Abstract
Thermal effusivity relates to a material's ability to transfer heat. Applications of thermal effusivity sensor to evaluate the manufacturing and quality of pharmaceuticals are reviewed. The sensors use the thermal effusivity of samples to distinguish between water and powders with sensitivity down to 0.25 % moisture. Thermal effusivity can improve drying process control by providing real-time feedback about sample moisture content. The blending process and the optimal blending time for an experimental product were studied using a blender equipped with thermal effusivity sensors. The data obtained with thermal effusivity sensors was closely related to the current methodology using collected samples. Thermal effusivity measurements are an efficient tool to monitor real time blending behavior of pharmaceutical blends. In addition, optimal blending time can be determined using these sensors.