APACT13

APACT13

MSG Sponsored Process Raman Spectroscopy Session

Chester 24-26^th April 2013

The MSG sponsored this session at the annual APACT Conference (Advances in Process Analytics and Control Technology). The conference attracted 120 attendees and the Process Raman session, which was one of two parallel streams, was attended by approximately 50 people. The session was a good blend of academic, chemical and pharmaceutical applications of the technique.

Because Raman spectroscopy can be non-invasive and often requires no sample preparation it is well suited to making on-line or in-line measurements. For samples such as tablets the Raman measurement may be made via 180o backscattering or via the more recent technique of transmission Raman (collection of the Raman signal on the axis of the exciting laser). Fundamental work is still needed to determine which sampling geometry offers the “best” results in terms of representative sampling of layered samples and composite materials.

Raman spectroscopy is also well suited to measurements of aqueous process streams where the weak scattering cross-section of water makes it a good solvent. As well as organic materials in water Raman can also measure molecular ions such as sulphate. In-line Raman spectroscopy was shown to be a successful method of monitoring sulphate in brine streams containing solid NaCl particles.

Polymorphs of drug substances may be characterised by differences in their Raman spectra. Controlling polymorphic form during the processing of drug substances into formulated products is a critical quality parameter for the pharmaceutical industry. Raman spectroscopy was shown to be a useful tool for quantitative monitoring of polymorphic form during high shear wet granulation

The presentations at this session were:

“Quantitative Raman Spectroscopy in Turbid Matter: Reflection or Transmission Mode?” Rudolf W Kessler, Reutlingen Research Institute, Reutlingen University,, Germany

“Quantitative In-Line Process Raman Spectroscopy in a Salt Plant” Henk-Jan van Manen, Akzo Nobel Research, Deventer, The Netherlands

“In Process Monitoring of Drug Form Changes during High Shear Wet Granulation using Raman Spectroscopy” Xuan Dai, Bristol Myers Squibb, Moreton, U.K.