Editor's Choice 200
February 1, 2008
Powder Filling and Vacuum Drying
A filling and packaging line is designed for powder filling and vacuum drying. The line consists of Inova components: a VWM 218 washing machine, an SHT 1L sterilizing tunnel with a sterilizable cooling zone, a VFVM 7021 filling and closing machine prepared for an isolator, fully automatic loading and unloading units for the vacuum dryer, a crimping machine, an isolator, and a Klee vacuum dryer. A transfer port is installed in the top of the isolator to ensure contamination-free transfer of pharmaceutical powder from the product storage container to the isolator. Here, a double-lid principle in which two lids protect each other when opened ensures that transport will be sterile and free of particle contamination. Product is safely transferred to the auger filler through an internally routed telescopic tube. The auger filler places one gram of powder into the previously sterilized vials and is equipped for one format. The dosing system operates with a filling accuracy srel of ±3%. The filled containers can then either be closed directly or they can be dried before closing. After automatic vial loading and unloading, dried products are processed in a crimping station.
Optima Group Pharma, Green Bay, WI 920-339-2222 www.optima-usa.com
Vibratory Separator
The Finex separator is a high-capacity vibratory separator that is suitable for sizing, check-screening, and grading a variety of powders. In one pass, materials can be screened to remove oversized contaminants or they can be separated into five different portions to ensure that the final product meets precise specifications. The unit is designed to keep maintenance to a minimum and is available in a range of sizes and finishes to suit different applications. The unit offers measurable operating benefits that include accurate particle-size separation, increased separation efficiency, and consistent product quality.
Russell Finex Inc., Pineville, NC 704-588-9808 www.russellfinexusa.com
High-Volume Separator
The Megatex XD is designed to meet the demanding screening requirements of high-volume applications. The compact unit features a high-capacity-per-square-foot screen cloth, a screen deck slope of 6° to meet demanding product specifications and maximize screen efficiency, and an external-drive cartridge that allows continuous operation up to 400ºF. With equal feed distribution to all screen decks, a uniform bed depth across the entire screen surface, and aggressive blinding control that uses durable mesh-cleaning balls, the unit provides elliptical-linear motion that offers high screening performance to accurately and efficiently handle coarse to fine separations from ¼ in. to 100 mesh. The separator also features a patented lift-rail system with nonbinding stainless-steel cam activation for easy screen frame installation and removal.
Rotex Global LLC, Cincinnati, OH 800-453-2321 www.rotex.com
Spark Detection System
The CC5000 spark detection system is economically suitable for small to mid-sized facilities needing one, two, four, or more zones of protection. The system can reduce the risk of dust fires and explosions in pneumatic conveying systems by detecting and extinguishing sparks and embers before they reach the collection and storage equipment. A sensor detects the spark’s infrared radiation and signals the control console to trigger an atomized water spray to immediately extinguish the flare-up. Relays can be connected to PLCs for equipment shutdown or other actions. The system is Factory Mutual approved.
GreCon Inc., Tigard, OR 503-641-7731 www.grecon-us.com
Compact Vacuum Conveyor
Engineered to be compact yet powerful, the C2100-64 quietly and hygienically conveys powder and bulk materials in spaces with low ceilings or limited space. The unit features COAX multistage ejector technology, consuming less air and energy than other compressed-air-driven conveyors. The design improves vacuum-assisted flow by 25% without affecting energy consumption. Because it is powered by COAX technology, the conveyor can transport up 1½ tn/hr of powders and granules. Constructed of Type AISI 316L stainless steel (EN 1.4404), the unit is designed to withstand the most demanding manufacturing environments. It can be equipped with a Mahle filter, which is recommended for powders with a particle size of 0.5 µm and greater, depending on the powder properties.
PIAB, Hingham, MA 781-337-7309 www.piab.com
Flexible Screw Conveyor
The Aero-Flex flexible screw conveyor provides an economical method of metering product from bulk bag unloaders, bag dump stations, and storage vessels. Available in a range of sizes, the unit transfers powders over distances of up to 40 ft at rates up to 10 tn/hr for materials with a bulk density of 40 lb/cu ft. The conveyor can be used to refill packaging machine hoppers and meter feed into mix tanks. Applications include lime addition, gain-in-weight hopper filling, and bulk bag discharging.
Vac-U-Max, Belleville, NJ 800-822-8629 www.vac-u-max.com
Continuous-Indexing Vacuum Belt Filter
This belt filter has an active width of 11½ ft and overall dimensions of 17 ft wide × 79 ft long with a weight of 28 tn. The machine is used to filter and wash high-value solid particles out of an alkaline solution. The technology can be used to produce thin cake as small as 5 mm on a continuous basis. Vacuum filtration, cake washing, vacuum or hot-gas drying with mechanical compression, and automatic and continuous dry-cake discharge steps are tailored to meet specific process requirements. Preliminary benchtop tests can be conducted in the company’s lab, while rental filters are available for on-site testing.
BHS-Filtration Inc., Charlotte, NC 704-845-1190 www.bhs-filtration.com
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