Modelling of the Mechanism of Formation of Spherical Grains Obtained by the Quasi-Emulsion Crystallization Process

In order to improve particle properties, new processes combining granulation and crystallization are being developed. This present work deals with the spherical crystallization process by the quasi-emulsion mechanism applied to a pharmaceutical drug, ketoprofen. The dierent steps occurring in the process are ®rst the formation of an O/W emulsion, then the creation of the supersaturation of drug into the droplets by mass transfer and heat transfer, and ®nally the nucleation, growth and agglomeration of drug crystals inside the droplets. The mechanism of formation has been modelled in order to aid control of the size, shape and internal structure of grains as a function of the droplet size.