Application Bulletin AP7
Quadro Comil
 

GELATIN CAPSULE RECLAIM (POWDER FILLED)
 

Background / Requirement

A pharmaceutical manufacturer approached Quadro with an application to break open powder filled gelatin capsules. After rupture of the capsule, the expensive powder contained within could be sifted off. The powder containing an active drug could then be reused, while the broken capsules would be discarded. It was important that the 5/8 inch by 1/4 inch capsules be broken in large pieces without shredding for easy powder separation, that a minimum amount of equipment be used, and that the drug laden powder be completely undamaged.

Comil Performance

The small Comil, accepting a choke (flood) feed of capsules, was able to produce 75 pounds per hour of off-spec gelatin capsules. The Comil produced ideal material for the sifting operation, which easily removed the large gelatin capsule pieces. The valuable powder was then reused.

Summary

This application easily demonstrated the versatility of the Comil. An assortment of components, interchangeable quickly and easily, has allowed this manufacturer to perform several tasks such as capsule reclaim, tablet reclaim and dry granulation without the need for multiple pieces of equipment.

Solid stainless steel construction, cleanability, ease of disassembly, and versatility, makes the Comil ideally suited to the Pharmaceutical industry.