Top spray granulation in the pharmaceutical sector is a common method used to form granules from moist powdered materials in fluid bed dryers. The residual moisture must be kept within certain specifications to avoid fracturing of particles or caking (stickiness) of the bulk material. The ability to monitor the residual moisture content inline after drying is possible with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

This Process Application Note details the inline analysis of moisture in a pilot scale granulation process with a NIRS Analyzer PRO from Metrohm Process Analytics. The NIRS Analyzer PRO offers fast, reagent-free, nondestructive analysis of residual moisture in powders with a fluid bed probe specifically designed for these applications. 

Top spray granulation is a common method of granulation in the pharmaceutical industry. Powder is fluidized in a fluid bed dryer and a liquid binder solution is sprayed on to the product. After spraying the liquid into the formulation and forming the granule, the product must be dried to the proper moisture level. If the granules are over-dried, movement in the fluid bed can cause their fracture (creating undesirable fine particles) and can damage the formulation due to hydration changes in some active ingredients and excipients. If the granules contain too much residual moisture, the product will not flow properly and may cake. This can cause problems with subsequent processing, including a sticky product and product instability during storage. 

Samples are typically withdrawn from the fluid bed with a sample thief during processing and then analyzed offline for moisture content in a laboratory. This delay before the analysis results are available to the operator can cause critical processing decisions e.g., determining when the drying process should end) to be made without optimal product moisture information. Top spray granulation completion is often based on time or product temperature—not moisture content.

Using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology, the drying process in a fluid bed dryer can be quickly monitored inline to determine the residual moisture level for better process understanding, control, and end of drying process determination. The figure below shows a trend chart of the moisture content versus time determined by NIRS. A fluid bed probe specifically designed for these applications is used with a «spoon» and purge vents located on the probe tip (Figure 1a). After each NIR spectrum is collected, an air purge exiting through the ports in the probe clears the «spoon» for a new sample.

Spectroscopy offers numerous advantages over many wet-chemical analytical methods. NIRS is economical and fast, enabling in-situ qualitative and quantitative analyses that are noninvasive and nondestructive. As an indirect test method, NIRS is recommended in all of the key pharmacopoeias (e.g., Ph. Eur. 2.2.40, USP <1119>) and fits perfectly in the context of continuous processing and the Process Analytical Technology (PAT) initiative of the FDA. Metrohm Process Analytics offers NIRS process analyzers that meet high standards for wavelength precision, reproducibility, and photometric noise. Numerous reference standards and user-friendly software make it easy to check the instrument requirements specified in the pharmacopoeias.

The pharmaceutical version of the Vision software is fully validated and compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. Metrohm Process Analytics also offers complete IQ/OQ documentation and instrument performance certification. Documented parameters guarantee that the instrument performs properly. Routine analysis methods can be developed in the software to include qualitative and quantitative analysis methods. Custom trend charts for real-time visual monitoring as well as electronic process control are also implemented.

A reference method must still be in use. An appropriate range of samples covering the process variability should be analyzed by both methods to build an accurate NIRS model. Correlations are made to process specifications. The correct NIRS probe must be placed in-situ in a manner that provides sufficient sample contact with the probe tip window. Correct probe design and proper placement in process equipment is of high importance.