Mannitol Powder Bulk Density Control for Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The use of mannitol for bowel cleansing prior to endoscopic examinations faces challenges such as incomplete dissolution leading to bowel explosions and difficulties in handling and packing of fine mannitol powder, which can result in incomplete bowel cleansing and complex industrial management.
Innovation Solution
A method involving breaking up a coherent mass of mannitol powder to create a broken-up mass with reduced bulk density, allowing for easier filling of containers and ensuring complete dissolution, which includes sieving and packing through a mesh to achieve a densified state suitable for efficient filling and use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mannitol powder is reduced to fine grain size to improve dissolution rate, then dissolution speed is improved, but flowability deteriorates making industrial handling complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the particle size distribution within specific ranges (D10: 1-10 μm, D50: 50-150 μm, D90: 150-300 μm) and adjusting bulk density parameters to achieve optimal balance between dissolution rate and flowability. This resolves the contradiction by finding the precise parameter window where both requirements are satisfied.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by not reducing all particles to the finest size, but rather maintaining a distribution where only a portion of particles are fine (improving dissolution) while others remain coarser (maintaining flowability). This partial approach to particle size reduction resolves the contradiction between complete fineness and adequate flow properties.
2Productivity
If mannitol is packed densely to improve filling efficiency, then productivity is improved, but dissolution completeness deteriorates risking bowel explosions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the bulk density parameter to a specific range (0.3-0.6 g/mL) that balances packing efficiency with dissolution performance. This parameter optimization allows dense enough packing for productivity while maintaining sufficient porosity and surface area for complete dissolution, preventing bowel explosions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by not achieving maximum possible density, but rather a controlled sub-maximal density that leaves enough space for water penetration and dissolution. This partial densification resolves the contradiction between efficient filling and complete dissolution.
3Reliability
If mannitol powder is handled in fine grain state to ensure complete dissolution, then dissolution reliability is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes particle size parameters (D50: 50-150 μm) to achieve a balance where particles are fine enough for reliable dissolution but not so fine as to create excessive handling difficulties. This parameter sweet spot reduces handling complexity while maintaining dissolution reliability.
4Reliability
If mannitol is administered as pre-dissolved solution to ensure complete dissolution, then dissolution reliability is improved, but user operation complexity increases due to shaking requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-optimizing the particle size and physical properties of mannitol during manufacturing, so that when patients receive the powder, it requires minimal shaking to dissolve completely. The dissolution work is partially done in advance during production, reducing the burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by creating a powder formulation that dissolves automatically or near-automatically in water with minimal user effort. The optimized physical properties allow the mannitol to perform its own dissolution function with just brief shaking, making the process simple enough for elderly or disabled patients.
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
This method facilitates faster and more complete bowel cleansing, reduces the risk of bowel explosions, and simplifies the handling and packing of mannitol powder, enhancing the reproducibility and safety of the bowel cleansing process.
Implementation Method 1
said breaking up being carried out with a centrifugal force
Implementation Method 2
said breaking up comprising: sieving the coherent mass of powder
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention regards a method for filling containers with a single-dose composition comprising or, alternatively, consisting of mannitol in powder form. Such process comprises the following steps: a) breaking up a coherent mass of powder mannitol, so as to obtain a broken-up mass from said coherent mass; c) filling a plurality of containers with the broken-up mass of step a), wherein a bulk density of the coherent mass is smaller than a bulk density of the broken-up mass.