Introduction to the Caleva Mixer Torque Rheometer
The the Caleva Mixer Torque Rheometer is described below …
Definition of Rheometer:
Rheo flow properties of a material. Meter measure and quantify.
The Mixer Torque Rheometer (MTR) is used for investigation of the properties of wet masses and the study of binder substrate interactions.
MTR offers a means to scientifically explain, predict, screen and characterize WET MASSING processes/materials used in the following stages for the development and production of Pharmaceutical Solid Dosage Forms:
Basic Configuration of the MTR:
The MTR is basically an instrumented, small capacity, twin blade, high shear mixer. The torque from the rotating blades exerts a force on a load cell by the reaction of the bowl to the turning blades. An attached personal computer running the Windows based MTR software records the force imparted on the load cell.
The Mixer Torque Rheometer (MTR) is used for investigation of the properties of wet masses and the study of binder substrate interactions.
MTR offers a means to scientifically explain, predict, screen and characterize WET MASSING processes/materials used in the following stages for the development and production of Pharmaceutical Solid Dosage Forms:
- Wet Granulation
- Extrusion
- Spheronization
Requirements:
- It should be small scale, portable and easily cleaned.
- It should be interfaced with a personal computer for ease of use and recording.
- It should produce a repeatable output directly related to the rheology of the wet mass.
- It should have the ability to be calibrated directly.
- It should be variable in mixing speed.
- It should have a water jacket for temperature control.
- It should be easy to use
The Caleva MTR: What can it do for you? :
Research:
- For investigation of the granulation process
- For investigation of binder-substrate interactions
- For investigation of formulation suitability for extrusion/spheronization
Formulation Development:
- To check source and/or batch variations in excipients
- To quantify the suitability of different binder concentrations
- To investigate the effects of different mixing times
Process Control:
- To monitor production scale granulation for quality control
- To quantify pseudo viscosity measurements for scale up strategies
Features
- Dramatically increase the speed at which formulations can be developed and tested.
- Optimize formulations to compensate for batch variations between excipients.
- Quality Assurance (Q/A) measurements can be made on excipients.
- Produce quantitative data that can be used in a structured scaleup program for process development.
- Routinely batch test a batch for consistency in a few minutes.
- Quantify the relationship between formulations with different binders and mixing times.
- Perform quantitative measurements on your formulation.
- Perform mix comparison studies on your formulations.
- Study the rheological properties on small samples before committing to large batch sizes.
- Small sample size 15-30 grams. Especially useful if the material is very expensive or potent.
- An optional half-Size mixing bowl and blade set is available for smaller batch sizes.
- Graphs from different experiments can be overlaid to compare results.
- Rapid results.
- Rapid data acquisition and manipulation using NI LabView ® software.
- Operating parameters are directly controlled by the user.
- Easy-to-clean demountable bowl and blade assembly.
- Data can be exported to a database or spreadsheet program.
Options
- Jacketed bowl heating/cooling system for accurate temperature control.
- Heating/Cooling unit for water jacket.
- Automatic binder addition upgrade to fully automate the binder addition process.
- Half size bowl and blade set for even smaller quantities.
- Extrusion head option for small scale screw extrusion trials.
- Software upgrade for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.
- Certified calibration weights.
- IQ/OQ Validation Documentation.
- Commissioning and training services.
Specs
| Sample Size (Standard Mixing Bowl) | 15-30 grams |
| Moment Arm Assembly: | Ranges to 5 Nm fitted as standard. |
| Load transducer: | Ranges to 5 kg fitted as standard. |
| Data Collection: | National Instruments Labview ® based software running on Windows 7 laptop for graphical display, storage and management of experimental data. Experimental data can be exported to spreadsheet for further analysis. |
| Experimental Procedures: | Consistency, Multiple Addition, Variable Mix Time |
| Operation and Controls: | HMI on Windows 7 laptop; Power, Safety Status, Motor On lights; Emergency Stop button; Power On switch. |
| Speed (RPM): | Infinitely variable with primary mixing blades rotating from 10 to 250 RPM. Secondary mixing blades are geared to rotate at twice the primary mixing blade speed. |
| Utilities: | Single Phase 110/120, 220/240 VAC, or according to customer requirements. Hot/Cold running water if optional jacketed bowl is purchased. |
| Data Connection: | 1 X USB port to connect to computer. |
| Materials of Construction: | Cabinet is brushed 304 stainless steel; contact parts are 316 stainless steel; interlocked safety cover is clear Perspex. |
| Footprint (mm): | 450 L x 500 W (without required computer and other optional accessories) |
| Unit Weight: | 35 kg |
| Specifications may be subject to change without notice. | |
Videos
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Pictures
