MEDELPHARM Technical Bulletin – A methodology for calculating Radial Die Wall Pressure to resolve tablet capping issues

The latest White Paper technical bulletin from research-based manufacturer and powder compaction specialists MEDELPHARM details a methodology for determining Radial Die Wall Pressure, using the instrumented die attachment for STYL’One compaction simulators.

The Bulletin ‘Radial Die Wall Pressure Measurement’ explains the relationship between maximum die-wall pressure (MDP) and residual die-wall pressure (RDP) during powder compaction and how these are critical in preventing the ejection problems that cause so many tablet defects like lamination and capping in production.

The bulletin is authored by MEDELPHARM Science Lab Manager Adrien Pelloux and Formulation Scientist Dr. Delphine Ach-Hubert. They show how installing the plug and play instrumented die accessory allows the STYL’One to measure the compression peak MDP and RDP (when the axial pressure is removed). These data then allow the user to calculate die wall pressure from the radial die wall data signal, and the surface area between compact and die. This calculation can be performed automatically by the STYL’One ANALIS software.

The paper outlines the methodology involved in calculating radial pressure, involving variables such as compression zone axis, compression depth, speed, filling height and choice of cycle.

It also discusses the complex relationship between MDP, RDP, and powder properties, with elastic products like corn starch presenting higher MDP but lower RDP than a more brittle excipient such as lactose.

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