Hybrid optimization algorithm for enhanced performance and security of counter-flow shell and tube heat exchangers.

A shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) for heat recovery applications was studied to discover the intricacies of its optimization. To optimize performance, a hybrid optimization methodology was developed by combining the Neural Fitting Tool (NFTool), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), and Grey Relational Analysis (GRE). STHE heat exchangers were analyzed systematically using the Taguchi method to analyze the critical elements related to a particular response. To clarify the complex relationship between the heat exchanger efficiency and operational parameters, grey relational grades (GRGs) are first computed. A forecast of the grey relation coefficients was then conducted using NFTool to provide more insight into the complex dynamics. An optimized parameter with a grey coefficient was created after applying PSO analysis, resulting in a higher grey coefficient and improved performance of the heat exchanger. A major and far-reaching application of this study was based on heat recovery. A detailed comparison was conducted between the estimated values and the experimental results as a result of the hybrid optimization algorithm. In the current study, the results demonstrate that the proposed counter-flow shell and tube strategy is effective for optimizing performance.

Development of Novel RP-HPLC Method for Separation and Estimation of Critical Geometric Isomer and Other Related Impurities of Tafluprost Drug Substance and Identification of Major Degradation Compounds by Using LC-MS.

A novel, simple, sensitive and stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of the geometric isomer (Trans) and other related substances in the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) of Tafluprost (TFL), with their determination by an assay. A chromatographic separation of TFL and its impurities was achieved with a C18 analytical column, using gradient elution with mobile phase A consisting of a mixture of water, methanol and orthophosphoric acid (900:100:1, v/v) and mobile phase B consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and water (900:100, v/v). The instrumental settings included a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min for related substances and 1.2 mL/min for the assay, a column temperature of 50°C and a detector wavelength of 210 nm, using a photodiode array detector. TFL was exposed to thermal, photolytic, hydrolytic and oxidative stress conditions and the stressed samples were analyzed by the proposed method. Peak homogeneity data of TFL were obtained by using a photodiode array detector in the stressed sample chromatograms, which demonstrated the specificity of the method for estimation in the presence of degradants. The developed method was validated for parameters such as precision, accuracy, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, ruggedness and robustness as per ICH guidelines.

A Rapid Novel HPLC Method for Estimation of Eight Related Compounds in Azilsartan Kamedoxomil and Identification of Degradation Compounds by Using LC-MS.

A novel, rapid, specific and stability-indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the quantitative determination of related compounds, obtained from two different synthetic routes and degradation products of Azilsartan kamedoxomil (AZL). The method was developed by using a YMC-Pack pro C18 (150 × 4.6 mm, 3 µm) column with a mobile phase containing a gradient mobile phase combination. The eluted compounds were measured at wavelength 220 nm. The developed method run time was 25 min, within which AZL and its eight impurities were well separated with minimum 3.0 resolution. The drug substance was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis (acid, base and water), oxidation, photolysis, sunlight, 75% relative humidity and thermal degradation as per International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) prescribed stress conditions to ascertain the stability-indicating power of the method. Significant degradation was observed during acid, base, peroxide, water hydrolysis and 75% relative humidity studies. The mass balance of AZL was close to 100% in all the stress condition. The developed method was validated as per the ICH guidelines with respect to specificity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision and robustness.