The development of a microwave fluid-bed processor. II. Drying performance and physical characteristics of typical pharmaceutical granulations

Pharm Res. 1992 Nov;9(11):1493-51. doi: 10.1023/a:1015827416892.

Abstract

Four typical pharmaceutical granulations were used to measure the enhanced drying performance of a laboratory-sized microwave fluid-bed processor, the design and construction of which were presented in Part I of this work (preceding paper). Results demonstrate improvements in observed drying rates by as much as sixfold depending upon the granulation type and drying conditions. At a low inlet temperature (30 degrees C), drying was achieved with microwave power inputs of 100-125 W/liter of working capacity, whereas similar targeted moisture levels were unattainable using conventional fluid-bed drying. Microwave energy available for heating and drying was 68 to 86% of the total microwave energy inputted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Desiccation
  • Drug Compounding*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Microwaves*
  • Particle Size