Characterising and modelling a continuous tabletting line using Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and Positron Emission Particle Tracking (PEPT)

Continuous processing offers many advantages over more traditional batch-wise unit operations

such as: reduction in operating costs, increased agility as well as a reduced footprint on the

factory floor. Continuous Direct Compression (CDC) is one such process that seeks to convert

raw input materials into tablets all as one continuous process.

One of the key advantages of continuous manufacturing technologies is the way they may be

integrated together with Process Analytical Technology (PAT). PAT sensors can subsequently be

used to gain rapid understanding of how a given tablet formulation responds to changes in the

process parameters and therefore a robust operating range can be established. Furthermore,

being able to monitor blend homogeneity in real time, using models constructed through PAT,

can form a crucial part of the final quality control strategy.

The successful candidate will become an expert in developing PAT methods for a continuous

tableting process, through a combination of experimentation, data analysis and using artificial

intelligence modelling techniques. The techniques and knowledge obtained through this

research shall be used to help facilitate the construction of new commercial continuous tablet

manufacturing processes.

The commercially representative development equipment shall also be periodically transported

to the PEPT facility in the University of Birmingham. This powerful technique shall be used to

perform further analysis of these systems to aid in future development activities.