Hard Capsules Manufacturing and Filling Process

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What is the purpose of sodium lauryl sulfate in the manufacturing of hard capsules?

To serve as a colorant
To function as a wetting agent (correct)
To harden the capsule shell
To act as a preservative

Why are preservatives no longer added to empty capsule shells?

Because they make the capsules hard to swallow
To prevent reactions with gelatin
Preservatives were formerly used but are not added now (correct)
Due to their bitter taste in the capsule shell

Which type of colorant can be used in the manufacturing of empty hard capsules?

Insoluble pigments
Water-soluble dyes (correct)
Water-insoluble dyes
Soluble pigments

Why is gelatin a preferred material for capsule shells?

Because it is a good film-forming material (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of gelatin in the manufacturing of capsule shells?

To ensure even covering of the moulds (D) Signup and view all the answers

From where is gelatin obtained for making capsule shells?

Hydrolysis of animal bones and skin (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is Type A gelatin derived?

By acid treatment of the precursor (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main source for Type B gelatin production?

Bovine bones (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding dye solutions or pigment suspensions to the gelatin solution?

To prepare capsules (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role does viscosity play in capsule production?

Controlling the thickness of the capsule shell (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are films of uniform thickness formed in capsule production?

By dipping pins in the gelatin solution and rotating them during transfer (C) Signup and view all the answers

From which type of gelatin are capsules usually produced?

Both Type A and Type B (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a liquid wetting agent in the process described?

To accelerate the bonding process (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is an important limitation that needs to be considered when filling hard gelatin capsules?

The material must not react with gelatin (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a type of material used for filling hard gelatin capsules?

Gels (B) Signup and view all the answers

What operation involves orienting empty capsules so that they all point in the same direction?

Rectification (B) Signup and view all the answers

How is bench scale filling of powder typically carried out?

By spreading powder onto the surface of the body plate and filling it into the bodies (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a step in the filling process of capsule filing machines?

Dispensing (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are Quali-V capsules made of?

HPMC with carrageenan and potassium chloride (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the standard moisture content for hard gelatin capsules?

13-16% (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do gelatin capsules behave at low humidity levels?

They lose moisture and become brittle (B) Signup and view all the answers

What makes gelatin capsules readily soluble in water at 37°C?

High moisture content (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is one advantage of HPMC-based capsules over gelatin capsules?

Less moisture content (C) Signup and view all the answers

In which range are hard capsules manufactured in terms of size?

Various sizes depending on the manufacturer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the cap plate in the capsule filling process?

To rejoin the capsules (D) Signup and view all the answers

How are empty capsules initially separated in dependent dosing systems?

By feeding them into a pair of ring holders (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes independent dosing systems from dependent dosing systems in capsule filling?

Dependent systems measure the powder independently, while independent systems use the capsule body for measurement (D) Signup and view all the answers

What component is responsible for forcing powder down to the capsules bodies in capsule filling machines?

The revolving auger (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the capsule filling machine revolves underneath the powder hopper?

The variable speed turntable (A) Signup and view all the answers

Wetting Agent

A substance that reduces surface tension and allows liquids to spread more easily, used in capsule production to help the gelatin evenly coat the molds.

Preservatives

A substance that prevents the growth of microorganisms, formerly used in empty capsule shells but no longer added.

Water-soluble Dyes

Colors that dissolve in water, used to color empty hard capsules.

Gelatin

A protein derived from animal sources, used to make capsule shells because it forms a strong, flexible film.