In the production of pharmaceutical products, agglomerates are often formed in the preliminary stages of the constituents, especially in the case of mixtures of powders and liquids. For the further production process, these agglomerates, or lumps, must be dissolved; the raw materials are to be comminuted. This procedure is referred to as active substance deagglomeration. A conventional agitator cannot cope with this task alone.
Modern process plants with integrated high-performance agitator and homogenising systems are ideally suited for deagglomeration of active substances. With their rotor/stator system, these homogenising mixers ensure optimum comminution of solid substances while at the same time increasing the surface area of the powder in the liquid. Agglomerate-free solutions are thus created in a few minutes. Breaking up the agglomerates makes the entire particle surface accessible to the liquid: actives dissolve faster and more evenly, suspensions become more homogeneous and dosing accuracy increases. For poorly soluble actives, a finer particle size can improve the dissolution rate and thus bioavailability. True micronisation down to a few micrometres, however, is usually done with jet mills, bead mills or high-pressure homogenisers; the rotor-stator homogeniser mainly handles deagglomeration, wetting and dispersing.
Struggling with agglomerates or powder nests? Call us at +49 4203 789492, email info@s-vt.net or use our contact form.
FAQ: Active substance deagglomeration
What is active substance deagglomeration?
Breaking up agglomerates and lumps that form when powdered actives are mixed with liquids. The goal is a fine, uniform distribution of every single particle.
Why is a standard agitator not sufficient?
An agitator produces hardly any shear. Agglomerates remain and powder nests form. Only the high shear in the rotor-stator gap of a homogeniser breaks them up reliably.
What are the benefits of good deagglomeration?
Shorter dissolving and process times, homogeneous active distribution, higher dosing accuracy and a larger effective particle surface, which can improve dissolution rate and bioavailability.
How are powders best incorporated?
By vacuum powder induction directly into the shear zone of the homogeniser below the liquid level, so every particle is wetted immediately.
Does SEEFRIED offer deagglomeration solutions?
Yes, with process consulting, trial planning and suitable homogenising mixers, also used.