Tablets & Capsules

TC0117

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Vac-U-Max Utilizing Vacuum Conveying for Loading Pharmaceutical Blenders "Defining Indirect vs. Direct Vacuum Loading" In today's pharmaceutical pro- cessing environment, it is typi- cal to see pneumatic convey- ing by vacuum as the popular means of transferring ingredi- ents to blenders. This method utilizes inward suction which is created by the vacuum source. This process reduces any outward leakage of potential dust which typically occurs with pressure conveying systems. Vacuum loading of blenders falls in two criteria: indirect and direct. In each case, the process vessel becomes the primary receiver. Indirect Vacuum Loading Indirect vacuum loading applications are designed with the vac- uum receiver located directly above the blender, typically a ribbon blender or cone blender. Bulk material is conveyed to the vac- uum receiver from a pick-up point, typically a bulk bag unloader, bag dump station, hopper, or drum via a flexible hose or station- ary tubing. Certain applications may require the receiver to be mounted on load cells which precisely measure ingredients as they are delivered to the batch mixing process. The receiver acts as a holding device, prompted by a filling-and-dumping cycle, delivering the total amount to the blender. Typical advantages of indirect vacuum loading include batch accuracy and consistency over time, since the exact weight of the batch is measured and verified. A typical disadvantage is the need for headroom due to the added height requirement above the blender. If the blender is not vacuum-tolerant, indirect loading may be the only option. Direct Vacuum Loading Direct vacuum loading utilizes the blender as the primary receiver. This method is possible with both V-Blenders and Double-Cone Blenders, and is most efficient with vessels 25ft 3 (700L) or larger. The normal blender cover is modified to add a vacuum inlet and outlet. During the direct-charge loading process, bulk materials are conveyed by vacuum directly to the blender non-stop, falling out of the airstream and directly into the blender. A filter receiver is connected to the vacuum outlet port of the blender cover, elim- inating carryover dust. The filter receiver includes a periodically- pulsed filter that enables residual dust to go back into the blender. This technique reduces ergonomic and industrial hygiene concerns by eliminating the need to hand-scoop and eliminates worker exposure to respirable dusts. Additionally, this design requires less headroom and can be used for both loading and unloading the blender. For more information, visit www.vac-u-max.com, email info@vac-u-max.com, or call (800) VAC-U-MAX. Tri-Star Technologies Tri-Star Technologies 2201 Rosecrans Avenue El Segundo, CA 90245 Tel: 310 536 0444 Email: alex.kerner@CarlisleIT.com Website: www.tri-star-technologies.com Cold laser marks tablets, capsules, softgels Ultraviolet (UV) cold laser marker imprints high-resolution markings on as many as 250,000 tablets, capsules, or soft- gels per hour to deter counterfeiting and drug theft and enable track and trace. UV laser activates titanium dioxide pigment to etch image on product surface, even if wet or oily, and does not affect product integrity. Indelible, clear, tamper- proof text, barcodes, and graphics facilitate serialization of single doses as well as batches and do not fade or degrade. Cold laser can mark surface through clear window of sealed blister packs. Company offers DQ, IQ, and OQ validation; controls comply with 21 CFR Part 11. Tablets & Capsules January 2017 59

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