Automatic weight-control in a rotary tabletting machine
K Ridgway, J J Deer, Paul Finlay, C LAZAROU · Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology · 1972
Abstract A Manesty “Betapress” 16-station high speed rotary tabletting machine has been fitted with pressure rolls containing piezoelectric transducers in the axles. The compaction force exerted at each tablet compression event produces an electrical pulse which can be fed to an integrated-circuit pulse-discriminating unit. If, for any reason, the quantity of powder in any die is such that an over- or under-pressure occurs on compaction, the resultant incorrect-magnitude pulse is used to operate a stepping motor which adjusts the feed screw of the rotary machine in the correct direction to restore the desired operating conditions and maintain weight constancy. The degree of over- or under-pressure needed to cause corrective action is readily adjustable. An electromagnetically-operated solenoid valve is also controlled by the pulse-discriminator, so that tablets of incorrect weight are deflected by an air jet as they leave the die table. The ejection force can also be monitored and the signal used to operate an alarm if the force should become too large due to punch-sticking.