MELT GRANULATION IN A LABORATORY SCALE HIGH SHEAR MIXER

The applicability of a 10 litre high shear mixer for melt granulation of dicalcium phosphate and lactose is examined. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3000 and 6000 were used as melting binders in concentrations of 15-20% w/w. The effects of binder concentration, massing time, impeller speed, and particle size of the PEG 6000 on granule size, granule size distribution and intragranular porosity are investigated. It is shown that pellets of a narrow size distribution can be produced by the use of a high impeller speed. Granule size and size distribution are markedly influenced by binder concentration and massing time. The particle size of the PEG has only a minor effect on the granule growth. Granule growth mechanisms by melt granulation are discussed on the basis of the liquid saturations and the amounts of binder liquid and are compared with previous results on wet granulation. © 1990 Informa UK Ltd All rights reserved: reproduction in whole or part not permitted.