Tap Density Tester SOP

1.0 OBJECTIVE :

To lay down a procedure for the operation and calibration of Tap Density Tester.

2.0 SCOPE :

This SOP is applicable for the operation and calibration of Tap Density Tester used for measuring tapped density of samples.

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY :

The QC Staff shall be responsible for:

Following the procedure for operation of Tap Density Tester.

Following the procedure for calibration of Tap Density Tester.

The Manager-QC shall be responsible for:

Ensuring compliance of the SOP

4.0 ACCOUNTABILITY:

Quality Control Head

5.0 PROCEDURE :

5.1 Operation of Tap Density Tester:

Place the cylinder holder on the anvil of the desired method on instrument.

Switch on the power and then the instrument by using the switch provided on the rear side of it.

Using digit scroll key set the mode of operation as USP or USER.

Set the method for the test as USP I or USP II using METHOD key.

Press the SET key and set the tap count I (500 taps as per USP) by using the UP/DOWN and DIGIT scroll key. Then press the enter key to go to the next parameter i.e. tap count II and tap count III.

Set the tap count II (750 taps as per USP) and tap count III (1250 as per USP) using UP/DOWN and DIGIT scroll keys. Then press the enter key.

Press the enter key and ensure that the time is displayed on the screen.

Again press the enter key and ensure that the display shows date on the screen. Set the date if required using the UP/DOWN digit scroll key.

Press the enter key and wait till the display shows ‘PRINT LAST RESULT? Y/N’. Set it to Y or N as required.

Press the set key to exit from the set menu.

Press the start key and enter the weight of sample.

Fill weighed sample in cylinder and lock it properly. Then press the enter key and note down the volume. Enter it (Vo) using UP/DOWN and DIGIT keys.

Press start key to run the test.

After the programmed tap count is over, measure the volume (Va) to its nearest graduated unit. Then press the enter key.

Press the start key to continue Tap count II and measure the tapped volume (Vb).

If the difference between the two volumes is less than 2 % then Vb is the final tapped volume, otherwise continue the test until the difference between succeeding measurements is less than 2%.

Press the stop key and note down the tapped density displayed on the screen. Similarly calculate the initial density, Hausner ratio, compressibility index etc.

Take the print of completed test reports and press the set key from the front panel to initialize the instrument for a new test.

Make entries in log book.

Precautions:

Keep the shaft and the tip of the cylinder holder clean.

Place the cylinder in the holder and make sure that it is properly locked.

5.2 Calibration of TAP Density Tester :

Operate the instrument as per operating procedure.

Select method 1 and set drops per minute as 300. Operate instrument and count the number of drops per minute using stopwatch. Note down the counts in calibration protocol.

Select method 2 and set drops per minute as 250. Operate instrument and count the number of drops per minute using stopwatch.

Note down the counts in calibration protocol

Acceptance Criteria:

Drop per minutes should be 300 ± 2%.

6.0 Abbreviations:

Abbreviation Expanded form

SOP Standard Operating Procedure

No. Number

Q.C. Quality Control

QA Quality Assurance

Dept Department

No. Number