MIXING APPARATUS AND METHOD

摘要

Mixing of components, e.g. pharmaceutical actives and excipients, is carried out while monitoring the spectroscopic profile of the mixture during the mixing process so that the spectroscopic profile may be used to determine the point at which mixing is terminated. In one embodiment of the invention, the spectroscopic data is collected by means of a monitoring unit mounted on the mixing vessel. the mixing vessel being mounted and driven so as to rotate or oscillate mounted and thereby effect mixing of its contents and the monitoring unit being mounted for rotation or oscillation with the vessel. When the spectroscopic data indicates that mixing has progressed to a desired state, e.g. the production of a homogeneous blend, the monitoring unit transmits a signal to the drive source to terminate rotation or oscillation of the vessel.