Modelling pharmaceutical processes

Edinburgh-headquartered DEM Solutions, which develops discrete element modelling (DEM) software, is participating in an international partnership to improve manufacturing processes.

The company is collaborating with Rutgers University and its partner institutions, Purdue University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, in a research and technology programme aimed at improving pharmaceutical, food and agrochemical industrial processes.

The Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS) is a National Science Foundation-sponsored Engineering Research Centre (ERC) that brings together a cross-disciplinary team of academic and industry engineers, scientists and innovative technology firms. DEM Solutions’ particle mechanics simulation software, EDEM, enables detailed analysis and visualisation of particulate flow.  As a new member of the C-SOPS, DEM Solutions will contribute its DEM software technology and experience in industrial application of DEM.
 
Dr Fernando Muzzio, director of the C-SOPS and Professor of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Rutgers said: ‘We are pleased to welcome DEM Solutions as a new member of the C-SOPS. EDEM will provide us with enhanced capabilities to simulate complex particulate systems giving us valuable information for use in the research and development of key particulate manufacturing processes.’

The use of particle mechanics simulation software, such as EDEM, can lower experimental and prototyping costs because experimental design and process changes can be virtually modelled, tested, and evaluated.