Hydrodynamic and species transfer simulations in the USP 4 dissolution apparatus: considerations for dissolution in a low velocity pulsing flow.
OBJECTIVE
To simulate the hydrodynamics in the flow-through (USP 4) dissolution apparatus and investigate the effects of hydrodynamics on mass transfer in a low velocity pulsing flow.


METHODS
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the hydrodynamics and mass transfer in pulsing flow. Experimental flow visualisation was used to qualitatively confirm simulated hydrodynamic and mass transfer features. The experimental dissolution rate at 8 ml min(-1) (22.6 mm flow-through cell) was compared to the experimental dissolution rate in a free convection system.


RESULTS
Simulations revealed periods of low velocity at all flow rates, evidence of boundary layer separation, and, at higher flow rates, residual fluid motion during zero inlet velocity periods. The simulated diffusion boundary layer thickness varied in certain regions over the course of the pulse. The experimental dissolution rate in the free convection system was faster than that at 8 ml min(-1) in the flow-through apparatus.


CONCLUSIONS
A low velocity pulsing flow running counter to gravity inhibited the experimental dissolution rate compared to that in a free convection system. From the CFD simulations generated, simulation of both hydrodynamics and species transfer is recommended to characterise the influence of hydrodynamics on dissolution in a low velocity pulsing flow.
D'Arcy
Deirdre M
DM
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. ddarcy@tcd.ie
Liu
Bo
B
Bradley
Geoff
G
Healy
Anne Marie
AM
Corrigan
Owen I
OI
D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D046210:Microfluidic Analytical Techniques; D011673:Pulsatile Flow; D012212:Rheology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012995:Solubility; D012996:Solutions
D012996:Solutions