Priscilla Robinson

US Patent:

59383305, Aug 17, 1999

Filed:

Jan 5, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/003051

Inventors:

Priscilla A. Robinson - Narberth PA
Fernando J. Muzzio - Monroe NJ
Dean Brone - Green Brook NJ
Kevin Connor - Trenton NJ
Carolyn Wightman - Edison NJ

Assignee:

Merck & Co., Inc. - Rahway NJ
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick NJ

International Classification:

B01F 908

US Classification:

366224

Abstract:

A study was done to compare the performance of a conventional V-blender to a V-blender that incorporates perturbations of the particle flow by rocking the mixing vessel during its normal rotation. Mixing was investigated using glass beads with sizes from 66. mu. to 600. mu. in vessels of approximately one liter volume. Mixture uniformity was assessed qualitatively, using two different methods. One method involved a transparent mixing vessel where it was possible to see particle flow patterns and assess the state of the mixture at its surface during the entire experiment. The second method involved disposable aluminum mixing vessels, where the mixture was solidified by infiltrating the mixture with a binder. By slicing the solidified structure, it was possible to assess the entire state of the mixture including its interior structure after the completion of each experiment. Mixture uniformity was also assessed quantitatively using image analysis of the slices.