Yes / The effect of screw configuration on granule size distribution (GSD) using gPROMS FormulatedProduct (gFP) software to perform optimization, estimation of complex processes, and analyses is evaluated. Twin-screw granulation modeling was used to investigate the contribution of screw configuration and liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio on GSD. Lactose and Avicel were the granulating materials. Twelve different configurations were investigated under three feed rates as consistent with literature and at various L/S ratios. Results indicate that kneading elements promote the recovery of 100–1000 µm granules while reducing the production of oversized granules. Higher feed rates support the production of fines and agglomerates, while a low feed rate produces 100–1000 µm granules. / Ghana Scholarship Secretariat

Twin screw wet granulation has been proved as a feasible alternative for traditional batch granulation process due to its continuous processing feature; considered as a significant processing method especially in the pharmaceutical industry. This thesis will explore the processibility of twin screw wet granulation with various formulations. The first section of the thesis focused on examining the processibility of wet granulation in a twin screw while using various grades of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) as an extended-release excipient. The method to find the processibility was by modifying the liquid-to-solid ratio for each formulation. The process window was defined by examining the amount of granules that fall in a pre-determined acceptable size range. This part focused on three substitution types of HPMC (Type 2910, Type 2208, and Type 2906) that varied in molecular weights. It was found that only Type 2910 HPMC showed a shift in the process window (also known as granulation range) in relation to the molecular weight of the formulations. A higher demand for binder liquid was found for higher molecular weight Type 2910 HPMC in order to form granules with acceptable sizes. The second part of this thesis was focused on understanding the process variables that might influence the processibility of the HPMC formulations. This part examined the impact of feed rate on the granulation range of Type 2910 HPMC specifically was examined. Multiple feed rates were tested, and it was found that the granulation range for lower molecular weight Type 2910 HPMC was easier to shrink when higher feed rates were applied. A transition in the granule formation method from liquid-bridging to compaction with respect to the feed rate was found for low molecular weight HPMC, whereas the high molecular weight HPMC always formed granules through compaction at all feed rates due to strong water retainability. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)