Emerson has joined the Engineering Research Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS) as an industrial member. C-SOPS is a National Science Foundation funded centre consisting of Rutgers University in New Jersey, USA, Purdue University, in Indiana, USA, the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. The centre has a dual mission. The first part is to build the fundamental science base for the rational design, development, and manufacture of multi-component particulate products for the pharmaceutical, food, agrochemical, nutraceutical and other industries. The second aim is to develop the technology so the science can be incorporated into industrial manufacturing practice. A pharmaceutical tablet is a common example of a multi-component particulate system; a better understanding of the science behind powder flow, blending, and compression into tablets will allow improved design and manufacture of this major dosage form. “We’re pleased to be part of this multi-company, multi-institute effort to advance the science of particulate products," said Saroj Patnaik, director, life sciences, Emerson Process Management. “The advances made at the centre will enable manufacturers to be more efficient and return better value to their stakeholders. As a leading supplier of process automation technology, that is our mission as well.” Scientific and technology advances made at the centre will enable the development of less expensive, more efficient manufacturing processes, with less wasted material. With an increased understanding of the role of structure on the properties and function of the final structure, manufacturers can design enhanced products. In some cases, such as pharmaceuticals, entirely new dosage forms can be developed. Emerson joins a distinguished list of 30 industry members who bring their resources and knowledge to work with the cross-disciplinary team of over 40 faculty members from all four partner schools. Industrial members include finished goods manufacturers and the companies who supply them with equipment, raw materials, instruments, and software.
