Design and development of a modified spouted bed coater for the micro-encapsulation of powders : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology in Chemical Technology, Massey University

Abstract

A modified spouted bed coater was designed and constructed for the micro-encapsulation of solid particles. The coating of small particles with a polymer film can alter physical factors such as taste and release rate. These properties are particularly important in the field of pharmacology as the nature of the coating can be changed to prolong or target drug release based on physiological conditions such as pH and time. The spouted bed coater was modified to induce gas and particle recirculation through a draft tube containing a venturi to increase droplet and particle mixing, while a high velocity gas jet and large diameter draft tube promotes the recirculation of gas and solid within the apparatus. The effectiveness of the design was tested in terms of gas and solid mass flows through the draft tube using a venturi within the draft tube and an induction detector to measure the mass flow. To determine the effectiveness of the coater design in terms of coalescence and the influence of operational variables, a factorial experiment was conducted. The result of this experiment showed that the coalescence of particles was dominated by the relative humidity in the apparatus which was unable to be directly related to the operational variables. The capacity to micro-encapsulate particles was demonstrated by coating fine table salt with an acrylic polymer Eudragit NE 40D in combination with bentonite clay as a free flow agent or glident. The results of this trial showed the distribution of polymer/clay and the reduction in dissolution rate as a function of particle size