Complete Compliance

One of the testing criteria for mechanical strength of tablets and cores according to the USP <1216>, EP <2.9.7>, JP <14> and other pharmacopoeia is friability and abrasion testing. During the process of coating, transportation and packing the tablet will lose some amount of weight. To measure this weight loss, the samples are counted and weighed. Then the friability test is performed following the individual monographs of the relevant Pharmacopoeia. The tablets are tumbled at each turn of the drum of the friability testing instrument by a curved baffle that extends from the middle of the drum to the outer wall.

Automated Discharge

Clean the samples from any dust prior to the test. Weigh the samples and introduce them into the drum of the instrument. The drum can easily be opened for loading and cleaning. Alternatively it is possible to use the discharge opening to load the samples without opening the drum. Select a test method and start the run. The LCD with color-changing backlight shows the test status and results. Once the test is finished the drum revolution stops and the samples are discharged into a collector. The collector is made from clear Plexiglas and is magnetically fixed to the instrument base plate. It can easily be removed for cleaning and secured back into the proper position. The samples then have to be inspected for broken tablets, de-dusted and weighed again. The weight difference before and after the test is determined as friability; this usually should not exceed 1%.

Optional Abrasion Drums

The standard supply scope includes the friability (also known as “Roche”) drums, but abrasion drums are available as options. The standard friability drum causes the samples to roll and fall during the test while the abrasion drum continuously puts the sample under stress by contact with lamellas.

Different Speed Settings

A silent DC geared motor rotates the drums at a fixed speed of 25 rpm or at a selectable speed (setting can be locked). The actual drum is made from Plexiglas (Perspex) and is separated into two parts, the drum body and a removable cover, which opens to fill and clean the drum from the inside when required. The instrument itself is made from high quality stainless steel which fully meets the current GLP requirements. A friability drum with an additional anti-static coating is available as an option.