Air-jet Sieve Research Articles

Laboratory evaluation of environmentally friendly alternative mineral powders for micro-surfacing treatments manufacture

The effectiveness of using alternative environmentally friendly and cost-effective mineral powders to manufacture micro-surfacing treatments is examined. Four mineral powders (calcium carbonate, dolomite, PAVAL, and mineral dust from the recycling of used toner) as well as Portland cement (control) were used. The use of two of them, the PAVAL and the toner, is the main novelty of the present research. Their granulometry by means of an air jet sieve, their density, and their chemical composition by means of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were obtained. To generalise the findings, two different types of aggregate (siliceous and porphyritic) have been used to manufacture the micro-surfacing treatment. The mixing time, setting and curing characteristics, and workability were analyzed. Additionally, the resistance to the loss of particles by the wet track abrasion was also studied. Likewise, the consistency assessment was done. Finally, the cohesion also was attained. The micro-surfacing treatments manufactured with all the alternative mineral powders comply with the technical requirements. Moreover, they improve the loss of particles, particularly the toner, with a loss of particles between 87% and 280% lower than the control micro-surfacing. Also, they are less hardening-controlling additive demanding. Particularly the PAVAL needs 0.2% of additive while the control micro-surfacing needs 0.6%. These findings are supported by statistical analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Physicochemical properties and gelling behaviour of Bambara groundnut protein isolates and protein-enriched fractions

Plant proteins, and specifically those from legume crops, are increasingly recognised as sustainable and functional food ingredients. In this study, we expand on the knowledge of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.) [BGN] proteins, by characterising the composition, microstructure and rheological properties of BGN protein isolates obtained via wet extraction and protein-enriched fractions obtained via dry fractionation. The BGN protein isolates were compared in the context of the major storage protein, vicilin, as previously identified. Molecular weight analysis performed with gel electrophoresis and size-exclusion chromatography coupled to light-scattering, revealed some major bands (190 kDa) and elution patterns with molecular weights (205.6–274.1 kDa) corresponding to that of BGN vicilin, whilst the thermal denaturation temperature (Tp 91.1 °C, pH 7) of BGN protein isolates also coincided to that of the vicilin fraction. Furthermore, the concentration dependence of the elastic modulus G’ of the BGN protein isolates, closely resembled that of BGN vicilin (both upon NaCl addition); suggesting that vicilin is the main component responsible for gelation. Confocal laser scanning and scanning electron micrographs revealed inhomogeneous aggregate structures, which implies that fractal scaling were better suited for description of the BGN protein isolate gel networks. Concerning the BGN protein-enriched fractions, both rotor and impact milling with air jet sieving and air classification, respectively, were successfully applied to separate these fractions from those high in starch; as evident from compositional analysis, particle size distributions and microscopic imaging. When considering sustainability aspects, dry fractionation could thus be a viable alternative for producing BGN protein-enriched fractions.

Enhancement on mechanical and durability performances of binary cementitious systems by optimizing particle size distribution of fly ash

Fly ash is a well-known supplementary cementitious material that is the by-product of coal-fired thermal power plants. The contribution of fly ash to the enhancement of the mechanical and durability properties of cementitious materials has been documented in concrete technology for many years. In this study, to allow superior mechanical and durability properties, fly ash-based mixtures have been produced after optimization of particle size distribution (PSD) of Class F and Class C fly ash according to the formula of Fuller–Thompson. Different distribution modulus values ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 were used to achieve ideal PSD in accordance with the Fuller–Thompson equation. 30% of F- and C-class fly ash by weight of cement were used to replace with cement in cementitious composites by optimizing PSD with help of air jet sieve. The recommended optimization technique improved the 7-, 28- and 90-day compressive and flexural strength results of mortars. Compressive and flexural strength tests and rapid chloride permeability test of cement-based systems incorporating fly ash up to 15% replacement ratio with optimized PSD at 90-days exhibited better results than those of plain samples owing to the filler effect.

