Tablet Manufacture with Pharmaceutical Granulation
Tablet manufacture in the pharmaceutical industry often involves granulation, a process that improves the properties of powder mixtures to ensure uniformity, flowability, and compressibility. Granulation can be broadly classified into two main types: wet granulation and dry granulation. Here's an overview of these processes: 1. Wet Granulation In wet granulation, a liquid binder is added to the powder mixture to form granules. The process involves several steps: Mixing : The active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients are mixed to achieve a homogeneous blend. Binder Addition : A liquid binder (often water, ethanol, or a polymer solution) is added to the powder mixture. The binder helps the particles adhere to each other, forming granules. Granulation : The wetted mass is agitated to form granules. This can be done using equipment like high-shear mixers or fluidized bed granulators. Drying : The granules are dried to remove the moisture content. Thi