Controls
Automation and Control
Advanced PLC - based automation provides seamless integration of
process and CIP control functions. Options include a graphical MMI operator
interface, on-line monitoring and trending, recipe handling, batch management,
bar coding and full CIM integration. Industry standard communications ensure
full compatibility with existing control strategies, networks and plant-wide
supervisory systems.
PAT
Built-in into the control system, GEA Pharma
Systems Systems has integrated its process knowledge to help the operators
monitor and control the process. For several process steps, end-points based on
process parameters are available, and guidelines are given depending on the
set-points entered.
Apart from this, GEA Pharma Systems has experience
with integrating innovative analytical tools for process monitoring and
control.
Lighthouse Probe™ Technology
GEA Pharma Systems (GPS)
has joined forces with J&M Analytik AG to create a compact and cleanable
in-process optical probe for use in powder processing
equipment.
The result is the novel Lighthouse Probe™, 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 install and 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.