Fluid Bed Nicotine Agglomeration for Uniform Size and Moisture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing nicotine-containing oral products lack the ability to create uniformly sized agglomerates that maintain consistent nicotine content and moisture levels, leading to variability in product quality.
Innovation Solution
A method involving pretreating nicotine-containing powder with a binder solution in a fluid bed granulator, using pyrrolidone polymers or copolymers, to form nicotine-containing agglomerates with controlled particle sizes and moisture content, incorporating additives like flavorants and antioxidants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing methods are used to produce nicotine-containing oral products, then production is simpler, but the agglomerates lack uniform size and consistent nicotine content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-wetting the nicotine-containing powder with a binder solution before introducing it to the fluid bed granulator. This pretreatment step ensures that the powder particles are adequately prepared to form uniform agglomerates during the granulation process, thereby improving manufacturing precision without requiring complex post-processing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the moisture content of the binder solution and adjusting the spray rate during pretreatment. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves uniform agglomerate formation with consistent nicotine content, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If existing methods are used, then the process is faster, but moisture levels vary in the final product
Solution Approach 1:
The pretreatment step of pre-wetting the powder with binder solution performs the moisture distribution action in advance. This ensures that moisture is uniformly distributed throughout the powder before granulation, achieving consistent moisture levels in the final product without requiring extended processing time later.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid bed granulator continuously circulates and tumbles the particles while binder solution is sprayed, maintaining continuous useful action that evenly distributes moisture throughout the material. This continuous process achieves uniform moisture levels efficiently without time-consuming intermittent steps.
3Reliability
If uniform agglomerates are formed through proper pretreatment, then product quality improves, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By performing the wetting action as a preliminary step before granulation, the patent ensures reliable and consistent product quality. The pre-wetted powder forms uniform agglomerates during the subsequent granulation process, achieving high reliability through a structured multi-step approach rather than attempting to achieve uniformity through complex controls during a single step.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method produces uniformly sized nicotine-containing agglomerates with controlled nicotine content and moisture levels, suitable for use in various oral nicotine products, enhancing product consistency and consumer experience.
Implementation Method 1
spraying a binder material onto the nicotine-containing powder to pre-wet the solid particulate
Implementation Method 2
introducing a binder solution into the fluid bed granulator such that the binder solution contacts the solid particulate
Implementation Method 3
introducing the pretreated solid particulate into a fluid bed granulator; circulating the solid particulate in the fluid bed granulator
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for preparing nicotine-containing agglomerates includes introducing a solid particulate into a fluid bed granulator, and introducing a binder solution into the fluid bed granulator such that the binder solution contacts the solid particulate. The solid particulate and/or binder solution may be introduced into the fluid bed granulator in parts, concurrently or in series. The binder solution includes a binder material and a solvent, which may include water. Introducing the binder solution into the fluid bed granulator may include spraying the binder solution into a fluid bed of the fluid bed granulator during circulation of the fluid bed and materials therein, such as the solid particulate. The fluid bed may further include a filler material and/or an additive. The filler material and/or the additive may be introduced into the fluid bed granulator prior to, concurrently with, or subsequent to the addition of the solid particulate and/or binder solution.