Controls
In order to ensure safe, efficient operation
of the unit, the system is controlled through an industrial computer
Human-Machine Interface (HMI), with all functions deriving from a plc
controller.
This design allows the control interface to be completely washed down during
product changeover. Furthermore the HMI may be upgraded to allow processing
with flammable organic solvents, in an ATEX Zone 1/21 area. Completing the ATEX
Zone 1/21 upgrade, flammable gases may be prevented from entering the controls
enclosure in the base of the Laboratory PMA-Compact™ machines by purging with
compressed air.
The physical safety of the operator is assured with the use of safety locks
and proximity sensors to prevent access to the bowl and discharge when the
equipment is operating. Binder addition and end point determination may be
controlled through the HMI, manual control or fully automated, recipe control
for the unit. Data acquisition can be delivered through a 21 CFR Part 11
compliant, on-board data capture device recording critical parameters
throughout the process and allowing information downloads through an Ethernet
connection.
Aeromatic-Fielder can supply standardised and bespoke SCADA interfaces,
utilising software, such as iFIX™ from GE Fanuc Automation, to provide data
collection, management and recipe driven processes, fully compliant with FDA 21
CFR Part 11.
End-point control
A choice of automated end-point
control facilities, with trending for process optimization, is offered with all
of the system control options - manual as well as PLC-based. Options include
fixed process time, automatic end-point control based on power consumption, and
a high-accuracy torque-based system. Both the power- and torque based options
can be used to optimize
spray rate and wet massing time, for faster, more
uniform granule growth. It is also possible to control in-line the growth of
the granules with FBRM.
Granulation comparison
Insoluble active
Granulation graph showing the improvements gained in a straight walled
vessel when using the M8 impeller, include reduction in binder solution,
reduced granulation time and enhanced end-point definition.
PAT integration - Lighthouse Probe Technology™
Niro
Pharma Systems (GPS) has joined forces with J&M GmbH to create a compact
and cleanable in-process optical probe for use in powder processing
equipment.
The result is the novel LighthouseProbe™, which can be
used with a range of spectroscopic techniques, including NIR and UV/vis, to
overcome the traditional problem of product sticking to observation windows.The
probe is compact and easy to installand makes it possible to take a reliable in
process measurement of quality critical product characteristics including:
- Material and active content identification
- Active content uniformity during high shear blending operations
- Moisture content and end-point during drying processes
- Coat growth during coating processes
Optical methods such as UV/Vis or NIR spectroscopy can be very powerful
tools for analysing a range of product characteristics, but in processes
involving wet and sticky powders it is necessary to ensure that the system has
a clear view of the product. Conventional windows used in process equipment
such as fluid bed systems or high shear granulators, have always suffered from
the risk of window fouling. The new GPS & J&M Lighthouse Probe™ has
overcome this problem.