EFFECTS OF CHANGES IN ROLLER COMPACTOR PARAMETERS ON GRANULATIONS PRODUCED BY COMPACTION

A Chilsonator (Model L-83, The Fitzpatrick Company, Elmhurst, IL) was studied to gain a better understanding of how compactor parameters influence product characteristics. The materials chosen for this study were Avicel PH 101, hydrous lactose and an acetaminophen blend. The blend consisted of 20% Avicel PH 101, 20% hydrous lactose and 60% acetaminophen crystals. The compactor parameters studied were the roll speed, horizontal feed speed and vertical feed speed. Various combinations of high, medium and low levels of these compactor parameters were tested. The system was modeled using a quadratic regression model. Changes in particle size distribution and recompressibility of the roller compacted granulations were used to monitor the effects of the changes in compactor parameter levels. The models differed for each of the materials evaluated. The response surface plots produced using the models helped in predicting the compactor parameter levels which would produce granulations with the necessary physical characteristics for successful tablet production.