Calibration of the cloud and aerosol spectrometer for coal dust composition and morphology

The cloud and aerosol spectrometer (CAS) was calibrated to enable CAS sizing of coal dust for studies on flammable dust control. Coal dust sizes were determined by light-scattering theories for irregular particles that account for particle composition and morphology in computing coal dust diameters. Coal dust size computations were compared with test dust that was generated by cyclone separation and air-jet sieving and characterized by aerodynamic particle sizer (APS) and computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy (CCSEM) measurements. For test dust in the range of 0.5–32 μm, coal dust size distributions were consistent with cyclone-separated and sieve-segregated sizes. For the 3–20 μm size range, the coal dust size distribution had a mass median diameter that was 14% larger than that of the APS. This difference was reasonable considering that the basic calibration for glass spheres had 13% uncertainty. For the 20–32 μm and 32–45 μm test dusts, mass median diameters differed from CCSEM measurements by only 4% and 5%, respectively. Overall, the results suggest agreement between test dust sizes and computations for coal dust. Alternatively, using conventional Mie theory computations for spheres, coal dust mass median diameters were 35% and 40% larger than APS and CCSEM measurements, respectively.

Increasing the utilization potential of fly ashes from fluidized bed combustion by mechanical treatments

The increasing use of biomasses in the production of electricity and heat delivers an increased amount burning residue, fly ash that disposal is becoming more and more restricted and expensive. Therefore, there is a great interest to utilize fly ash in other means than disposal. This study aimed to determine the suitability of air jet sieving and air classification to separate detrimental elements, such as sulfate, chloride and some heavy metals, into fine fractions. Furthermore, the effect of fly ash deagglomeration on classification selectivity was studied. Experiments were conducted using two fly ash samples originated from fluidized bed combustion of peat, forest residues and wastes. The results showed that it is possible to significantly improve the utilization potential of fly ashes using air jet classification. In classification, calcium is concentrated into a fine fraction and silica and aluminum are concentrated in coarse fractions. Sulfate, chloride and studied detrimental metals (cadmium, copper, lead and zinc) enrich to the fine fraction with high selectivity. Deagglomeration had a minor effect, as it slightly improved the classification selectivity for some elements.

Evaluation of Different Mineral Filler Aggregates for Asphalt Mixtures

Mineral filler aggregates play an important role in asphalt mixtures because they fill voids in paving mix and improve the cohesion of asphalt binder. Limestone powder containing over 90% of CaCO3 is the most frequently used type of filler. Waste material from the production of coarse aggregate can be successfully used as a mineral filler aggregate for hot asphalt concrete mixtures as the limestone powder replacement. This paper presents the experimental results of selected properties of filler aggregates which were obtained from rocks with different mineral composition and origin. Five types of rocks were used as a source of the mineral filler aggregate: granite, gabbro, trachybasalt, quartz sandstone and rocks from postglacial deposits. Limestone filler was used in this study as the reference material. The following tests were performed: grading (air jet sieving), quality of fines according to methylene blue test, water content by drying in a ventilated oven, particle density using pyknometer method, Delta ring and ball test, Bitumen Number, fineness determined as Blaine specific surface area. Mineral filler aggregates showed significant differences when they were mixed with bitumen and stiffening effect in Delta ring and ball test was evaluated. The highest values were achieved when gabbro and granite fillers were used. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis of grain shape and size was carried out. Significant differences in grain size and shape were observed. The highest non-homogeneity in size was determined for quartz sandstone, gabbro and granite filler. Their Blaine specific surface area was lower than 2800 cm2/g, while for limestone and postglacial fillers with regular and round grains it exceeded 3000 cm2/g. All examined mineral filler aggregates met requirements of Polish National Specification WT-1: 2014 and could be used in asphalt mixtures.

