Non-invasive, continuous, quantitative detection of powder level and mass holdup in a metal feed tube

We describe a quantitative, non-invasive capacitance detector providing a rapid signal that varies continuously with powder level and/or mass holdup in the metal feed tube of a tablet press. We outline the principle of its processing electronics, provide an algorithm for the accurate interpretation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPowder technology Vol. 382; pp. 467 - 477
Main Authors Louge, Michel Y., Mandur, Jasdeep, Blincoe, William, Tantuccio, Anthony, Meyer, Robert F.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Lausanne Elsevier B.V 01.04.2021
Elsevier BV
Subjects
Algorithms
Capacitance
Capacitance detectors
Capacitance instrumentation
Continuous pharmaceutical processing
Embedding
Level control
Level sensor
Powder
Powder moisture measurement
Capacitance instrumentation
Powder moisture measurement
Level control
Level sensor
Continuous pharmaceutical processing
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Summary:We describe a quantitative, non-invasive capacitance detector providing a rapid signal that varies continuously with powder level and/or mass holdup in the metal feed tube of a tablet press. We outline the principle of its processing electronics, provide an algorithm for the accurate interpretation of its signals, pose general design guidelines for embedding the instrument in the tube, and show how the detector can be paired with another non-invasive reference probe to operate with varying powder blend and moisture. We illustrate a control strategy that keeps powder level constant with a process example. [Display omitted] •A new non-invasive capacitance method records powder level and mass in a feed tube.•The design is used in continuous processing of pharmaceutical powders.•This self-calibrating method detects subtle changes in bulk density and moisture.
ISSN:0032-5910
1873-328X
DOI:10.1016/j.powtec.2020.12.068