Rotor Stator Processing
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Leeds
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Complex formulation within the pharmaceutical industry is used to deliver active pharmaceutical ingredients (i.e., the drug) to patient to give both medicinal effect and in a format acceptable to the patient - consequently the manufacturing associated with formulation is as important as the drug production. This is dominated by batch processing - a key piece of processing equipment in the production of creams and ointments is the use of a rotor-stator high shear homogenizer. This creates a high shear field which creates a fine emulsion of a disperse phase (e.g. an oil) within a continuous (and immiscible) continuous phase (e.g. aqueous based).
This project will address the fluid mechanics of rotor stator processing of these complex materials using a combination of computational fluid dynamics and experiments. A key aspect of this will be to consider the complexity of the fluid in terms of its rheological parameters and the ultimate impact of this on the final product quality judged in terms of the droplet size distribution.
This project will address the fluid mechanics of rotor stator processing of these complex materials using a combination of computational fluid dynamics and experiments. A key aspect of this will be to consider the complexity of the fluid in terms of its rheological parameters and the ultimate impact of this on the final product quality judged in terms of the droplet size distribution.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
EP/N509681/1 | 30/09/2016 | 29/09/2021 | |||
1808497 | Studentship | EP/N509681/1 | 30/09/2016 | 30/03/2020 | Matthew Clarke |
Description | In the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, the product is mixed at various scales using the equipment being investigated in this project. There are various criteria which remain constant when scaling in such as way but this can still lead to inconsistencies in the product. Using opensource code for fluid dynamics, the flow has been investigated and visualised at these scales to identify what is occurring and what the end results are. In addition, the equipment has been investigated experimentally on site to help improve the process. Due to lack of knowledge in the fundamental fluid dynamics of the equipment, the processes are based on trial and error and engineering judgement at the time. Using the outcomes, experimentally and computationally, there is hope to build a mechanistic understanding of what takes place and the minimise the aforementioned trial and error. |
Exploitation Route | The industrial partner may use the technique and opensource code to improve the production process. |
Sectors | Agriculture Food and Drink Chemicals Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology |