1.
Flow Properties :
The widespread use of powder in the pharmaceutical industries has generalized a
variety of methods for characterizing powder flow. USP defines three common
reported methods for testing powder flow rate (1174Powder Flow .).
1.1 Angle of Repose:
The angle of repose is the steepest angle at which a granular material can be piled
without slumping. At this angle, the material on the slope face is on the verge of
sliding. This angle varies depending on factors such as particle size, shape, and
moisture [Link] United States Pharmacopeia (USP) provides guidelines for
measuring the angle of repose in General Chapter <1174>. While the USP does not
prescribe a specific method or equipment, it emphasizes that the chosen procedure
should be practical, reproducible, sensitive, and yield meaningful results.
Procedure:
Fixed Funnel Method Procedure:
1. Set up the funnel:
o Mount the funnel on a stand so that its tip is at a fixed height above the flat
surface.
o Ensure the funnel is aligned vertically to the surface.
2. Prepare the base:
o Place a clean, flat surface beneath the funnel.
o Ensure the surface is stable and horizontal.
3. Pour the material:
o Gradually pour the granular material into the funnel, allowing it to fall freely
onto the surface.
o Continue pouring until a conical pile forms and no further material slides down
the slope.
4. Measure the dimensions of the pile:
o Use a ruler or calipers to measure the height (h) of the pile from the base to
the apex.
o Measure the diameter (d) of the base of the pile.
5. Calculate the angle of repose (θ):
θ = Tan -1 ( Height/Radius)
2 Carrs index:
The Carr Index, also known as the Compressibility Index, is a measure used to evaluate
the flowability and compressibility of powders. It is calculated based on the bulk and
tapped densities of a powder sample. A lower Carr Index indicates better flow
properties, while a higher value suggests poor flowability.
Procedure:
1. Measure Bulk Density (ρB\rho_BρB):
o Fill a graduated cylinder with a known mass of the powder without compacting it.
o Record the volume occupied by the powder.
2. Measure Tapped Density (ρT\rho_TρT):
o Tap the cylinder containing the powder a specified number of times (e.g., 100
taps) until the volume becomes constant.
o Record the final volume after tapping.
Calculation of cars index:
Hausner Ratio Procedure
Same procedure as described in Carr's index
(2). Calculation of Hausner ratio:
Standard values of Hausner ratio ,carrs index and angle of re pose :
Physical Description:
Procedure:
1. Visual Inspection:
o Place a small quantity of acetaminophen powder on a clean, dry surface.
o Examine its appearance under normal lighting. Acetaminophen should appear as
a white crystalline powder.
o Check for any discoloration or impurities (e.g., yellowish or brownish tint).
2. Texture:
o Rub a small quantity between your fingers (if safe) to assess its texture. It should
feel smooth and fine.
3. Odor:
o Gently waft the sample toward your nose without inhaling directly.
o Acetaminophen should be odorless.
4. Microscopic Examination (Optional):
o If detailed observation is needed, examine the powder under a microscope to
check for uniformity in crystal structure.
Properties Standard Result
Color White
Form Crystalline
Odor Odorless
Taste Slightly bitter