CS-1/2/3 Tablet Friability Tester

Tablet Friability Tester: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

If you have any questions about tablet friability tester, you will find the answer right here.

Whether you want to learn about the components, working principle, calibration process or troubleshooting processes, you’ll find all information right here.

Keep reading to learn more.

What is Friability?

Friability is the likelihood of solid substance [tablets] to fracture into tiny pieces when under mechanical stress.

The tablets can experience mechanical stress during packing or transportation.

Tablets

What is a Tablet Friability Tester?

A tablet friability tester is equipment that determines the friability of various tablets.

It tests how long the tablet can last during the packaging and transportation phases without crumbling.

Tablet friability tester

What are the Technical Specifications of a Tablet Friability Tester?

The technical specifications will show the capabilities of the tablet friability tester.

It is one of the information you can easily find about a specific tablet friability tester.

Some of the general technical specifications include:

• It can come with one, two, or three drums.
• The drum rotates at an average speed of 15 to 100 revolutions per minute.
• The tablet friability tester has an accuracy of ± 1 rpm.
• The range of rotation of the drums is between 0 and 9999.
• The average operating temperature is between 10°C and 50°C.
• The electric supply is 220/230 V AC 50 Hz.
• An LCD screen.

Why is it Important to use a Tablet Friability Tester?

Here are some reasons as to why it is important to use a tablet friability tester:

• The main distinction is that it determines the resistance of tablets to mechanical shock.
• It provides consumers with accurate information as some tablets can lose between 0.5% and 1% of their weight.
• A tablet friability test is one of the quality control measures for tablet manufacturing.
• Pharma industries will use it to control the stability of tablets.
• Pharma industries can conduct research and develop improvements to limit the friability of tablets.

What are the Components of a Tablet Friability Tester?

Several components make up a tablet friability tester.

Some of these components include:

Sample friability apparatus

· The Drum[s]

The drum is where you will place the tablets.

Tablet friability testers can come with one, two, or three drums.

Also, the drum has a cover that you can remove when you are loading tablets or cleaning the machine.

Inside the drum is a curved scoop which pushes the tablets around at a set speed and height.

Plexiglas material makes up the drum[s].

· Motor

The motor drives the drum or drums.

It allows the drum to rotate at a certain revolution per minute.

The revolutions depend on the set conditions and the capabilities of the tablet friability tester.

· Report Printer

The report printer automatically calculates the weight loss after the tablet friability test.

· Calibration Unit

Before you conduct a friability test, you have to calibrate the tablet friability tester.

This ensures that you get accurate and reliable results.

· LCD screen

This can be a touch screen that you can use to set the tablet friability tester.

Some have buttons that allow you to navigate the settings.

· Collection Tray

The collection tray collects the final remnants from the friability test.

It is easy to remove and clean.

Plexiglas material makes up the collection tray.

How does a Tablet Friability Tester Work?

You will start a friability test by selecting the tablets.

If the tablets have an average weight of 650 mg, take a sample whose weight will total 6.5 grams.

If a unit tablet weighs 650 mg, use 10 whole tablets to conduct the tablet friability test.

Dust the tablets before the test begins and weigh them.

Ensure the drum is clean and has no contaminants.

Remove the cover of the drum and place the tablets, then cover the drum.

Turn on the tablet friability tester and click on the start button.

Rotate the drum 100 times for around 4 minutes.

The machine stops after the time set elapses.

Remove the tablets from the drum[s].

Remove the dust from the tablets using a soft brush.

Measure the after weight of the tablets.

Use the weight before and after the test to calculate the friability of the tablets.

What is the Limit for the Friability of Tablets when using a Tablet Friability Tester?

The limit for friability of tablets should be less than 1%.

If the weight loss for the tablets is more than 1%, you will repeat the test 2 more times and then calculate the mean.

The friability of the tablets is acceptable If the mean loss is not more than 1%.

How can I Improve the Friability of my Tablets?

There are various ways to improve the friability of tablets.

