Explore the benefits of particle size micronization technology
Particle-size micronization technology has revolutionized the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries, enabling the production of fine powders with excellent quality and high yields. This technology relies on jet milling, a process first introduced in the 1930s and 1940s and has significantly developed since then.
Jet milling technology involves feeding powder particles tangentially into a flat cylindrical milling chamber using pressurized process gas. The powder particles are then accelerated in a spiral movement inside the milling chamber by several nozzles placed around the periphery. The micronizing effect occurs as the slower incoming particles collide with those already accelerated in the spiral path. As a result, centrifugal force retains the larger particles at the periphery of the milling chamber, while the smaller particles exit with the exhaust air from the center of the room.
The particle-size distribution is controlled by adjusting several parameters, such as feed rate and pressure. In the early 1960s, the European development of jet mill technology led to significant changes in the original geometry of the milling chamber and the product entry point. These changes resulted in a significant increase in hourly output, considerable savings in gas consumption, elimination of blow-back, and limitation of the caking effect of sticky powders. These improvements gave birth to the MC Jet Mill systems, which have become a leading solution for particle-size micronization.
One of the main advantages of using particle-size micronization technology is the ability to produce powders with a narrow particle size distribution, resulting in higher product quality and better control over the final product. This aspect is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry, where particle size distribution can impact the bioavailability and efficacy of the drug.
Another benefit of particle-size micronization technology is its high production yields. The technology enables the production of fine powders much faster than other milling techniques, resulting in increased production capacity and reduced production costs.
Particle-size micronization technology also enables the production of powders with unique properties and characteristics, such as improved flowability, better solubility, and increased bioavailability. For this reason, micronization technology is essential in the development of new drug formulations, as well as in the production of high-quality food ingredients and additives.
In addition to these benefits, particle-size micronization technology also offers safety and environmental impact advantages. Jet milling technology is a closed system that minimizes the risk of contamination and exposure to hazardous materials. Furthermore, the technology has a low energy consumption and does not generate waste, making it an environmentally friendly option for particle size reduction.
The MC Jet Mill systems, in particular, have further enhanced the benefits of particle-size micronization technology. The reorientation of the product entry point and the primary filtering unit with its unique cyclone-filter concept (without reverse jets) are two examples of the enhancements made to the technology. Other enhancements include the components of the micronization process, resulting in total control of internal pressures, reduction of the contact surface, homogeneity of micronized powder (1 single collection point), and high yields of production (>99.5%). Additionally, the ease of cleaning and cleaning validation operations ensure the shortest turnaround times.
In conclusion, particle-size micronization technology and its development through jet milling technology have transformed how we produce fine powders in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries. The technology offers several advantages, including the ability to make powders with a narrow particle size distribution, high production yields, and unique properties and characteristics. With continued advancements in technology, particle size micronization will undoubtedly play an essential role in the future of particle size reduction and powder processing.
