Tablet dust extraction

Dust Extraction. Adequate dust extraction is necessary to maintain high-speed operation for extended periods of time. The entire compression area should be shrouded to minimize dust infiltration into other press areas. Effective dust extraction minimizes dust and oil contamination on the surface of the tablets, which could produce black specs. Insufficient dust extraction results in excessive material build-up on the lower and upper punches leading to tight punches. However, the proper balance of dust extraction without high levels of material loss must be determined. If the dust extraction level is too high material could be extracted from the die cavities and the recirculation channel. Furthermore, the dust extraction systems preferentially removes the fine particles. Therefore, if the granulation is a direct-compression blend where the active constituent is of fine particle size, minimum dust extraction levels combined with minimal recirculation may be necessary to prevent a loss of active constituents (resulting in possible low assay). 

Exhaust air discharge points on pharmaceutical equipment and facilities, such as from fluid bed driers and tablet-coating equipment, and exhaust air from dust extraction systems, carry heavy dust loads and should be provided with adequate filtration to prevent contamination of the ambient air. 

Other herbal materials prepared by roller compaction included St. John s wort (22) and Eschscholtzia californica Cham (23). Tableting of the granulated extract markedly reduced the problems associated with dust and material feed as well as the incidence of capping. Tablets produced from granulated extracts disintegrated three limes faster than those tabletted from the powder blend. Hygroscopicity of . californica Cham, extracts decreased after roller compaction due to decreased material surface area. 

Suitable environmental conditions should be maintained by installation of effective air- extraction systems, with discharge points situated to avoid contamination of other products and processes. Filtration of other systems should be installed to retain dust The use of tablet and capsule dedusting devices is recommended. 

Professional dust removers are used in tableting, capsule filling and closing machines and powder filling machines. They are used to clean the equipment during processing or to remove adsorbed dust and powder from the pharmaceutical product. Dust removers are not designed to extract fumes, because fumes pass the filter unit and are blown back in the room. 

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