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IBCs for Pharmaceutical OSD Powder Handling
Pharmaceutical OSD (oral solid dosage) powders need careful, controlled handling at every stage of production. An IBC system built around the right container sizes gives you the throughput you need while keeping operator workload low. Matching IBC size to your batch volumes is one of the most effective ways to improve system efficiency across the whole production line.
Matcon offers IBC sizes from 50 litres to 3,500 litres, giving you the flexibility to handle everything from small development batches to large-scale commercial production. Smaller IBCs work well for processing short order sizes or smaller volume, high-potency compounds. Larger IBCs allow you to combine lots or run bigger batches without adding extra handling steps. Whatever your output target, there is a size combination that fits your process.
How Does Cone Valve Technology Improved Pharmaceutical Powder Handling?
The unique Cone Valve technology inside each Matcon IBC solves the powder handling problems that slow down pharmaceutical manufacturing. Bridging, rat-holing, and blend segregation are all prevented by the way the Cone Valve controls discharge from the outlet of the container. This matters most in pharmaceutical production, where blend uniformity is a regulatory requirement, not just a quality preference.
Unlike butterfly valve containers, Matcon's Cone Valve delivers reliable, controlled discharge whether you are handling free-flowing powders or cohesive, difficult powder materials. This consistent performance is seen even in the largest IBC sizes, where other systems often struggle. The result is a cleaner, more repeatable process with fewer interventions from operators. For manufacturers working to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, that level of control is essential.
Why Does IBC Size Selection Matter in OSD Production?
Choosing the right IBC size is not just about capacity. It directly affects how many handling steps your operators need to complete, how long changeovers take, and how much cleaning is required between batches. Oversizing an IBC for a small batch means poor fill ratios and inconsistent blending. Undersizing means too many containers in circulation and more connections to make and break.
Matcon's approach is to size the IBC fleet to match your actual batch sizes and production schedule. This reduces idle time, keeps the production line moving, and cuts down on the number of containers you need to clean and store. A well-sized IBC system supports efficient manufacturing. For manufacturers looking at how to structure a pharmaceutical facility around IBCs, the guide on single vs two floor pharmaceutical facilities is a useful starting point.
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Key Features of Using IBCs for Pharmaceutical OSD Manufacturing
- Range of IBC sizes from 50 to 3,500 litres to suit manufacturing volumes
- Easy handling & movement around the facility
- Stackable design to save valuable floor space
- Airtight storage capability to maintain product integrity over the long term
- Discharge control that prevents segregation, rat-holing & bridging
- Closed transfer connections to support dust-free, contained operation
- Compatible with GMP cleaning systems including wet wash and air wash options
Related Pages
Click on the links below to access the other processing steps:
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A Better Way To Handle Tablets Using IBCs
Handling tablets in larger batches using IBCs reduces the amount of labour needed to move containers and make and break connections at each stage of the tablet finishing process. Fewer transfer events mean better control, stronger traceability and recording throughout tablet processing.
A single Tablet IBC can replace multiple drums and offers automatic filling capabilities, while reducing the risk of breakage or damage during transfer. For operations running high volumes of tablets, moving from drums to IBCs at the tablet handling stage delivers measurable improvements in throughput and production efficiency..

Frequently Asked Questions about IBCs for OSD Production :
Matcon offers IBCs ranging from 50 litres to 3,500 litres. Smaller sizes are suited to development batches, high-potency compounds, and short production runs. Larger sizes support combining lots and high-volume commercial manufacturing.
The right size is selected based on your batch sizes, throughput targets, and cleaning requirements.
The Cone Valve controls powder discharge from the outlet of the IBC using an active mechanism that prevents segregation, bridging, and rat-holing. As the valve opens up into the powder, it promotes mass flow discharge through the annular gap, meaning all the powder moves together rather than channelling through the centre.
This keeps the blend composition consistent from the first gram discharged to the last, which is critical for dose uniformity in OSD manufacturing.
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Each IBC can be tracked through the production process, creating a clear audit trail from dispensing through blending, granulation, compression, and packing. This supports batch record keeping and makes it easier to respond to deviations or regulatory queries. The contained, single-container approach also reduces the risk of mix-ups compared to managing multiple drums per batch.
Matcon Powder IBCs are compatible with the Matcon Cleaning module, which offers a range of automation options, from a manually operated wash lance at the simpler end through to a fully automatic wash station.
The right level of automation depends on your throughput requirements, the number of IBCs you are cleaning per shift, and the degree of operator involvement that suits your facility.






