Tim Freeman, Director of Operations for Freeman Technology, will join Professor Fernando Muzzio of Rutgers University in leading a half-day session on powder flow at this year’s Pharmaceutical Technology School, which takes place from 27 April to 1st May in Puerto Rico. The event, the fifth of its kind, is organised by Mixing Technologies, Inc.. Course content is delivered by academic experts from Rutgers University, as well as by recognised industry leaders including: Freeman Technology, Capsugel, Glatt Air Techniques, MCC and Tunnell Consulting. The program is structured to assist those working in product and process design, manufacturing, scale-up, technology transfer, and control.

Beginning with an introduction to QbD, ICH Q8, Q9, Q10, the course moves through the topics of: identifying critical to quality attributes and critical process parameters; sampling, blending and segregation; agglomeration and overlubrication; powder flow; capsule filling; roller compaction; tableting; wet granulation; fluid bed processing; and pan coating. The final day closes with a look at case studies in continuous manufacturing.

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to share Freeman Technology’s understanding and knowledge of powder characterisation, and how this relates to practical processing,” said Tim Freeman. “In pharmaceutical formulation and manufacturing it is crucial to gain an understanding of the powders being used. Using measurements made with the FT4 powder tester, together with the processing experience that resides within each company, it is possible to achieve real compatibility between powder and plant, and enable process optimization - all of which supports the aims of QbD.”

Freeman’s FT4 powder tester performs a range of methodologies, measuring shear, bulk and dynamic properties in a short time, using relatively small amounts of material. Freeman’s approach to interpreting the data generated makes extensive use of the company’s know-how, as well as the processor’s own experience. The results often indicate why some formulations are ‘easy’ to manufacture and others are not. This knowledge is the foundation of efficient processing and informs the development of formulations that will process well, with the performance characteristics of a plant.

For further information about powder characterisation and Freeman Technology visit www.freemantech.co.uk

For details of the Pharmaceutical Technology School visit www.mixingconsultants.com

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