Definition:

Mixing may be defined as an operation in which two

or more components in a separate or roughly mixed.
The conditions are treated so that each particle lies as
nearly as possible in contact with a particle of each of
the other ingredients.

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Application of mixing:
• Mixing is an intermediate stage in the preparation
of several dosage forms.
• Wet mixing in the granulation step in the
production of tablet and capsules.
• Dry mixing of several ingredients ready for direct
compression of tablet.
• Dry blending of powder in capsule, dry syrup and
compound powder (insufflations).
• Production of pellets for capsule.
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Mixing are three types:
1. Solid-solid mixing

2. Liquid-liquid mixing

3. Solid-liquid mixing

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Solid-solid mixing:
This is the process in which two or more than two solid
substance are mixed in a mixer by continuous
movement of the particle.
Mechanism of mixing in solids:
1. Connective mixing: Inversion of powder bed using
blades or screw element or paddles.
2. Shear mixing: Force of attraction are broken down
so that each particle moves on its own between
region of different composition.
3. Diffusive mixing: Random motion of particles
within the powder bed thereby particle change their
position relative to one another 4
Solid-solid mixing steps:
In the solid- solid mixing operation four steps are
involved:
1. Expansion of the bed of solid
2. Application of three dimensional shear forces to
the powder bed
3. Mix log enough to permit true randomization of
particle
4. Maintain randomization ( no segregation after
mixing)

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Degree of mixing:
• Ideal mixing or perfect mixing
• Acceptable mixing
• Random mixing
• Ordered mixing

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Methods of solid-solid mixing:
The powders may be mixed by following methods:
1. Spatulation: Mixing of powder is done by movement of
a spatula throughout the powders on the sheet of paper.
2. Trituration: This is used both to reduce the particle size
and mix powder. A glass mortar-pastel may be preferred
for chemicals.
3. Sifting: The powder is mixed by passing through sifters.
This processes result in a light fluffy product. Used for
incorporation of potent drugs into a diluent base.
4. Tumbling: In this the powder is mixed in a large
container rotated by an electric motor. This is employed in
the large industry. To be continue……………
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5. Geometric dilution: This method is used when potent
substance are too mixed with a large amount of diluent.
For example:
100 mg potent drug mixed in 900mg of lactose.
According to geometric dilution-
100mg of potent drug + 100mg of lactose = 200mg mixture
200mg of potent drug + 200mg of lactose = 400mg mixture
400mg of potent drug + 400mg of lactose = 800mg mixture
800mg of potent drug + remaining of lactose=1000mg mixture
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Classification of mixers :
a) Batch Type mixers
1. Tumblers
2. V-cone blender or twin shell blender
3. Double cone blender
4. Tumbling blender with agitator mixing blade
5. Ribbon blender
6. Sigma blade mixer
7. Planetary mixer
8. Fluidized mixer
b) Continuous Type mixers
9. Barrel type continuous mixer
10. Zigzag type 9
V-cone blender or twin shell blender:

Double cone blender:

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Ribbon blender:

Sigma blade mixer:

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Planetary mixer:

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Liquid-liquid mixing:
Liquid-liquid mixing is the formation of homogenous
system by the application of shear.
Mechanism of mixing:
The mechanism of mixing can be classified into four classes .
1. Bulk transport
2. Turbulent
3. Laminar mixing
4. Molecular diffusion

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Bulk transport:
Movement of a large portion of a material from one location
to another location in a given system.
For this rotating blades and paddles are used.
Turbulent:
Mixing due to turbulent flow, which results in random
fluctuation of the fluid velocity at any given point within the
system.
Laminar mixing:
Mixing of two dissimilar liquids through laminar flow
Molecular diffusion:
Mixing at molecular level in which molecules diffuse due to
thermal motion.
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Mixing equipments for liquid-liquid mixing:
The mixing apparatus consist a container (tank) and a
mixing device. A mixing device is called impeller,
which is mounted with the help of shaft. The shaft is
driven by a motor. Three main types of impeller are
used namely-
Propeller Turbine Paddles

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Airjet mixer:
Principle: when compressed airjet are
passed from the bottom of a vessel,
air bubble are formed in the liquid
phase. The liquid flow down from the
periphery of the vessel & enter from
the bottom due to suction effect.
Thus mixing is achieved
Uses: For mixing of liquid of low viscosity, non-foaming,
non-reactive with gas

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Jet mixing:
Principle: The liquid to be mixed
are pumped separately into a jet
mixer at different velocities. The
high velocity fluid has a lower
static pressure than surrounding
liquids(higher static pressure )

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Mixing of semisolids or solid-liquid mixing :
Semisolid dosage form included ointment, paste, creams, pastes and
jellies etc.
Theory/Mechanism of semisolid mixing or solid-liquid
mixing:
When we mix the solid (powder) in a liquid a number of stages can be
observed as the liquid portion is increased.
1. Powder stage: Small liquid + bulk powder small pellets
2. Pellet state: More liquid + small pellets coarse granules
3. Plastic state: More liquid + coarse granules clay like consistency
4. Sticky state: More liquid + clay like consistency paste like mass
5. Liquid state: More liquid + paste like mass

Decrease in consistency until a fluid state is reached.

The rate of homogenization is rapid
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Mixing equipments:
Classification of equipments:
Agitator mixer: Sigma blade mixer & planetary mixer
Shear mixer: Triple roller mill, ribbon blender &
colloid mill

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Factors influencing mixing:
• Nature of surface: Rough surface of material improper
mixing. Smooth surface of material ideal mixing.
• Particle size: Same size particle better mixing. Different
size particle improper mixing.
• Particle shape: Spherical particle uniform mixing.
Irregular shape less chance of separation due to
interlocking of particle.
• Particle charge: Electrostatic charges on the particle
exert attractive forces result separation or segregation.
• Proportion of materials: Equal portion by weight or by
volume give best result. Large difference in portion
improper mixing. 20
THANK YOU

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