In-line Monitoring of Lubricant Addition Through Passive Vibration Measurements in a V-blender
Abstract
Process analytical technologies can improve product monitoring and process efficiency in pharmaceutical manufacturing. Passive vibration measurements were evaluated for their potential as a technique to monitor lubricant dispersal in a V-blender. An accelerometer was attached to the lid of a V-blender shell to measure vibrations from particle collisions. Lubricants formed a layer around the surface of particles, altering energy dissipation upon impact. With mixing, vibrational amplitudes approached a stable value indicating a mixing end-point. Mixing profiles were sensitive to changes in particle type, particle size and distribution, and lubricant concentrations for ideal particles and pharmaceutical granules. Axial loading configurations provided better mixing performance compared to radial configurations. An optimal fill level for effective convective mixing was determined through vibration measurements. Overall, this research demonstrated the potential of using passive vibration measurements as a monitoring technique for lubricant dispersal in pharmaceutical manufacturing to improve control and efficiency of the mixing process.