- Enhanced process knowledge and control
- Quicker time-to-market
- Real time blend data
- Actual blend end-point determination
- Measures all ingredients for uniformity
- No sampling and laboratory analysis required
- All instrumentation installed in GMP enclosures
- Battery free power supply to instrumentation
- Radio Frequency or RS232 data transmission
The PHB300 NIR Pilot Scale Blender uses Near-Infrared to
measure actual powder conditions inside the IBC as it is blended. Ingredient
movement can be monitored on-line, as the blending occurs; this real-time data
allows increased understanding of powder behaviour. An additional benefit of
this analytical technology is that the behaviour of all the ingredients within
the IBC can be accurately monitored, where as traditionally the focus has been
on the Active ingredient only. Because the powder blend is known, then the
number of samples that need to be taken is dramatically reduced. The result is
better understanding of formulation behaviour and enhanced process control.
With opportunity to fast-track the validation of the blending process, the time
to market for new products can be reduced.
Modular Design
The design of the PHB300 is based on Buck
Systems proven range of Post Hoists. The IBC clamping system and blending head
is a modular design which is easily fitted the PH300 series of post hoists.
This means that the unit is more than just a blender. The post hoist can be
used to lift the IBC after the blending operation for discharging into a
downstream process, such as a mill, compactor or similar. ThePHB300 blender is
ideal for milling and blending operations in a single level configuration.
A mobile base frame is available, allowing the blender to be moved through
the facility. This is ideal for pilot scale production facilities that need
flexibility for different process equipment. The control panel is integrated
into the machine and with the only utility requirement being an electrical
plug, the blender is truly portable.
Enhanced Design
The PAT technology works by using a
combination of a Zeiss NIR measuring head, a Corona data analyser, with a data
link to a PC via either RS232 or RF transmitters and receivers. The key to the
design is to install all the additional instrumentation onto a moving rotating
object, as well as provide the necessary utilities. Buck Systems have succeeded
in installing all of this instrumentation in a GMP enclosure without having to
bolt on boxes to the external part of the blending head. Power is supplied
to the instruments through a slip ring, which means the instrumentation has a
permanent and un-interrupted power source. Proximity switches in the blending
head activate the measuring head at exactly the right time to trigger the
data acquisition.
Data analysis and software
Data is transferred by radio
frequency from the Blender to a local PC. The blender is supplied with a
combination of Winaspect and ProcessXplorer software to allow the data to be
analysed and displayed. Buck System’s technicians use this software to provide
analysis techniques, such as fingerprint methodology for each ingredient, and
rate of change of the blend. Buck Systems technicians are available to provide
full customer support.
Technical Details
| IBC Size |
2 |
| Volume |
25 - 300l |
| IBC Footprint |
725 x 840 |
| Column height (standard) |
2 metres |
| Reach |
1450mm |
| Column |
Static column for bolting directly to the floor |
| Blend Speed |
2 - 15 rpm |
Controls
- Siemens S7 series PLC and TP170B HMI or
- AB FlexLogix PLC and PanelView Plus 600 HMI
- Danfoss VLT Series Inverter
Modular Options
- Mobile Base frame (portabledesign) or
- Slewing column (to allow discharge over downstream process)
- Additional Column Height up to 7 metres
- IGE Fanuc Intellution iFix SCDA controls
Zeiss Instrumentation & Software
NIR Measuring
Head
OMK 0/45 Diffuse Reflectance Measuring Head
Data
Analyser
Corona Remote NIR Analyser with RF
transmitters
Software
Winaspect and ProcessXplorer