Study of the Effects of Process Parameters on High Shear Wet Granulation

In this experimental work, the effect of binder solid concentration and viscosity on the granulation kinetics, physical properties, and flow characteristics, has been examined by conducting experimental runs on high shear mixer granulators. Granulation of Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and Lactose monohydrate blend was performed by using a binder solution containing PVPK-30, PVPK-90 and starch paste with 3% and 6% solid concentrations. Granulation batch time was the same for all experimental batches. The granule?s growth behaviour and consolidation rate were monitored by the impeller motor current consumption trend. Granule?s physical properties and flow characteristics have been evaluated for each experimental batch. Dry granule?s Hausner ratio, compressibility index, and angle of repose were calculated to determine the flow characteristics. Binder viscosity has a large influence on particle size, shape, surface morphology, and flow characteristics of the granules. Low viscosity binders help to produce uniform size, snowball structure granules that have a good flow whereas high viscosity binder produces large, irregular granules which can create difficulties for the subsequent process.