Spheroidization of Graphite As Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries: Spheroidization Process and Material Texture and Morphology

Natural graphite (NG) is the dominant anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) today, with a market share of approx. ~55%. With the continuous growth of portable, automotive, and other applications the total LIB market is expected to double within in the next decade. In view of this growth scenario, some prognoses predict supply bottlenecks of NG. Furthermore, the NG sources are geographically strongly concentrated today, which poses an immanent risk to supply security. In principle, the increasing demand for graphite as LIB anode material can be met by synthetic graphite, for which an upscaling of the production capacity is possible with economically justifiable effort within short time. Nonetheless, there are strong activities to develop new sources of NG. To benchmark the quality of these new materials, convenient and cost-effective characterization methods and facilities are required. Pristine flat flakes of NG are usually mechanically turned into spherical shapes (“spheroidization”) and coated with a thin film of amorphous carbon, in order to alleviate problems with exfoliation due to electrolyte solvent co-intercalation during lithium intercalation, to decrease the surface area and thus the irreversible capacity in the first charge/discharge cycle, as well as to increase density and thus the volumetric capacity. Recently, spheroidization is also more and more applied to synthetic graphite materials. Characteristic of the spheroidization procedure is that the yields are usually around 50% only. Any process improvement will therefore have a strong economic impact. The present work focuses on the lab-scale reconstruction of the industrial spheroidization and fractionation processes, using a rotor impact mill, an air jet sieve, and an air classifier. The aim is: to obtain a better understanding of the spheroidization process, by identifying critical process parameters and their influence on the resulting products (spherical graphite particles as well as by-products),to identify potentials for improving the process (especially in terms of yield), andto offer the opportunity to benchmark graphitic materials in lab-scale in comparison to industrially manufactured references. The obtained materials are analysed with regard to their electrochemical performance, as well as to their particle morphology (particle size distribution, particle shape, tap density and texture). The microstructure and texture is studied by SEM and FIB/SEM tomography, which provide information on the outer appearance in the nm scale and the open and closed porosity of the materials (Fig. 1). Acknowledgement: The authors are indebted to the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for financial support (Project: Li-EcoSafe, contract no. 03X4636). Figure 1

Dry Powder Inhalers: Study of the Parameters Influencing Adhesion and Dispersion of Fluticasone Propionate

Interactions between particles are dependent on the physicochemical characteristics of the interacting particles but it is also important to consider the manufacturing process. Blending active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with carrier is a critical stage that determines the blend homogeneity and is the first step towards obtaining the final quality of the powder blend. The aim of this work was to study parameters that influence the interactions between API and carrier in adhesive mixtures used in DPI and their effect on API dispersion. The study was done with fluticasone propionate blended with lactose 'Lactohale 200'. The study was based on the influence of the operating conditions (speed, mixing time, resting steps during mixing), the size of the carrier and the storage conditions on the blend properties and on the API dispersion. The quality of the blends was examined by analysing the API content uniformity. Adhesion characteristics were evaluated by submitting mixtures to a sieving action by air depression with the Alpine air-jet sieve. Aerodynamic evaluation of fine particle fraction (FPF) was obtained using a Twin Stage Impinger; the FPF being defined as the mass percentage of API below 6.4μm. For good dispersion and therefore good homogeneity of the API in the carrier particles, speed and powder blending time have to be sufficient, but not too long to prevent the appearance of static electricity, which is not favourable to homogeneity and stability. The FPF increases with the decrease in the carrier size. The storage conditions have also to be taken into consideration. Higher humidity favours the adhesion of API on the carrier and decreases the FPF.

