Tianfu soft capsule adhensive ingredient system is a highly precise subsystem, often considered the "heart" of a softgel manufacturing machine. Unlike tablet pressing, this system handles liquids, melts, or pastes, requiring extreme accuracy to ensure every capsule contains the exact labeled amount of active ingredient.
Here is the technical breakdown of a Soft Capsule Dosing System.
💧 System Overview: The "Positive Displacement" Principle
The core challenge of softgel dosing is handling fluids that may be viscous (like herbal extracts) or volatile (like essential oils) without dripping or creating air bubbles.
Most modern systems use a Positive Displacement Pump mechanism. Instead of relying on gravity (which is inconsistent), the machine mechanically forces a specific volume of material into the die.
The Goal:
- Weight Accuracy: Typically ±1% to 3%.
- Zero Dripping: The nozzle must cut off the flow cleanly to prevent sealing issues.
- Bubble-Free: Air bubbles in the nozzle lead to empty or under-filled capsules.
⚙️ Key Components of the Dosing System
There are two main types of pumps used in dosing systems:
- Double-Plunger Pump (The Industry Standard):
- Uses two ceramic or stainless steel plungers. While one plunger fills, the other injects.
- Benefit: Provides a continuous, pulse-free flow. It is excellent for high-viscosity pastes and ensures very high weight accuracy.
- Peristaltic Pump:
- Uses rollers to squeeze a tube.
- Benefit: The product only touches the tube (easy to clean, hygienic). Good for lower viscosity oils.
- Jacketed Heating: If the material is a melt (like PEG or oils that solidify at room temp), the tank has a heating jacket to keep it fluid.
- Agitation: A slow-speed stirrer keeps the mixture homogeneous (preventing ingredients from settling) without introducing air bubbles.
- Vacuum Feeding: In advanced systems, the material is fed into the pump under vacuum to ensure the dosing chamber is completely filled with liquid, not air.
- Design: A specialized "wedge" shaped nozzle that fits between the two rotating gelatin ribbons.
- Heated Tip: The nozzle tip is often heated to prevent the material from cooling and clogging as it exits.
- Lubrication: A micro-dosing of oil is often applied to the nozzle to prevent sticking.
📝 Typical Technical Specifications
Parameter Specification
Dosing Mechanism Double-Plunger Pump (Ceramic/Stainless)
Dosing Volume 0.1 ml to 30 ml (depending on pump size)
Accuracy ±1% to ±3% (High precision)
Material Contact SUS316L, PTFE, Ceramic
Tank Capacity 20L - 100L (Jacketed & Insulated)
Control System Servo Motor Control (for precise plunger stroke)
Cleaning CIP (Clean-in-Place) capable
🎯 The Dosing Workflow
Summary: The Soft Capsule Dosing System is a high-precision fluid handling unit. It uses Positive Displacement Pumps (usually double-plunger) to inject exact amounts of liquid into gelatin ribbons. Its performance dictates the weight consistency and sealing quality of the final softgel.
