Troubleshooting Common Capsule Defects

Capsules are fairly easy to fill, but sometimes things go wrong. Here are some tips on how to stop defects.

• First, before filling the machine’s hopper with empty capsules, verify that the capsules meet your dimensional specifications by checking a representative sample. Even capsules from the most reputable manufacturers may differ slightly. The same is true of tooling supplied by different vendors, so be prepared to make some adjustments. Of course, verify your settings and check that routine maintenance has been performed before you start. And be sure you understand how the active ingredient and/or formulation can affect the filling.

• Next, check the environmental conditions within the filling room. Ideal conditions are a temperature of 22°C ± 2° and a relative humidity of 40 to 50 %. If conditions are outside these ranges, allow some time for the room and the materials within it to acclimate before you begin production.

Capsules are a popular and convenient method of delivering various pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. However, during the manufacturing and filling processes, defects can occur, affecting the quality and appearance of the capsules. In this article, we will discuss some common capsule defects and provide troubleshooting tips to help you address these issues.

If defects occur, try resolving the problem using one or more of these troubleshooting tips.

1. Lumpy or misshaped capsules

• If the capsules form lumps or are otherwise misshaped, check the conditions under which they were transported or stored. 
• Empty capsules should be maintained at a temperature between 15° and 30°C and relative humidity between 40 and 65%. Avoid exposing empty capsules to a direct source of light or heat. 
• Do not transfer capsules suddenly from a high-temperature environment to a low-temperature one.

2. Improper Rectification

• If the capsules are not being oriented properly (cap up), first make sure no one is using a plastic container to transport the capsules or a plastic scoop to load the capsule filler. 
• Plastic can cause an electrostatic charge to develop, hindering rectification. Use stainless steel containers and scoops instead.
• Also, check the gate knee and adjust it as necessary. Verify that the stroke of the pushers, or fingers, is set properly according to the joined length of the shells. 
• Also, check that the raceway is in good condition.

ALSO READ: SOP for Reprocessing of Capsules

3. Failure to Separate

• If the caps and bodies fail to separate, check the vacuum. On most capsule fillers, the gauge should read somewhere between 15 and 18 inches of mercury. 

• You may also need to adjust the gap between the machine’s cap segments and body segments. Check the timing of the solenoid valve and how well the segments’ holes align with the raceway fingers. Check the filter bag and clean it periodically.

If the filling machine must be stopped for more than 30 minutes, protect the capsule shells from direct exposure to the environment.

4. Dented Capsules

• Dents can form on the dome of the cap and/or body for a variety of reasons. One cause is improper setup which leads to the machine applying excessive pressure.
• To determine the correct setting, manually lock 20 capsules together and measure their length. Next, find the mean value and adjust the machine to that value with the help of a tie rod. 
• Another reason for dented capsules is overfilling. To correct this, weigh 20 filled capsules. The average weight should not exceed the specified volume of the capsules you’re using. If it does, considers using larger capsules.

ALSO READ: Working and Principle of Tablet Compression Machine

5. Telescoping

• This defect occurs when the cap and body misalign and the capsule body splits and a portion of it covers the cap. To eliminate this defect, make sure all the capsules are perfectly round. 
• Also check the alignment of the cap and body bushings, or segments, using a gauge designed for that purpose. The environmental conditions in the filling room can also contribute to this problem. 
• If the machine must be stopped for more than 30 minutes, protect the capsule shells from direct exposure to the environment.

6. Popping

• If the capsules open or elongate after filling, it’s likely due to excessive locking pressure or overfilling. It’s also possible that the locking mechanism is weak, but that’s a defect rarely seen in capsules supplied by reputable manufacturers.

7. Brittleness

• Check your storage conditions. When capsules lose moisture, often due to poor storage practices, they become brittle. 
• The threshold is approximately 12.5% moisture. Anything less will likely lead to brittleness. 
• Filled capsules that include a hygroscopic active or excipient can also cause brittleness.
• Capsules made from HPMC are less likely to become brittle.

8. Visual defects on the capsule shell

• Visual defects on the capsule shell can occur during the manufacturing or filling process. Some common visual defects include dents, scratches, and discoloration. 
• To address these issues, inspect the capsules using advanced algorithms and visual inspection systems. This will help you identify and rectify any defects before they reach the end consumer.

9. Capsule Leakage

• Leakage can occur if the capsules are not sealed properly during the manufacturing process. To prevent leakage, ensure that the sealing parameters of the capsule filling machine are correctly set and maintained.

In conclusion, troubleshooting common capsule defects is essential for maintaining the quality and appearance of your capsules. By following the tips provided in this article, you can effectively address these issues and ensure that your capsules meet the highest standards. Remember to store and handle capsules properly, use appropriate equipment, and invest in advanced inspection systems to minimize defects and maintain the integrity of your products.

ALSO READ: Causes and Remedies for Tablet Weight Variation