ABSTRACT
The extrusion control system is the primary link between the operator and the overall machine system. The main purpose of the control system is to provide an efficient means to control and monitor key process parameters, including (but not limited to) speed, temperature, and pressure. Accurate temperature control of the extruder barrel, die, and auxiliary equipment is important for any application, but it is even more critical for pharmaceutical applications. Electric heating is the most common method of heating modern extrusion machinery, including a vast majority of those machines processing pharmaceuticals. Zone temperature is monitored by means of thermocouples or resistance temperature detectors (RTDs). Programmable controllers are used on very simple control systems with relatively few inputs and outputs (I/O) to very large systems with enormous amounts of I/O and high-end communications and control features. Benefits of a successfully implemented process analytical technology (PAT) program include expedited development of new products, faster manufacturing cycle times, increased efficiency/productivity, and reduced waste.