Here are some of them:

• Increasing the thickness of larger tablets.
• Decreasing the hardness of larger tablets.
• Increasing the quantity of granulation fluid improves the compatibility of tablets.
• Minimizing the tablet strength.

Tablets friability tester

How can I Calibrate a Tablet Friability Tester?

Calibrating a tablet friability tester ensures that the results are accurate and reliable.

Here are the steps on how to calibrate a tablet friability tester:

• First, clean the tablet friability tester.
• Turn on the tester.
• Set the number of rotations to 100.
• Calibrate the revolutions per minute by manually watching the scoop in the drums.
• Record the differences and note them as per the calibration format.
• The tablet friability tester should have a deviation of ± 1 rpm.
• If the deviation is over this acceptable range, call a service engineer to service the tester.

There are two distinct sub-processes you can use to calibrate a tablet friability tester:

• Using the number of rotations in minutes

Here, you will use the time mode to calibrate the machine.

The calibrations happen after 1, 2, or 4 minutes of rotation.

Start by running the 1-minute rotation, then the 2-minute rotation, and finally the 4-minute rotation.

1. For a 1-minute rotation, the number of rotations should be between 24 and 26.
2. For a 2-minute rotation, the number of rotations should be between 48 and 52.
3. For a 4-minute rotation, the number of rotations should be between 96 and 104.

• Using the number of rotations per time

Here, you will use the count mode to calibrate the tablet friability tester.

Calibrations happen after 25, 50, and 100 rotations.

Record the results after each of the above rotations using a stopwatch.

The readings should be as follows:

1. For 25 rotations, the time should be between 57 seconds and 63 seconds.
2. For 50 rotations, the time should be between 117 seconds and 126 seconds.
3. For 25 rotations, the time should be between 228 seconds and 252 seconds.

What Types of Tablets can you Test with a Tablet Friability Tester?

You can test a variety of tablets using a tablet friability tester:

Some of these tablets include:

• Chewable tablets
• Effervescent tablets
• Uncoated tablets
• Prolonged-release tablets
• Modified-release tablets
• Soluble tablets
• Implantable tablets
• Molded tablets
• Hypodermic tablets
• Sublingual tablets
• Dispersible tablets
• Buccal tablets

How does a Tablet Friability Tester compare to a Tablet Hardness Hester?

Tablets friability testing machine

A tablet hardness tester determines the breaking point and the structural integrity of a tablet.

On the other hand, a tablet friability testing machine is an equipment that determines the friability of various tablets.

Tablets hardness tester

A tablet hardness tester has jaws while a tablet friability tester has drums.

Besides, tablet hardness tester operates by squeezing a tablet between two jaws.

A tablet friability tester operates by rotating tablets in a drum.

Furthermore, a tablet hardness tester and tablet friability tester both determine how the tablets will behave when under mechanical shocks.

Also, a tablet hardness tester uses Newton as the measurement unit for hardness.

Again, a tablet friability tester calculates weight loss as a percentage to determine the friability of tablets.

A tablet hardness tester and a tablet friability tester both have to comply with international quality standards.

A tablet hardness tester and a tablet friability tester can test some similar types of tablets.

It is easy to operate both a tablet hardness and tablet friability tester.

A tablet hardness and tablet friability tester both come at affordable and expensive prices.

Additionally, a tablet hardness and tablet friability tester are mandatory in determining the quality control for tablets.

A tablet friability and tablet hardness tester can both come with similar parts like an LCD monitor and motors.

The accuracy for a tablet hardness tester should be between ±0.25kg or ±0.1kg.

A tablet friability tester should have a revolving accuracy of ± 1 rpm.

How does a Tablet Friability Tester compare to a Tablet Disintegration Tester?

A tablet friability tester will determine the likelihood of a tablet break into tiny pieces when under mechanical stress.

Single drum tablets friability tester

A tablet disintegration tester determines how long a tablet will take to disintegrate.

Again, a tablet disintegration tester enables researchers to study in-vitro breakdown for quality control.

