UK-based Copley Scientifics has developed a system that tests the friability of hard solid dosage forms.
The new Friabimat SA-400 offers an alternative to conventional drum testers, which are sometimes unable to determine the friability of some hard-coated and uncoated tablets, granules and spheroids.
Samples are shaken within a glass vessel, in the horizontal plane, by means of an oscillating arm that operates at a defined rate. Particles rub against and collide with one another and/or the vessel walls, causing friability and abrasion. Varying the speed, in the range 0-400 oscillations per minute, controls abrasion intensity, and the test time can be set from 0-9999 seconds.
With tests taking an average of between two and four minutes, the system is suitable for both quality control and research applications.
The Friabimat SA-400 has a small footprint unit originally designed for testing granules and pellets, is ideal for such materials.
Its use is detailed in Chap 2.9.41 (Method B) of the European Pharmacopoeia, which came into effect on 1 January 2008.