Editors' Picks of Pharmaceutical Science & Technology Innovations
Manufacturing flexibility is key for improving efficiency and reducing costs. Equipment that can be adjusted to run different
sizes depending on a company's needs enables flexibility, and designs that allow easy changeovers and maintenance reduce down-time
and improve efficiency. This month's featured products give manufacturers increased flexibility and improved dosing accuracy.
An all-electric, blow-fill-seal machine from Weiler Engineering has a modular fill system with quick disconnects and two container
sizes in the same mold. A capsule filler from MG America fills up to four ingredients in a capsule. A valve sensor from
Crane ChemPharma Flow Solutions improves valve performance.
Blow-fill-seal machine designed for aseptic injectable applications
AlterNova Capsule Filler MG America www.mgamerica.com
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Weiler Engineering's new, all-electric version of its Asep-Tech Model 628 blow-fill-seal machine is designed for aseptic filling
of injectable products in container sizes from 0.5–500 mL. Although hydraulic machines are currently used in injectable and
other markets today, the trend is towards using all-electric machines, which offer lower particulate generation, says Chuck
Reed, director of sales and marketing at Weiler. In addition to eliminating particulates potentially associated with hydraulic
systems, the Weiler machine uses the KleenKut ultrasonic knife to minimize particulate generation during cutting. The model
is designed for easy maintenance with an ergonomic, two-piece stepped base and a modular fill system designed for rapid changeover.
The modular design creates different container sizes by simply changing the mold insert. Tight fill-tolerances are met by
using a buffer tank to maintain constant pressure in the system.
Capsule filler accurately doses combination products
Asep-Tech Model 628 blow-fill-seal machine Weiler Engineering www.weilerengineering.com
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MG America's AlterNova capsule filler uses intermittent motion to fill capsules at a rate of 105,000 capsules/h and can be
upgraded to speeds of up to 180,000 capsules/h. Formulations are increasingly being run as combinations of materials, notes
Claudio Radossi, director of sales for of MG America. The AlterNova uses a tamping disc to fill powders, and also can fill
pellets, tablets, liquids, and various combinations of all four forms. Its dosing chamber can be quickly adjusted without
replacing parts for ease of operation, changeovers, and maintenance. Other features include: a touch-screen, human-machine
interface (HMI), PLC for machine functions control, motorized adjustment of machine speed from the monitor, HMI visualization
of obstruction in the capsule feeding tube, and powder excessive compression check with HMI visualization to indicate the
relevant station.
Valve sensor improves diaphragm valve performance
Saunders I-VUE Smart Valve SensorCrane ChemPharma Flow Solutionswww.cranechempharma.com
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Crane's Saunders I-VUE Smart Valve Sensor uses a highly accurate sensing technology to provide repeatable, reliable performance
on diaphragm valves in the range of 0.25–4 in. Diaphragm valves are widely used in biotechnology processes, but traditional
sensor technology offers limited control options. I-VUE technology overcomes this problem and delivers continuous information
on the valve position. The sensor has a self-setting feature that facilitates setting and programming of a switch. The sensor
can be operated as part of a network with programmable alarms. The valve can also be operated independently at the device
location for easier maintenance.
New Product Announcements may be sent to New Products Editor, Pharmaceutical Technology, 485 Route One South, Building F, First Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830, fax 732.647.1235, ptpress@advanstar.com
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