Many raw materials and active ingredients are used in the industrial production of gel for the pharmaceutical sector. The polyacrylic acid Carbopol is often used as a versatile thickening agent.
Carbopol as a thickening agent
Carbopol can thicken a wide range of solvents and even non-polar systems. It can also be applied in a well-controlled way. Nevertheless, numerous factors must be taken into account during mixing to ensure sterile and efficient production.
Incorporating Carbopol in powder form requires a multi-stage mixing process. In addition, certain speeds must be maintained and air entrapment avoided.
Requirements for the homogenising mixer
For induction and homogenisation to run smoothly and conveniently, the mixer must incorporate and wet powders evenly. The following features are particularly important:
- powder feeds that prevent lumps from forming
- low speed when adding powders to the liquid phase, so that no air gets into the gel
- variable speed for agitator and homogeniser for efficient agitation and homogenisation
- vacuum-controlled induction of liquids and powders into the circulation flow below the liquid level
Vacuum-controlled induction significantly shortens process times and reduces air entrapment. At the same time, product quality increases.
FAQ: Producing pharmaceutical gels
How is Carbopol incorporated into a gel without lumps?
The powder is added slowly at low speed, ideally sucked in under vacuum below the liquid level into the homogeniser, so every particle is wetted individually. Neutralisation follows after full dispersion.
Why must air intake be avoided in gel production?
Entrained air remains trapped as bubbles in the high-viscosity gel, affecting appearance, dosing accuracy and stability. Vacuum processing and low speeds during powder addition prevent this.
Which machine is suitable for producing gels?
Vacuum homogenising mixers with variable-speed agitator and homogeniser, scraper agitator and powder induction under liquid level are ideal for Carbopol and other gels.
How can process times for gels be reduced?
Inline powder induction via the recirculation loop under vacuum shortens dispersion and deaeration times considerably while improving product quality.
Does SEEFRIED supply gel production equipment?
Yes. We plan gel production plants and supply inspected used vacuum homogenising mixers for pharmaceutical and cosmetic gels.