A tablet friability tester determines the lifespan of tablets during packaging and transportation.

Also, tablet friability and tablet disintegration are vital for tablet quality control.

A tablet disintegration tester has one or more beakers.

Tablet disintegration tester

A tablet friability tester has a circular drum with a scoop.

Moreover, a tablet friability and tablet disintegration tester can both come with an LCD screen and motors.

A tablet friability and tablet disintegration tester both require calibration for accurate and reliable results.

Also, a tablet disintegration tester requires a solution to perform the disintegration test.

A tablet friability tester requires dry and dust-free tablets before the friability test begins.

Additionally, a tablet friability and tablet disintegration tester both have to comply with international quality standards for health and safety reasons.

A tablet friability tester usually tests the friability of tablets.

A tablet disintegration tester can test the disintegration of tablets, capsules, suppositories, or boluses pessaries.

What Types of Tablet Friability Testers are available in the Market?

There are several tablet friability testers in the market.

Each of these will test the friability of tablets but using different techniques.

Some of the friability testers available include:

· Automatic Tablet Friability Tester

The automatic tablet friability tester can test many samples at a time.

Some of the examples of automatic tablet friability testers include:

1. Four drum tablet friability testers.
2. Six drum tablet friability testers.

They are quite expensive than triple, dual, and single drum tablet friability testers.

It conforms to all the quality standards set by international bodies.

They also have printers and USB connections for copying and storying test reports.

The drums are on the right side of the instrument.

· Single Drum Tablet Friability Tester

A single drum tablet friability tester has only one drum.

It is cheaper than the friability testers that have two or more drums.

A single drum tablet friability tester revolves 25 times per minute.

This machine automatically stops when the friability test is complete.

The advantages of a single drum friability tester include:

1. It is easy to load and clean.
2. It comes with an LCD screen that shows the actual and target settings.
3. It automatically discharges samples at the end of the friability test.
4. It has dual operation modes: rotation time or the number of revolutions.
5. It has a variable lock speed mode and drum rotation speed.
6. It also has a program that automatically reminds the operator to calibrate the instrument.
7. It comes with comprehensive quality standard documentations.

Some technical specifications of a single drum tablet friability tester include:

1. The range of the drum rotation speed is between 15 and 100 rpm.
2. The tester can store up to 256 test descriptions.
3. It has a speed-accuracy of ±1 rpm.
4. The LCD can come with a color-changing backlight.
5. It can weigh between 16 and 21 kgs.
6. The power supply is 110/230 V, 50/60 Hz.

· Dual Drum Tablet Friability Tester

A double drum tablet friability tester has two drums.

It is fast as you can test more samples in a short period than a single drum tablet friability tester.

The average revolutions per minute can be between 20 and 60.

It comes with a positive engagement with drives that will minimize spillage of the test samples.

When the tablets have a sharp edge, you can tilt a double drum tablet friability tester up to 10 degrees.

Some of the advantages of a double drum tablet friability tester include:

1. It can work both in lock speed mode and drum rotation speed mode.
2. It comes with an LCD screen for ease of operation and settings.
3. It automatically stops and discharges the sample when the test is complete.
4. It can automatically calculate the friability of the tablets.
5. It fully complies with the international quality standards.

Some technical parameters include:

1. The drums are on the left and right side of the tester.
2. The range of the drum rotation is between 15 and 100 rpm.
3. It has an adjustable number of rotations between 2 and 9999.
4. It stores copies of the test by connecting it with a USB drive.
5. It comes with stainless-steel housing.

· Triple Drum Tablet Friability Tester

A triple drum tablet friability tester has three drums.

It is expensive than dual or single drum friability testers.

It automatically discharges the test samples once the test is complete.

Some of the advantages of a triple drum friability tester include:

1. It is easy to open and clean the tester.
2. It has a dual operation mode that is the rotation time and the number of revolutions.
3. It determines sample weight by use of a balance scale.
4. It comes with calibration programs and reports.

