Granulation

Granulation is a process of producing granules. Granulation Process implies the techniques that are used to combine powdered particles to form relatively bigger ones called granules. 

Why Granulations is necessary?

The granulation process allows particles to stick together more firmly. It increases the particle size of the constituents used, which are mostly very fine powders. The greater the particle size of a constituent, greater will be its compressive or binding ability. 

Granulation process for tablet manufacturing process is mainly of two types. 

1. Dry Granulation

2. Wet Granulation

1. DRY GRANULATION

Dry Granulation does not involve the use of a liquid lubricating agent. This is because the constituents utilized might chemically react with the agent used, thus dry granulation equipment technique is used

Dispensing - The first step in dry granulation is dispensing of the materials in specified amounts.

Dry Mixing or Blending - Using Blenders and Mixers, all the materials are mixed thoroughly. 

Compaction - After dry mixing of the materials, they are passed through roller powder compactors for compaction. This results in formation of slugs or chips. 

Milling or Crushing - The slugs or chips are then milled or crushed until the required granule size is obtained. 

2. WET GRANULATION

In wet granulation, the following steps are involved: 

Sifting Process - Using Vibro Sifter

Mixing - In order to mix the materials thoroughly, the dry mixing process is utilized. Once the mixing is complete, granulating fluid is added to Rapid Mixture Granulator (RMG)

Drying - The materials are then dried in a dryer, usually Fluid Bed Dryer or Tray Dryer

Milling Process - Materials are milled to obtain required granule size