claims. Finally, the entire disclosure of the present invention and the publications referenced in this application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0103] Any system, method, technique, and / or feature disclosed herein may be combined in whole or in part with any other system, method, technique, and / or feature disclosed herein. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0104] 100 Systems 102 User Interface, UI 104 Computing Systems 106 Processors 108 memory 110 Fluidized Bed Granulation System 112 users 114 Data Sources 116 Input powder 118 Granules 220 Expansion Chamber 222 Inlet 224 containers 226 Binder solution 228 pumps 230 nozzles 232 Retainer Screen 234 Exhaust System 236 filters 238 Adjusted air 340 First user input field 342 Second user input field 344 Third user input field 346 output fields 348 User Input Controls 350 User Output Control 352 Visual status indicator 400 ways 500 ways 656 Information Icons 658 Text fields 660 menu items 662 Information Icons 664 Input Information Window 666 Warning Icons 668 Error Window 670 User Controls 672 Output Information Window 674 links 700 methods

Claims

1. A method for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation process, wherein the method is A step of receiving a plurality of intrinsic properties of an input powder from a user, wherein the plurality of intrinsic properties include the bulk density of the particles of the input powder and a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder, A step of receiving granulation requirements from the user for granules to be formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, wherein the granulation requirements include a granule size distribution and a required granule density. A step of receiving multiple operating capabilities of a fluid bed granulation system from the user, wherein the multiple operating capabilities of the fluid bed granulation system include minimum and maximum volume capacities, injection velocity range, inlet air flow rate range, inlet air temperature range, and inlet air dew point range. A step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system using the plurality of intrinsic properties of the input powder, the granulation requirements, and the plurality of operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the optimal process parameters include the inlet air temperature and inlet air flow rate of the air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system. The steps include providing the optimal process parameters for the fluid bed granulation system on the user interface, Methods that include...

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the absolute humidity of exhaust gas discharged by the fluidized bed granulation system using the threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the specific enthalpy of exhaust gas discharged by the fluidized bed granulation system using the threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder and the absolute humidity of the exhaust gas.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the specific enthalpy of air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system based on the specific enthalpy of exhaust gas discharged by the fluidized bed granulation system.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the inlet air temperature is determined based on the specific enthalpy of the air at the inlet to the fluid bed granulation system.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the absolute humidity of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system using the inlet air temperature.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the wet-bulb temperature of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system using the absolute humidity of the air at the inlet to the fluidized bed granulation system.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the step of thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system includes the step of determining the drying capacity of the fluidized bed granulation system and the drying rate of the fluidized bed granulation system based on the dry-bulb temperature and the absolute humidity of the inlet air at the wet-bulb temperature.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the inlet air flow rate of the air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system is determined based on the drying capacity and drying rate of the fluidized bed granulation system.

10. The steps include providing the fluidized bed granulation system with the optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system, The steps include granulating the input powder using the fluidized bed granulation system, The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, including the method described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. A user interface for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation process, wherein the user interface is A first input field for receiving multiple intrinsic properties of an input powder from a user, wherein the multiple intrinsic properties include the bulk density of the particles of the input powder and a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder, A second input field for receiving granulation requirements from the user for granules formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, wherein the granulation requirements include a granule size distribution and a required granule density. A third input field for receiving multiple operating capabilities of a fluid bed granulation system from the user, wherein the multiple operating capabilities of the fluid bed granulation system include a minimum and maximum volume capacity, injection velocity range, inlet air flow rate range, inlet air temperature range, and inlet air dew point range. An output field configured to provide optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the optimal process parameters are determined by thermodynamically modeling the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system using the plurality of inherent properties of the input powder, the granulation requirements, and the plurality of operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system, and the optimal process parameters include the inlet air temperature and inlet air flow rate of the air supplied to the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system. A user interface equipped with these features.

12. The user interface according to claim 11, wherein the user interface is configured to display an information window containing information related to the first user input field, the second user input field, or the third user input field when requested by the user.

13. The user interface according to claim 12, wherein the information relating to the first user input field, the second user input field, or the third user input field includes information about the format of the requested user input or a description of the requested user input.

14. The user interface according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the user interface is configured to display a warning window indicating that a potential error has been detected when the user provides a value outside a predetermined range to the first user input field, the second user input field, or the third user input field.

15. The user interface according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the output field provides the optimal process parameters by displaying the values ​​of the optimal process parameters.

16. The user interface according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the output field provides the optimal process parameters by providing a downloadable file containing the optimal process parameters.

17. The user interface according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the user interface is configured to provide information on inputting the optimal process parameters into the fluid bed granulation system when requested by the user.

18. A system for providing optimal process parameters for a fluid bed granulation process, wherein the system is Fluidized bed granulation system, It is a user interface, A first input field configured to receive multiple intrinsic properties of an input powder from a user, wherein the multiple intrinsic properties include the bulk density of the particles of the input powder and a threshold temperature value or temperature range related to the degradation of the attributes of the input powder, A second input field configured to receive granulation requirements from the user for granules formed from the input powder during the fluidized bed granulation process, wherein the granulation requirements include a granule size distribution and a required granule density. A third input field configured to receive multiple operating capabilities of a fluid bed granulation system from the user, wherein the multiple operating capabilities of the fluid bed granulation system include minimum and maximum volume capacities, injection velocity range, inlet air flow rate range, inlet air temperature range, and inlet air dew point range. Output fields and, A user interface equipped with, A computing system, The user interface receives the plurality of inherent characteristics of the input powder, the granulation requirements, and the plurality of operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system. To determine the optimal process parameters for the fluidized bed granulation system, the thermodynamic modeling of the granulation of the input powder in the fluidized bed granulation system is performed using the plurality of inherent properties of the input powder, the granulation requirements, and the plurality of operating capabilities of the fluidized bed granulation system, wherein the optimal process parameters are modeled thermodynamically, including the inlet air temperature and inlet air flow rate of the air supplied into the inlet of the fluidized bed granulation system. To provide the optimal process parameters for the fluid bed granulation system using the output field of the user interface, A computing system comprising one or more memories and one or more processors configured to do so, A system equipped with these features.

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