Some of the technical specifications include:

1. It has all three drums on the right side.
2. An accuracy of ±1 rpm.
3. It can store up to 32 user management data.
4. It has a keypad with click wheel and function keys.
5. It weighs between 22 and 25 kgs.
6. The approximate dimension is 50cm x 56cm x 47cm [w x d x h]

What are the Quality Standards that a Tablet Friability Tester should Conform to?

A tablet friability tester should conform to quality standards for health and safety concerns.

Some of the quality standards that a tablet friability tester should conform to are:

• USP <1216>, EP <2.9.7> and JP <14> compliance.
• Food and Drug Administration [FDA] compliance.
• Current Good Manufacturing Practice [cGMP] compliance.
• DQ/QC compliance test certificate
• IQ compliance
• OQ compliance
• CE compliance.
• European Pharmacopeia [EP] compliance.
• Japanese Pharmacopeia <14> [JP] compliance.
• DAB pharmacopoeia compliance.

How do you Maintain a Tablet Friability Tester?

Maintaining a tablet friability tester is vital to ensure the tester is reliable and lasts for a long time.

Periodic maintenance varies depending on the usage of the equipment.

Wipe all spills from the exterior of the inurement with a clean cloth.

Do not use cleaners that have ammonia or organic solvent as it can damage the drums.

Store the friability tester properly after use.

Ensure the pins holding the shaft turns are not bent and replace them accordingly.

Replace or repair all electrical components to avoid short-circuiting.

Replace old fuses with new ones that have the same amperage rating.

Use genuine parts to replace worn out parts to limit chances of it breaking while operational.

How do you Troubleshoot a Tablet Friability Tester?

Here are some troubleshooting techniques you can use on a tablet friability tester:

The Length of the Test is Incorrect

Possible cause:

1. This means the operating mode is not correct.

Possible solution:

1. Set the correct operating mode.

The Drums are not Rotating

Possible cause:

1. This can mean you did not start the program.
2. It can also mean that the drive belt is faulty.

Possible solution:

1. Press the START STOP to start the program.
2. Replace faulty drive belts.

The LED does not have Light

Possible cause:

1. The power outlet does not have power.
2. The tablet friability tester has no power.
3. The fuse is faulty.

Possible solution:

1. Connect the power plugs into the machine.
2. Ensure you securely connect the machine to an electrical outlet.
3. Replace all blown fuses.

What causes Failure in Tablet Friability Tester?

There are some reasons as to why a tablet friability tester may fail.

Some of the reasons include:

· Poor Equipment

The punches may be in poor conditions or are worn-out.

This will cause “whiskering” at the edge of tablets.

The final result is higher than normal friability values.

· Internal Factors

The tablet granule and tablets can have some moisture content.

If the moisture is low and at an acceptable level, it may act as a binder.

· External Factors

Some external factors such as a vibrating surface can cause failure in a tablet friability tester.

How many Tablets are used in a Friability Test?

The number of tablets to use in a friability test depends on the unit weight of the tablets.

If the unit weight of the tablet is equal to or less than 650 mg, take the samples and make them be as near as 6.5 g.

If a tablet has a unit weight of more than 650 mg, use 10 whole tablets to conduct the friability test.

It is important to de-dust the tablets before you start the friability test.

Can you Conduct a Friability Test for Uncoated tablets?

Yes, you can conduct a friability test for uncoated tablets.

How much does a Tablet Friability Tester Cost?

The cost of a tablet friability tester depends on the type of equipment you purchase.

For instance, a single drum tablet friability tester will cost less than a six drum friability tester.

The manufacturer will also influence the price of the friability tester.

The country of origin also affects the price of a tablet friability tester.

Some companies will offer some discounts if you purchase tablet friability testers in bulk.

There are instances you can get discount codes or promotions that will influence the final cost.

Taking this into account, the price of a tablet friability tester can be between 100 US Dollars to 12000 US Dollars.

At SaintyCo, we offer a range of pharmaceutical instruments depending on your specific needs and requirements.

Contact us today for high performance and reliable tablet friability testing machines.