TY - JOUR
T1 - In-line implementation of an image-based particle size measurement tool to monitor hot-melt extruded pellets
AU - Treffer, Daniel Franz
AU - Wahl, Patrick
AU - Hörmann, Theresa Ruth
AU - Markl, Daniel
AU - Schrank, Simone
AU - Jones, Ian
AU - Cruise, Paul
AU - Mürb, Reinhardt-Karsten
AU - Koscher, Gerold
AU - Roblegg, Eva
AU - Khinast, Johannes
PY - 2014
Y1 - 2014
N2 - This work focuses on the implementation and application of an in-line particle measurement tool to monitor particle properties of hot-melt extruded pellets. A novel image analysis system (Eyecon) is used to analyze pellets with a size of approximately 1 mm. The method is based on photometric stereo imaging, which is achieved by three different-colored light sources arranged circularly around the lens. Several implementations, whereby the product stream was led through the optical sampling volume, have been tested. The advantages and disadvantages of each implementation are discussed and evaluated. The most suitable implementation was applied to an extrusion run with constant throughput and different cutting frequencies resulting in different pellet sizes. A particle size distribution comparison between the image analysis system and an off-line reference particle analysis (QICPIC) showed good agreement although only a small fraction of the particles were analyzed in-line. Additionally, some illustrative examples for process development are given. With this approach the capability of hot-die face pelletizing to manufacture nearly-spherical pellets with a narrow size distribution is proven.
AB - This work focuses on the implementation and application of an in-line particle measurement tool to monitor particle properties of hot-melt extruded pellets. A novel image analysis system (Eyecon) is used to analyze pellets with a size of approximately 1 mm. The method is based on photometric stereo imaging, which is achieved by three different-colored light sources arranged circularly around the lens. Several implementations, whereby the product stream was led through the optical sampling volume, have been tested. The advantages and disadvantages of each implementation are discussed and evaluated. The most suitable implementation was applied to an extrusion run with constant throughput and different cutting frequencies resulting in different pellet sizes. A particle size distribution comparison between the image analysis system and an off-line reference particle analysis (QICPIC) showed good agreement although only a small fraction of the particles were analyzed in-line. Additionally, some illustrative examples for process development are given. With this approach the capability of hot-die face pelletizing to manufacture nearly-spherical pellets with a narrow size distribution is proven.
U2 - 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.03.022
DO - 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2014.03.022
M3 - Article
VL - 466
SP - 181
EP - 189
JO - International Journal of Pharmaceutics
JF - International Journal of Pharmaceutics
IS - 1-2
ER -