Theoretical estimation of dwell and consolidation times in rotary tablet machines

Abstract

Knowledge of the time-dependent mechanical properties of pharmaceutical materials is critical to understanding of the compaction of tablets. In effort to determine the time-scale involved during compaction, equations for the dwell time and the consolidation time are proposed in this paper. Expressions for the consolidation time are obtained from generally accepted equations for punch displacement and separation between punch tips. These equations are deduced for rotary tablet machines with pressure rollers of the same and of different sizes. Specifically, the equations are applied to calculate the dwell and consolidation times for Manesty Betapress and Korsch Pharmapress Rotary tablet machines. The results are graphically presented.