Production Quiz 03
Question: What is capping in the context of tablet manufacturing?
Answer: Capping occurs when the upper or lower segment of a tablet separates horizontally, either partially or completely, from the main body of the tablet during ejection from the tablet press or subsequent handling.
Question: What is the typical reason behind capping in tablet production?
Answer: Capping is usually caused by air entrapment in a compact during compression and the subsequent expansion of the tablet upon ejection from the die.
Question: What are the causes of capping related to the formulation or granulation process?
Answer: The causes of capping related to formulation (granulation) include a large amount of fines in the granulation, too dry or very low moisture content, not thoroughly dried granules, insufficient amount of binder, improper binder, insufficient or improper lubricant, and a granular mass that is too cold.
Question: How can the issue of capping be addressed when caused by a large amount of fines in the granulation?
Answer: To address capping caused by a large amount of fines, some or all fines can be removed through a 100 to 200 mesh screen.
Question: What remedy is suggested for capping due to too dry or very low moisture content in the granules?
Answer: For capping caused by too dry or very low moisture content, the granules should be suitably moistened. Adding hygroscopic substances such as sorbitol, methyl-cellulose, or PEG4000 is recommended.
Question: How can the issue of capping be addressed when insufficient lubricant is the cause?
Answer: To address capping caused by insufficient lubricant, the amount of lubricant can be increased or the type of lubricant can be changed.
Question: What is the recommended action for capping due to a granular mass being too cold?
Answer: For capping caused by a granular mass being too cold, the tablets should be compressed at room temperature.
Question: How can capping due to insufficient or improper binders be remedied?
Answer: Capping caused by insufficient or improper binder can be addressed by increasing the amount of binder or adding dry binders such as pre-gelatinized starch, gum acacia, powdered sorbitol, PVP, hydrophilic silica, or powdered sugar.
Question: What are the causes of capping related to the machine components such as dies, punches, and tablet press?
Answer: The causes of capping related to the machine include poorly finished dies, deep concave punches or beveled-edge faces of punches, lower punch remaining below the face of the die during ejection, incorrect adjustment of the sweep-off blade, and high turret speed.
Question: How do poorly finished dies contribute to capping in tablet production?
Answer: Poorly finished dies can contribute to capping by causing irregularities in tablet compression, leading to uneven tablet surfaces and potential separation during ejection.
Question: What is the recommended solution for addressing capping caused by poorly finished dies?
Answer: To address capping caused by poorly finished dies, it is recommended to properly polish the dies or investigate alternative materials or steels for die construction.
Question: How do deep concave punches or beveled-edge faces of punches contribute to capping?
Answer: Deep concave punches or beveled-edge faces of punches can contribute to capping by creating excessive pressure or uneven compression during tablet formation, leading to separation during ejection.
Question: What remedy is suggested for addressing capping caused by deep concave punches or beveled-edge faces of punches?
Answer: To address capping caused by such punches, flat punches should be used instead.
Question: How does the lower punch remaining below the face of the die during ejection lead to capping?
Answer: When the lower punch remains below the face of the die during ejection, it can cause uneven ejection forces, potentially leading to tablet separation and capping.
Question: What is the recommended action for addressing capping caused by incorrect adjustment of the sweep-off blade?
Answer: To address capping caused by incorrect adjustment of the sweep-off blade, the blade should be adjusted correctly to facilitate proper ejection of tablets.
Question: How can high turret speed contribute to capping, and what is the suggested remedy?
Answer: High turret speed can lead to insufficient dwell time for tablet compression, potentially causing incomplete compression and capping. To address this, the turret speed should be reduced to increase dwell time.
