(342a) Adaptive PBM-DEM Framework for Wet Granulation: A Mechanistic, Multi-Component, and Bi-Directional Approach

A novel bi-directional multi-component coupling framework integrating Population Balance Modeling (PBM) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) for simulating wet granulation processes is introduced. In conventional approaches, liquid droplets are treated as granular particles in DEM, resulting in significant computational demands due to liquid droplet generation and deletion processes. To address this challenge, a novel method for incorporating liquid droplets within the PBM is proposed, enhancing the framework's ability to accurately simulate particle-liquid interactions crucial for granulation outcomes. Additionally, an adaptive system scaling method is introduced within DEM, which dynamically adjusts system dimensions to accommodate a fixed number of particles, reducing computational resources by 82% while maintaining simulation accuracy. By integrating these advancements, the effects of key process parameters, such as liquid-to-solid ratio and addition timing, on granulation processes are investigated. This research not only enhances understanding of granulation but also offers potential for advancements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.