Unlock Tablet Coaters: 9 Key Parts and Troubleshooting Techniques

In the pharmaceutical industry, tablets coating has become a common and essential practice. Coating not only enhances the appearance and taste of tablets but also protects the active ingredients. It prevents them from environmental factors like moisture and air. In some cases, manufacturers use coatings to control the release rate of the medicine.

Given the importance of tablet coating, a good tablet coater is vital. When purchasing the machine, you must have a detail understanding. This post may help you know clearly about the machine parts and make a wiser choice.

Nine Components of Tablet Coating Machines

There are various types of tablet coaters, such as standard tablet coating machines, fluid bed coating machines, etc. But they all have some basic parts for processing. Now let’s have a look.

Coating Pan

The coating pan is a key part of a tablet coating machine. It is a large, rotating drum for conducting coating process. It holds and tumbles the tablets while the coating solution is sprayed. The pan ensures that the tablets are evenly coated as they move around. Coating pans are typically made from stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean.

There are different types of coating pans, such as perforated and non-perforated pans. Perforated pans have small holes that allow air to flow through. It helps in drying the coating quickly. The other does not have holes and they are used when airflow is not needed. You could choose the suitable pan type based on the specific requirements.

Spray System

The spray system always includes nozzles, spray guns, and solution tanks. Nozzles can be high-pressure or low-pressure. With high pressure, the solution forms fine droplets when sprayed. This provides precise coating, suitable for tablets that require a specific thickness of coating.

With low pressure, larger droplets are sprayed, covering a wider area. This is often used for coating larger surfaces. Nozzles are usually made of stainless steel or plastic. They require regular cleaning and inspection to prevent blockages and wear.

Spray guns hold and direct the nozzles. They work together to apply the coating solution to the tablets. Solution tanks are designed to mix and heat the coating solutions. It ensures the solution remains at the right temperature and consistency. Together, these components ensure a consistent and high-quality coating on the tablets.

Mixing System

The mixing system has baffles and agitators. Baffles are fixed panels inside the coating pan. They disrupt airflow and the movement of tablets. This prevents tablets from sliding continuously along the inner walls. It helps evenly coat the coating solution on each tablet's surface.

Agitators are rotating devices that further mix the tablets. They keep the tablets in constant motion so that the coating solution is applied uniformly. These components make sure that each tablet gets a consistent and even layer of coating.

Electric Motors

The motor supplies the power needed for the operation. It acts like a central energy source. All moving parts depend on it for operation. These parts include the coating pan, blowers or fans, agitators, and more. Motors also drive the pumps which control the spray nozzles. The motor makes sure that all parts function properly during the coating process. So a uniform and high-quality coating could be guaranteed.

Peristaltic Pump

A peristaltic pump is used to transfer coating solutions from the solution tank to the spray nozzles. It operates by compressing and releasing a flexible tube. Then it creates a peristaltic motion that pushes the liquid through the tube. This pump can provide a gentle, consistent, and precise flow of the coating solution.

Moreover, it is able to control the flow rate of the solution. So it can transmit a stable flow of liquid materials. This ensure that the coating is sprayed evenly on the tablets.

Blower

A blower belongs to air handling system. It generates and directs air flow into the coating system. It mainly have the following functions.

• Dry the coating. The air flow ensures that the coating dries quickly and evenly. It prevents clumping or uneven surfaces.
• Maintain temperature and humidity. The blower helps control the temperature and humidity within the coating chamber. It is essential for the optimal application and drying of the coating.
• Remove excess solvent. It helps maintain a safe and efficient coating environment.

Hot Air Device

A hot air device is used to supply heated air and conditioned air into the coating chamber. It includes heating elements that can be adjusted to achieve you desired air temperature. These elements heat the air as it passes through the device. 

The hot air device is used to evaporate the solvent or water in the coating solution. It also supports to control the flow rate of the heated air. By adjusting the air flow, it ensures that the heat is evenly distributed throughout the coating chamber.

Electric Control Cabinet

It is a centralized unit in the machine. This cabinet masters all the electrical components and control systems. It directs these parts for a stable and efficient operation. Here are 2 parts you must know in the cabinet.

• PLC. This is the brain of the machine, which controls the various automated processes. It can conduct the operation of the spray system, air handling system, and heating elements, etc.
• HMI. It also means human-machine interface. This interface allows operators to interact with the machine. You can use it to set and adjust various process parameters, such as temperature, air flow rate, and spray rate. It can also display real-time data like temperature. If you find something abnormal, you can identify and fix the problem promptly.

Safety System

A safety system is a must in every tablet coating machine. It is designed to protect operators and ensure safe operation. The system involves emergency stop buttons. They stop operations right away if there are risks. The system also has alarm alerts. It can alert operators to issues such as temperature deviations, pressure anomalies, etc. So operators can take timely corrective actions.

Other key components include safety interlocks, protective guards, overload protection, etc.

How to Troubleshoot Your Tablet Coater?

You may meet some problems when using the machine. Here are some common causes and solutions for your reference.

Elevate Your Tablet Coating Process with iPharMachine

As a leading pharma equipment provider in China, iPharMachine has helped over 30,000 clients to get desired products. We offer a wide range of equipment, including tablet coaters, capsule filling machines, etc. Besides, we have a professional technical team to offer assistence. You cancontact us if there are any problems during installation or while the machine is running.

In addition, a flexible shipping solution is available here. The products can also be directly delivered to your designated place.