Sepha
 Leak-testing machine reduces waste


 Sepha’s (Belfast, Northern Ireland) Blisterscan is a nondestructive, noncontact leak-testing machine for blister packs. The machine scans blister packs with a laser beam before and after applying a vacuum to them. It examines the difference between scans to determine the size of the hole in the blister pack. The instrument detects leaks as small as 7 µm in diameter and locates the exact pocket that leaks.

Because the Blisterscan method is nondestructive, packs that pass the test can be returned to the production line. If a pack fails the test, an operator can empty its contents for repackaging. The Blisterscan unit thus reduces the amount of wasted product. In addition, the unit can be fully validated, unlike the blue-dye test, which requires a subjective operator decision about whether a pack passes or fails. The Blisterscan machine is intended to automate the quality-assurance process and facilitate compliance with current good manufacturing practices standards.

AdvantaPure
 Identification method improves trackability


AdvantaPure (Southampton, PA) has introduced its DocuLink method of distinguishing silicone manifolds after installation. The company assigns each manifold a unique identification number and permanently molds a silicone-encased label with this information within the manifold’s silicone connector. This method can be applied to T, Y, cross, reducer, or molded Tri-Clamp connectors. Operators can use a manifold’s identification number to view its related documents such as certificates of compliance, component specifications, and validations on an online data-management site.

AdvantaPure’s DocuLink labels and silicone manifolds withstand autoclaves, gamma irradiation, clean-in-place, and steam-in-place sterilization processes. The DocuLink labels do not contact the products within the manifolds. The DocuLink method is designed to facilitate manifold trackability and ease users’ safety concerns. Because the unit eases document retrieval, it could reduce the time and expense related to audits and validations.

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Equipment and Processing Report-12-16-2009

PharmTech's monthly newsletter, Equipment & Processing Report, reviews the Editor's Picks for the December 2009 edition from Sepha and AdvantaPure.