In vitro evaluation of powders for inhalation: The effect of drug concentration on particle detachment

Limited information on the effect of the drug concentration on the performance of powders for inhalation is currently published. The aim of this work was to study the influence of drug concentration on the adhesion between drug and carrier and on the drug detachment from the carrier. The study was done with formoterol fumarate and fluticasone propionate blended with lactose Lactohale 200. To assess the adhesion of respirable-sized drug to carrier particles, a simple method was developed based on aspiration and considering the whole blend as it is used in dry powder inhalers. Adhesion characteristics were evaluated by submitting the mixtures to a sieving action by air depression with an Alpine air-jet sieve. Aerodynamic evaluation of fine particle dose and emitted dose was obtained using a Twin Stage Impinger (TSI). Drug concentration of powder blends used in dry powder inhalers influenced adhesion, content uniformity and in vitro deposition of the drug. For the higher concentration of formoterol, it seemed that a lower quantity of drug adhered to the lactose. This was confirmed by the aerosolization assays done in the TSI. The fine particle fraction increased linearly with the formoterol concentration. A correlation was observed between adhesion characteristics and inertial impaction. In the case of fluticasone, the influence of the concentration was different. First, the fine particle fraction increased with the concentration and then decreased with a further increase of the fluticasone concentration. This could be explained by the lack of homogeneity when the fluticasone concentration was high because of agglomerates of pure drug which can not be redispersed, or by the physico-chemical characteristics of this drug.

Comparison of physical and inhalation properties of spray-dried and micronized terbutaline sulphate

Terbutaline sulphate particles, for use in dry powder inhaler formulations, were prepared by spray-drying, using a Büchi 190 mini spray dryer. Spray-drying conditions were chosen to allow the production of spray-dried terbutaline sulphate with a size similar to micronized terbutaline sulphate, that is to say about 2.9 μm of volume mean diameter. The physical properties and in vitro inhalation behaviour of micronized and spray-dried terbutaline sulphate were compared. X-ray diffraction, DSC, SEM and laser size analysis were investigated. Spray-dying produced spherically shaped particles with amorphous structure. After blending with different lactoses, adhesion and aerodynamic properties were investigated. Evaluation of adhesion was carried out with a mechanical sieve and an Alpine air-jet sieve. The adhesion of terbutaline sulphate on the lactoses tested was lower in the case of the spray-dried drug. Aerodynamic evaluation of fine particle dose and emitted dose was conducted using a twin stage impactor. The emitted doses and the fine particle doses were higher with the spray-dried terbutaline sulphate. The Alpine air-jet sieve assays showed that there was a correlation between drug separation from a carrier by sieving and that obtained from longer in vitro deposition studies. There was a linear relationship between the adhesion characteristics and the fine particle dose.

The influence of carrier roughness on adhesion, content uniformity and the in vitro deposition of terbutaline sulphate from dry powder inhalers

The aim of this study was to establish a correlation between carrier characteristics and the dispersibility of drug from the blend. The influence of the roughness of a commonly used carrier material, lactose monohydrate, on the adhesion, dose uniformity, and aerodynamic properties of a model drug, terbutaline sulphate was investigated. Evaluation of adhesion was carried out with a mechanical sieve and an Alpine air-jet sieve. For the characterisation of lactose roughness, we used image analysis software. Aerodynamic evaluation of fine particle dose and emitted dose was obtained using a twin stage impinger. The study with the mechanical sieve demonstrated that at least 60% of drug adheres to lactose. The Alpine air-jet sieve assays showed there was a correlation between drug separation from a carrier by sieving and that obtained from longer in vitro deposition studies. Adhesion, blend homogeneity and stability are related to the surface roughness of the lactose used as carrier. There is a linear relationship between the parameters “fine particle fraction” and “roughness”. A compromise between homogeneity and drug liberation must be found: a certain roughness is necessary to allow for drug adhesion and blend homogeneity, but if too high it will prevent drug liberation after inhalation.

Preparation of dry powder inhalation by surface treatment of lactose carrier particles.

