Particle Coating and Powder Technology Laboratory

Our main research focus is in the area of particle coating and fluidization. This research is quite applied in nature and addresses problems/issues in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and petrochemical industries.

Specifically, we are interested in the quantification of particle coating uniformity obtained in batch processes using Wurster fluidized beds and pan coaters. This research is particularly important when an active ingredient such as a drug is applied (coated) onto the surface of large particles or tablets. The accurate prediction of the tablet-to-tablet variation obtained during a batch coating operation is essential to the production process. We have developed a model to predict coating uniformity in a Wurster fluidized bed using Monte-Carlo simulation. Novel video-imaging techniques were developed in our lab to capture the particle motion inside coating devices. A new MATLAB-based DEM (Discrete element modeling) code has also been developed to predict the particle (both spherical and tablet-shaped) motion inside an industrial scale pan coater. We have developed a new contact algorithm for tablet-shaped particles (standard round placebo) that can be used in DEM simulations for pharmaceutical operations. 

Fluidization research focuses on dynamic modeling of circulating fluidized beds (CFBs).  A cluster model has been developed to describe the dynamic response of solids inventory in the riser of a CFB.  This model is being extended to predict the dynamic behavior of solids inventory on conversion in a reacting system.