Velocity Field Visualization in USP Dissolution Apparatus 3 Using Particle Image Velocimetry

PURPOSE: The hydrodynamics in USP dissolution apparatus 3, at five different dip rates, was characterized by analyzing phase-averaged velocity fields obtained using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). METHODS: Phase locked 2 Component-PIV (2C–PIV) measurements were recorded on a typical dissolution apparatus 3 configuration with a black painted tablet fixed at the center of the bottom porous screen of the reciprocating cylinder. A trigger mechanism was employed to capture data over 12 phase positions for each reciprocation cycle. Data were captured over a fixed number of cycles, based on dip rate, and the resultant images were post-processed to obtain phase-averaged velocity fields at each phase. RESULTS: For all dip rates studied, the sinusoidal nature of the cylinder’s reciprocating motion was evident in the images. The phase positions, in which the cylinder was completely submerged, were characterized by recirculation of liquid through the cylinder, top fitting cap, vessel-cylinder annulus, and bottom fitting cap. The direction of recirculation was opposite for phase positions during the up- and downstrokes. The end positions of the up- and downstrokes were characterized by vortices below and above the cylinder respectively. Increasing dip rates led mainly to increasing velocity magnitudes while all flow characteristics, in general, were retained. CONCLUSIONS: The hydrodynamics in typical USP dissolution apparatus 3 is characterized by cyclic phase-dependent flow fields. Specifically, the velocity field distribution within dissolution apparatus 3 is greatly influenced by the relative position of the top cap to the liquid level in the cylinder.