Continuous Granulation Drying Apparatus Measurement Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing continuous granulating and drying apparatuses for pharmaceutical products lack the necessary monitoring and control mechanisms to consistently produce high-quality products, leading to variability and material rejection.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a plurality of measurement units at critical control points throughout the granulation and drying process, including at the inlet, outlet, and discharge points, connected to a control system for real-time monitoring and feedback, allowing for adjustments in processing parameters such as size, shape, density, moisture content, and active substance content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple measurement units are added at critical control points, then product quality and consistency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct quality and consistencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus is divided into multiple functional sections (granulation chamber, dryer, supply conduit) with dedicated measurement units at each critical control point. This segmentation allows independent monitoring and control of each section, improving overall product quality while managing complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Measurement units are connected to a control system that provides real-time feedback on parameters such as moisture content, density, and active substance content. This feedback mechanism enables continuous adjustment of processing conditions to maintain product quality specifications, resolving the contradiction between quality improvement and system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring and control are implemented, then material rejection is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial rejection reductionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Measurement units are positioned to detect quality parameters at various stages before final product discharge. The control system takes preliminary actions to adjust processing parameters when deviations are detected, preventing defective material from being produced in the first place rather than relying on post-processing rejection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system automatically adjusts processing parameters based on real-time measurement data without requiring external intervention. The apparatus self-regulates to maintain quality specifications, reducing material rejection while managing complexity through automated self-control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2134458B1Continuous granulating and drying apparatus including measurement units and method of continuous granulation and drying
Publication Date: 2010.09.15 GEA PHARMA SYSTEMS NV
  • EP2134458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2134458B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2134458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A continuous granulating and drying apparatus (1) comprises a granulator (2) and a dryer (3). Measurement of product and process parameters is carried out by means of measurement units (MUl, MU2, MU3) positioned at critical locations in the apparatus.