PULVERIZER

PULVERIZER

• A pulverizer is an essential pharmaceutical instrument used in Rasashastra & Bhaishajya Kalpana for powdering or size reduction of raw materials into fine particles.

• It aids in achieving a uniform particle size, ensuring better bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of the drug.

• Both manual and mechanized forms are used depending on the nature and hardness of the drug.

CLASSICAL CONCEPT OF POWDERING (CHURNA NIRMANA)

• In Ayurveda, powdering is referred to as “Churna Nirmana”.

• It is an important step in the preparation of Churna Kalpana, Pishti, Bhasma, and Kalka.

Relevant Shloka:

"चूर्णानि शीघ्रकुर्वीत, लघु लोहानि छिन्ध्यताम्।
सुपर्णस्य बलं धृत्वा, वीर्येण न च हीयते॥"
(Charaka Samhita, Kalpa Sthana 1/7)

Meaning: The drugs should be powdered quickly, especially those that are light and potent, to prevent loss of potency.

TYPES OF PULVERIZER

TRADITIONAL DEVICES

• Khalva Yantra (Mortar and Pestle): Used for fine manual grinding.

• Okhli/Musal (Hand pounder): For coarse grinding of crude drugs.

• Silbatta (Grinding stone): For wet grinding or preparation of pastes.

MECHANICAL PULVERIZERS

• Hammer Mill:

  • Uses swinging hammers to shatter materials into fine particles.

  • Suitable for brittle substances.

• Ball Mill:

  • Uses steel balls in a rotating cylinder for grinding.

  • Provides very fine powder.

• Jet Mill:

  • High-speed air jets to reduce particle size without heat generation.

  • Used for heat-sensitive drugs.

• Impact Pulverizer:

  • High-speed rotor impact for rapid grinding.

  • Useful for medium-hard to soft substances.

• Ultrafine Grinder:

  • Produces micro-fine powders.

  • Used in nanotechnology-based formulations.

PURPOSE AND ADVANTAGES OF PULVERIZATION

• Increases surface area of the drug, enhancing absorption.

• Facilitates uniform mixing with other drugs or excipients.

• Improves palatability and dose accuracy.

• Essential for standardization and quality control.

• Facilitates better extraction of active constituents during decoction or infusion.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF PULVERIZER

• Nature of the material: hard, soft, fibrous, resinous.

• Desired fineness of the end product.

• Sensitivity of the material to heat or moisture.

• Volume of material to be processed.

• Need for continuous or batch processing.

GRADING OF POWDER (As per API & Ayurveda texts)

• Sthoola Churna (Coarse powder)

• Madhyama Churna (Moderate powder)

• Sukshma Churna (Fine powder)

• Ati-Sukshma Churna (Very fine powder)

Relevant Shloka:

"चूर्णं तु सुकुमारं स्यात्, यथामात्रं तदाचरेत्।
नात्यर्धं नाति लघु च, चूर्णीकरणमेव तत्॥"
(Ashtanga Hridaya, Kalpasthana)

Meaning: Powdering should be done to a fine extent as required for proper dosage and utility.

MODERN APPLICATIONS IN RASASHASTRA

• Pulverizers are vital in preparing ingredients for Bhasma, Pishti, Lepa, Vati, and Churna.

• Nanoparticle-based Ayurvedic drug delivery systems utilize ultra-fine grinders for nano Bhasmas.

• Use in GMP-certified Ayurvedic pharmaceutical industries for bulk drug production.

• Standardization via particle size analyzers is adopted for quality control.

INSTRUMENT MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY MEASURES

• Clean thoroughly after every use to avoid cross-contamination.

• Avoid overloading or heating to maintain drug integrity.

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) to avoid dust exposure.

• Regular calibration and maintenance of machinery.

RELEVANCE IN MODERN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

• Pulverizers are part of primary processing in pharmaceutical technology.

• Use in formulation development, dry granulation, and tablet manufacturing.

• Standard tools in GMP and ISO-certified pharmaceutical companies.

• Useful in processing mineral drugs, herbal powders, and nutraceuticals.