An attempt was made to produce carrier particles for dry powder inhalations by the surface treatment of lactose particles with aqueous ethanol solution. Drug/carrier powder mixtures were prepared consisting of lactose carriers with different particle surface properties and micronized salbutamol sulfate. These powder mixtures were aerosolized by Spinhaler, and in vitro deposition properties of salbutamol sulfate were evaluated by twin impinger. The degree of adhesion between drug particles and carrier particles was determined by the ultracentrifuge separation method. In addition, the air jet sieve method was used to evaluate characteristics of the separation of drug particles from carrier particles in airflow. The average adhesion force (F50) between the surface-treated lactose carrier and drug particles was significantly lower than that of powder mixed with the untreated lactose carrier, indicating that the degree of separation (T50) of drug particles from carrier particles was improved when surface-treated lactose carrier was used. This resulted in an improvement of in vitro inhalation properties.

Effect of mixing of fine carrier particles on dry powder inhalation property of salbutamol sulfate (SS)

The most commonly used formulations for dry powder inhalations are binary ordered mixes composed of micronized drugs and coarse carriers. An optimal dry powder aerosol formulation should possess an optimal inhalation property and a good flow property. These characteristics are especially important for a multidose dry powder inheler (DPI). In the present study, model powder blend were prepared consisting of synthesized sugar (different particle sized isomalt; IM-PF, IM-FS, IM-F) as a carrier and micronized salbutamol sulfate (SS). These ordered mixtures were aerosolized by the multidose JAGO DPI (SkyePharma AG) and in vitro deposition properties (fine particle fraction, FPF) were evaluated by a twin impinger (TI) at a flow rate of 60 l/min. The separation property between SS and carrier particles was investigated by the centrifuge method and air jet sieve (AJS) method. It was found that FPF decreased with increasing carrier particle size. However, a large carrier particle possesses a good flow property. Therefore, the effect of mixing of fine carrier particles (IM-PF) into the large carrier particles (IM-FS) on dry powder inhalation property was investigated. When the proportion of IM-PF (fine carrier) increase from 0% to 25% of the total carrier powder blend, the FPF also increases from 16.7% to 38.9%. It is concluded that the effect of mixing of fine carrier particles might be a suitable method for improving the dry powder inhalation properties.

Morphological effect of microcrystalline cellulose particles on tablet tensile strength

An attempt was made (1) to fractionate microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) particles of Avicel® PH-101 (PH grade) and Ceolus® KG-801 (KG grade) into four sieve fractions by using an air-jet sieve and (2) to disclose effects of morphology of the particle on tablet tensile strength, T. The morphology of MCC particles is one of the most important factors affecting T. T increased with an increase in the ratio of L/ D for particles ( L, length; D, width). KG grade consists of a larger number of rod-shaped particles than PH grade, giving significantly higher compressibility than PH grade.

Effect of separation characteristics between salbutamol sulfate (SS) particles and model carrier excipients on dry powder for inhalation

Most often dry powder for inhalation are formulated as ordered mixtures of a carrier excipient and a micronized drug substance. In the present study, model powder blends were prepared from a mixture of lactose alpha-monohydrate, micro-crystalline cellulose pellets or synthesized sugar as carrier particles, and micronized salbutamol sulfate (SS). These ordered mixtures were aerosolized by the multidose JAGO dry powder inhaler (DPI) and their in vitro deposition properties were evaluated by a twin impinger (TI). The separation force between SS particles and carrier particles was investigated by the centrifuge method. In addition, the use of the air jet sieve (AJS) method was investigated to assess the separation behavior of drug particles from carrier excipient. Powder blends were sieved through a 325 mesh wire screen of an air jet sieve at an air pressure of 1500 Pa. The amount of drug deposited at the carrier surface was analysed before and after the sieving to calculate the percentage of the drug retained. A relationship was found between in vitro deposition properties (fine particle fraction, FPF) and the separation characteristics obtained by the centrifuge method and by the AJS method. The AJS method might be a suitable alternative for evaluating separation of a drug particle from carrier particles and hence can be used for the formulation screening of the dry powder inhalation.

