For tablet coating operation, we use different capacities of pan according to the batch size so how do we select a specific pan capacity for the batch to ensure an efficient coating process, let’s see in detail in this article

Tablet coating machines will have different pan capacities, and to calculate the pan capacity two parameters are important i.e.  Brimful volume and bulk density of the tablets. here brimful volume means the volume of water that can accumulate up to the brim of the pan whereas the bulk density of the tablet is based on the weight, size, shape, and dimensions of the tablets. larger tablets have low bulk density and vice versa for smaller tablets due to few void spaces.

Brimful volume for a conventional coating pan can be determined by using the above process, whereas for a perforated coating pan, the pan capacity is directly given by the manufacturer.

Let’s see how to calculate the Coating Pan Capacity

To determine the coating pan capacity, use the below formula:

Pan Capacity= Brimful Volume x Tablet Bulk Density

Example: The brimful volume of the coating Pan is 650 liters

The bulk density of tablets is 0.7 g/ml

let’s keep these values in the above formula

we get Pan Capacity = 650 liters×0.7 g/ml = 455 kg

let’s see the working capacities of the coating pan as we cannot run the coating pan at full capacity, as during coating tablets gain weight.

Max Working Capacity:  is generally between 80% and 90% of the total capacity.

Maximum Working Capacity=0.80×Total Capacity

Minimum working capacity = Minimum Working Capacity=0.55×Total Capacity

Minimum working capacity is between 50 % and 60%