5 Key Questions to Ask before Buying a Bin Blender

5 Key Questions to Ask before Buying a Bin Blender

Picture a scenario where every capsule or tablet is perfectly blended with the right active ingredients. This is the purpose of a bin blender in the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring a precise mixture of fine powders. However, selecting an unsuitable blender could lead to complications. Fear not! This article will guide you through critical factors to consider before acquiring a powder mixer, ensuring your pharmaceutical enterprise achieves optimal blending - both accurately and effectively.

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Question 1: What Type of Materials Will You be Blending?

Identifying the type of materials you plan to blend is a vital first step in selecting a bin blender for your pharmaceutical needs.

Powders are primarily used in pharmaceuticals and come in various forms, including active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), excipients (fillers, binders, disintegrants), and lubricants. The diversity among powders can be substantial:

• Fine powders - These powders possess a particle size of under 100 microns; they require delicate mixing to avoid excessive shear and degradation.
• Coarse powders - These contain larger particles and can endure more vigorous mixing.

Furthermore, pharmaceutical formulations may need pre-processed particles for enhanced flowability or controlled release. Thus, considering the size, density, and shape of the particles is crucial when choosing a blender.

Apart from the common materials mentioned, consider these more complex powders:

• Sticky powders - These tend to clump together, necessitating mixers with specialized blade designs to break down agglomerates.
• Moisture-sensitive materials - Hygroscopic substances (such as certain APIs) can absorb moisture; a blender with vacuum features can help limit moisture exposure during the process.
• Shear-sensitive materials - Certain APIs may lose potency or alter their properties under high shear. For these, a mixer with a milder mixing mechanism or adjustable settings is recommended.

Question 2: What is Your Desired Blend Uniformity?

Material blend uniformity is another essential aspect when selecting a bin blender. Inconsistent ingredient mixing can lead to issues with your final product. If certain doses of the API are insufficiently blended, they might not effectively treat the designated condition, while excessive concentrations can cause adverse effects.

The features of the blender significantly influence the level of blending uniformity.

Typically, longer mixing times result in a more uniform mix. Therefore, it's vital to assess the mixer's operational cycle in relation to your desired batch uniformity.

Some blenders utilize a tumbling motion, while others employ specific blade designs for optimal particle distribution. Choose a blender that aligns with your batch size and uniformity goals.

Mixing larger quantities can pose a challenge for achieving uniform distribution. Hence, selecting a blender built to handle your common batch sizes without sacrificing uniformity is advisable.

Question 3: How Much Do You Plan to Produce Daily, and in How Many Batches?

Consider your daily production as the broader goal - the total final product you aim to produce each day. This will help gauge the amount of work your bin blender needs to handle.

Batch size is how much material you intend to blend at one time. This can be influenced by the type of medication and limitations of other equipment.

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Knowing your daily output and typical batch sizes enables you to calculate the number of batches needed each day. This can be easily determined using the following formula:

- Daily Production Volume / Batch Size = Number of Batches

This calculation reveals how many runs the blender must perform to achieve your production objectives.

With this knowledge, you can identify the appropriate bin blender! The capacity and efficiency are crucial factors. Ensure the blender is suitable for your usual batch size, as overloading may hinder mixing and uniformity.

Additionally, seek machine features that reduce downtime between batches, such as rapid loading/unloading and easy-to-clean designs to enhance turnaround times.

Question 4: What Materials are Used in the Blender's Construction?

Stainless steel is generally the preferred material for pharmaceutical blenders, offering several benefits:

• Corrosion Resistant - Stainless steel withstands corrosion from pharmaceutical ingredients and cleaning agents, preventing contamination.
• Easy to clean - It features smooth, crevice-free internal surfaces that simplify cleaning, maintaining sanitation and minimizing product residue.
• Durable - Stainless steel remains highly durable and reliable, even in demanding operating conditions.

Additionally, ensure that the mixer's gaskets and seals are composed of materials compatible with medication components and cleaning solvents, preventing degradation or chemical leaching into the mixture.

Investing in the right construction materials is vital to ensuring your medication's quality and safety. Do not overlook this essential aspect when selecting a bin blender.

Question 5: What is the Motor Power of the Bin Blender?

The motor power of the bin blender is crucial for efficient mixing. Typically, you can ascertain suitable motor power by assessing your batch size.

• Small Batch (1-5 kg): A motor in the 0.75-1.5 kW range may suffice for lighter, smaller batch powders.
• Medium Batches (5-10 kg): Opt for a blender with a motor power between 1.5 kW and 2.2 kW for medium batches. This can handle denser powders or various particle sizes.
• Large quantities (10 kg and above): Larger or denser materials may necessitate a motor of 2.2 kW or more to ensure proper mixing.

These guidelines serve as general examples; your actual motor power needs will vary according to your specific requirements. It's always advisable to consult the bin blender manufacturer to discuss your application. They can assist in recommending a blender with the correct motor power and mixing capacity for optimal performance.

The Bottom Line

Finding the right bin blender for your pharmaceutical operations need not be overly complicated. This guide presents five vital questions to consider. Equipped with these insights, you should find it easy to select the perfect blender to enhance your pharmaceutical business.

10 Top Tips when selecting a Powder Mixer

Let our expert help you

Collaborating with experts during the selection of a mixer is wise to avoid costly mistakes that could impact mixing results, thus affecting subsequent processes and the overall quality of the final product. Professionals from Hosokawa Micron can assist with crucial system planning and provide guidance on selecting the right mixer specifications for your requirements.

Contact us to discuss your needs for a vertical granule mixer. Our knowledgeable sales team is ready to help you find the best options for your needs.