Evaluation of a Conical Mill for Screening of Direct Compression Formulations

AbstractSuitability of a Quadro Comil™ for screening of direct compression tablet masses was evaluated with respect to alteration of particle size distribution and blending efficiency. Air jet sieving was qualijied for determination of a particle size of spraydried lactose and microcrystalline cellulose. Using a full 31 × 23 factorial design not only effects of single processing parameters (output screen size, impeller shape, velocity of the mill, and type of powder), but also their respective combinations were investigated in terms of impact on particle size and flow properties (angle of repose, bulk and tapped densities). Particle sizes before and after passing the Comil were found to be normally distributed. The results indicate that the process does not allow any of the powder characteristics studied beyond normal batch-to batch variability. This refers in particular to the proportion of fines. For evaluation of the deagglomeration effectiveness, a 23 design was implemented with iron oxide as a model ...

A rapid method of particle size determination of cement

The hydrometer method was tested and adapted for particle size determination of cement. It proved to be a rapid, economical quantitative means of deriving the continuous particle size distribution over the range ⩾ 72 μm to ⩽ 2 μm. The simplicity of the method makes it a viable adaptation for quality control laboratories and for routine determinations. Very good agreement is obtained when the results of this method are compared with those of the Sedigraph and air-jet sieve method with Alpine air classifier.

Particle Size and Surface Area Distributions of Pharmaceutical Powders by Microcomputerized Mercury Porosimetry

The Mayer-Stowe theory was applied to derive the particle size distribution of powders of pharmaceutical interest using mercury porosimetry. Particle size data obtained by this approach are fairly comparable with data derived by other, more popular, techniques such as the electrical sensing zone or the air jet sieving methods provided that the experimental value of the mercury-powder contact angle and the state of aggregation of the powder are carefully studied. Furthermore, by applying the Rootare-Prenzlow method a surface area distribution can also be derived from the same porosimetry data used to obtain the particle size distribution. All experiments were carried out with a microcomputerized mercury porosimeter, which allows storage of data during the analysis and a subsequent fast elaboration at the end of the run, with fully printed data on pore size, pore volume, surface area, and particle size of the powder sample.

A Comparative Evaluation of Air-Jet Sieve for Particle Size Analysis of Pharmaceutical Powders

The performance of the air-jet sieve (AJS), for the particle size analysis of pharmaceutical powder, was evaluated and compared with the conventional sieve shaker (ESS). Two grades of acetaminophen (APAP) were used as test pharmaceutical powders. The particle size analysis by the AJS was simple, reproducible, efficient and accurate. The problematic powder, possessing excessive electrostatic charges and ranging in mean diameter from 17 nm to 800 nm (beyond the scope of ESS) could be evaluated accurately by AJS. The analysis time required by AJS was relatively less than that required by ESS. The accuracy of the determination by AJS was not affected by the sample size. Both the speed of rotation (vibrations and/or shaking) and the total time of sifting affected the results of the determination by ESS. The particle size value of APAP-special determined by ESS and AJS were 680.0 ± 0.14 nm and 40.0 ± 0.32 respectively, whereas the value assigned by the manufacturer was below 74 nm (-200 mesh). The precision of either method for particle size analysis of powder possessing excessive electrostatic charge was improved by the use of carbon black as an anti-static agent.

Effect of Compaction on Particle Size

Compressed tablets were prepared on a hydraulic press at several different compaction pressures by a standardized technique, using aspirin, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, calcium phosphato‐carbonate, alumina, and microcrystalline cellulose. All tablets except microcrystalline cellulose contained a cation‐exchange resin as disintegrant. The particle‐size spectra of the disintegrating compacts were evaluated using a particle‐size counter or an air jet sieve. It is shown that compacts made from different materials but of the same initial particle‐size spectra disintegrate to give particles of a considerably different size. Determination of the change in particle size produced by the compaction process provides useful insight into the nature of the compaction process.