Development of a Dry Powder Multi-dose Inhaler using Computational Modeling

This paper is based on developing a new reusable multi-dose dry powder inhaler at low cost since available multi-dose inhalers are not affordable to poor. Low cost is achieved by making the inhaler reusable. Layer separation method of the blister strip was used in the new model. It is capable of holding a blister strip, having a maximum of 60 doses. Therefore the patient is able to use it at least a month before reloading. Initial geometry of the inhalation air chamber was modeled by considering the simplicity of construction. Commercially available 3D software tool named Pro/E was used to create the virtual geometrical model. Computational fluid dynamic software tool named Star/CD was used for the numerical analysis. Analyses were carried out for varying inlet diameters and outlet diameters for the inhalation air chamber at volume flow rate (60L/min). Velocity, pressure and particle track distributions were studied. Optimum values for each dimension were obtained. Other dimensions were kept constant while changing one parameter. Device resistance to the air flow through the inhaler was considered as a key factor for the inhaler model.