February 2010 Editor's Picks: Products from ABB and David Round

ABB
Spectrometer provides reliability
ABB’s (Québec, Canada) MB3600-PH Fourier transform–near infrared spectrometer is designed for pharmaceutical quality-control and at-line process analytical technology applications. The instrument is designed to have an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio. It uses a solid-state laser that has a lifetime of more than 20 years, according to Frédéric Despagne, the company’s industry manager for life sciences and fine chemicals. The spectrometer’s optics are designed for pin-in-place positioning so that the interferometer’s field of view is precisely aligned along its optical axis. This technique provides a reproducible line-shape function.

The instrument uses flex-pivot bearings to perform rotary scanning of the interferometer mirrors, thus permitting reliable and precise scanning. This design eliminates friction, mechanical wear, and the need for lubrication. The design also enables the interferometer to be compact and robust.

The analyzer’s sample port accommodates various accessories such as a diffuse-reflectance rotating vial for powders, a universal temperature-controlled vial holder for liquids, and a hand-held diffuse-reflectance pen-probe for in situ powder raw materials analysis.

The David Round Company
Trolley products maintain sterility
The David Round Company (Solon, OH) offers its SSPT series of stainless steel trolley products for pharmaceutical cleanrooms. The trolleys, intended for loading and unloading raw materials and finished product, are designed to prevent contaminants from being introduced into cleanrooms. The products are not painted and do not incorporate carbon steel parts. These design features are intended to reduce the potential for particulate generation. In addition, the trolley products are available with crack- and crevice-free surface finishes to avoid entrapment.

The SSPT series withstands washdown operations. The products’ sealed bearings are suitable for high- and low-temperature applications. Manual, hand-geared, and motorized versions of the products are available. Certain models include articulating wheels that can negotiate curves and switches along monorails without requiring great operator effort. The trolley products can be provided to fit customers’ required capacity ratings. The company can design the products to fit beams of any size.