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Applications of population balance equation modeling to pharmaceutical emulsions

  • University of Massachusetts

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Emulsions are usually generated in highpressure homogenization chambers. The flow field is these units are typically highly turbulent and chaotic, and mechanisms for drop formation under these conditions are not well understood. In this paper, we have applied the PBE modeling approach to droplet break-up in a high pressure homogenizer using mechanistic functions for breakage rate. We have compared our modeling results to experimental data that we have obtained on a model oil-in-water emulsion. In principle, once these functions are known, the PBE approach can be used in a predictive manner to aid in the selection of process and product variables that will lead to the desired drop size distribution. This was verified for a number of test cases by changing product properties and homogenizing conditions. We observed that the population balance model did a reasonably good job of predicting the drop size distribution and therefore look promising. For cases where the model fails, we discuss strategies for improving predictions for these types of systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNEBEC 2009 - Proceedings of the IEEE 35th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Print)9781424443628
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventIEEE 35th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, NEBEC 2009 - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Apr 3 2009Apr 5 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, NEBEC
ISSN (Print)1071-121X

Conference

ConferenceIEEE 35th Annual Northeast Bioengineering Conference, NEBEC 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period04/3/0904/5/09

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