(University of Bath)

Available in Windows and Web/Intranet Versions ISBN: 1 84211 018 8
Programmed by : Andrew Relf
Project Designers : Dr. Steve Moss, Prof. Peter Redfern
Original Material : Capsugel Brochure : "All about the Hard Gelatine Capsule"

The package covers all the operations performed by different types of filling machine in the delivery of a variety of fill materials to hard gelatin capsules, along with some general information applicable to the filling operation.

The aims of the package are:

  1. To show, with the aid of animations, the operation of a number of different forms of filling machine.
  2. To provide a knowledge of how different types of fill are administered to hard gelatin capsules.
  3. To provide a basic understanding of the capsule filling process.

A single screen from one of the activity modules.

Contents

The package is divided into 7 subjects containing a total of 20 activity modules.

  1. Introduction
  2. Filling of Liquids
  3. Filling of Powders
  4. Filling of Pellets
  5. Filling of Tablets
  6. Capsule Specifications
  7. Capsule Defects

Many of the activities within the package follow a similar structure:


First, the user is presented with a brief filling animation followed by a Main Menu from which he or she selects the topics they wish to study. The main topics are divided into categories depending on the types of fill to be delivered to the capsules. Other topics that have a bearing on the main sections (Defect Classification, Fault Diagnosis and Capsule Specifications) are housed as an addendum to the main categories.


When users first enter a main activity, they are given a brief introduction to the selected filling operation followed by a labelled diagrammatic representation of the filling machine. Selection of the 'Options' Menu will provide the user with a number of different operations (labels, the display of extra information, annotated or continuous animation) that can be performed on the schematic. Sometimes other buttons will be presented, offering alternative displays.


There are a few activities that do not follow exactly the general format. These include :

  • About Filling Machines - gives a very brief overview of the processes involved in the filling of hard gelatin capsules.
  • Capsule Specifications - a purely informational section that gives a summary of the standards required by the U.S. and British and European Pharmacopoeias.
  • Defect Classification - outlines the different defects that can occur in capsules as a result of the filling.
  • Fault Diagnosis - a diagnostic tool that specifies where and how specified capsule defects can occur in different makes of filling machine.

Each activity is only three to five screens long but is as interactive as possible. A large amount of information can be accessed from each screen; the user is in complete control of the package and dissemination of any of the information is entirely at his or her discretion. A map, enabling the user to jump directly between activities and a detailed glossary are also provided.


Hardware and Software Requirements

Windows Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc and can be installed to a local hard disc or network drive. The minimum requirement is a PC with 100MHz Pentium processor , 8Mb of RAM and a VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65, 536 colors) at 640 x 480 resolution. The program is 32-bit and is compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT.
Web Version
The package is supplied on a CD-ROM Installation Disc for installation to a web server. The software runs on PC clients only. The minimum requirement is a 200MHz Pentium processor with 32Mb of RAM and a Super VGA monitor capable of displaying 16-bit color (65,536 colors) at 800 x 600 resolution. The program is compatible with both Netscape Navigator 4.x and Internet Explorer 4 or better and requires Java and Javascript to be enabled on browsers.