Size Separation – Sieves and standards of sieves
Introduction:
Size separation is a crucial process in the field of pharmaceuticals. It involves the separation of particles based on their size to obtain particles of a uniform size, which is essential for various pharmaceutical processes. One of the widely used methods for size separation is through the use of sieves.
Definition of Sieving:
Sieving is a mechanical process that uses a sieve or a screen to separate particles based on their size. It is commonly employed in the pharmaceutical industry for the size classification of powders and granules.
Components of a Sieve:
A sieve consists of the following components:
- Frame: The outer frame provides structural support to the sieve.
- Mesh or Screen: This is the most critical part of the sieve. It is a woven wire mesh or perforated surface with specific openings of defined size. The mesh size determines the range of particle sizes that can pass through the sieve.
- Pan: The pan collects the particles that pass through the mesh.
Working Principle:
When a mixture of particles is poured onto the sieve, smaller particles pass through the openings in the mesh, while larger particles are retained on the surface. This separation is based on the principle that particles smaller than the openings will fall through due to gravity, while larger particles will be unable to pass.
Factors Affecting Sieving:
Several factors can influence the sieving process, including:
- Mesh Size: The size of the openings in the mesh determines the range of particle sizes that can be separated.
- Material Properties: The properties of the material being sieved, such as particle shape and density, can affect the efficiency of sieving.
- Vibration: Applying vibration to the sieve can enhance the separation process by preventing particles from clogging the mesh.
Applications in Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Sieves find numerous applications in the pharmaceutical industry:
- Quality Control: Sieving is used to ensure that pharmaceutical powders and granules meet specific size specifications.
- Formulation: It helps in selecting particle sizes for drug formulations, ensuring optimal drug delivery.
- Granulation: Sieving is a key step in the granulation process, where it helps in obtaining uniform granule sizes.
Advantages of Sieving:
- Cost-effective method for size separation.
- Relatively simple and quick process.
- High precision in achieving desired particle size distribution.
Disadvantages of Sieving:
- It may not be suitable for very fine powders.
- The efficiency of sieving can be affected by factors like moisture and static electricity.
Standards of Sieves
Standards for Pharmaceutical Sieves:
Pharmaceutical sieves adhere to specific standards to guarantee precision and reliability in particle size analysis. The key standards followed are:
- ASTM E11 Standard: This standard is developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It provides guidelines for the design, construction, and performance of test sieves used for particle size analysis. The ASTM E11 standard classifies sieves based on mesh size, sieve construction materials, and the opening size tolerances.
- ISO 3310 Standard: The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has its own set of standards for test sieves, known as ISO 3310. It includes specifications for sieve design, dimensions, and performance. ISO 3310 standards are widely recognized and used in many countries, including India.
Key Parameters in Sieve Standards:
Within these standards, several parameters are essential for understanding sieves:
- Mesh Size: Sieves are classified based on their mesh size, which refers to the number of openings per linear inch or per centimeter. For instance, a 100-mesh sieve has 100 openings per linear inch. Mesh size determines the particle size range that the sieve can effectively separate.
- Sieve Diameter: Standard sieve diameters are typically 8 inches (200 mm) or 12 inches (300 mm). These sizes ensure compatibility with testing equipment and facilitate consistent results.
- Opening Size Tolerances: Standards specify acceptable tolerances for the opening sizes of the mesh. This ensures that sieves produce accurate and repeatable results.
Benefits of Using Standard Sieves:
Adhering to sieve standards offers several advantages in pharmaceutical applications:
- Accuracy: Standardized sieves provide precise and consistent results, crucial for quality control and research.
- Interchangeability: Sieves conforming to standards are interchangeable between different laboratories, making it easier to share data and maintain consistency in testing.
- Regulatory Compliance: Pharmaceutical regulations often require the use of standardized equipment, including sieves, to ensure product quality and safety.
By following ASTM E11 or ISO 3310 standards, pharmaceutical professionals can confidently perform particle size analysis, contributing to the development of safe and effective pharmaceutical products.
Suggested readings:
F Y D Pharm & S Y D Pharm Notes, Books, Syllabus, PDF, Videos
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