Size reduction equipment is classified based on the mechanism of action, type of material being processed, and desired particle size. These machines are essential in pharmaceutical manufacturing for reducing the size of raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and excipients. Below is a detailed classification of size reduction equipment:
1. Based on Mechanism of Action
a. Crushers
- Mechanism: Apply compressive force to break large particles into smaller ones.
- Examples:
- Jaw Crusher: Used for coarse crushing of hard materials.
- Gyratory Crusher: Used for primary crushing of large rocks or ores.
- Application: Crushing raw materials like minerals or herbal drugs.
b. Grinders
- Mechanism: Use shear and impact forces to reduce particle size.
- Examples:
- Hammer Mill: Uses rotating hammers to crush materials.
- Ball Mill: Uses balls to grind materials into fine powders.
- Application: Grinding APIs and excipients for tablet formulation.
c. Ultrafine Grinders
- Mechanism: Use high-speed impact or attrition to produce ultrafine particles.
- Examples:
- Fluid Energy Mill: Uses high-pressure air to collide particles and reduce size.
- Colloid Mill: Produces very fine particles for suspensions and emulsions.
- Application: Micronization of drugs for improved bioavailability.
d. Cutting Machines
- Mechanism: Use sharp blades to cut materials into smaller pieces.
- Examples:
- Cutter Mill: Cuts materials into uniform sizes.
- Rotary Cutter: Used for fibrous materials like plant roots.
- Application: Size reduction of herbal drugs and fibrous materials.