GEA Pharma Systems & J&M Analytik
have won first prize in the Process Automation category of the Process
Innovation Awards presented by Process,
PharmaTEC and LaborPraxis at
ACHEMA in Frankfurt. The award was
won for the company’s already award-winning* Lighthouse Probe™, developed with
J&M Analytik. The award was
given to the most innovative appliances and processes on show at ACHEMA
2009.
The Lighthouse Probe™ solves the biggest
issue of optical in-line analysers: product sticking to observation windows of
the process analyser and thus creating false readings. It can be used with a variety of
spectroscopic techniques, including NIR (Near Infrared), to take reliable
in-process measurements of quality-critical product characteristics during
processing, for example active content identification, uniformity, moisture
content and coat growth during coating operations.
The probe is particularly useful when
working with wet or sticky products when it is essential to ensure a clear view
of the product. Conventional
windows can easily become fouled when processing these types of products. The Lighthouse Probe™ uses an in-line,
contained window wash to keep a clear view at all times without the need to
stop the process. Further features are the in-line calibration as well as end
of process full CIP (Clean-in-Place).
GEA Pharma Systems can offer trials and
other demonstrations of the Lighthouse Probe™ technology in its technical
centre in Bubendorf, Switzerland installed in an Aeromatic-Fielder™ Fluid Bed;
and in its test centre in Wommelgem, Belgium installed in a Collette™
UltimaPro™ and Consigma™. Further testing is achievable using semi-manual
probes if required.
In both tests and production reference
sites, the Lighthouse Probe™ has shown performance and accuracy greatly
superior to traditional off-line laboratory measurements. The technology thus
delivers continuous, precise and reliable data paving the way for dramatic
improvements in process understanding and control and hence enabling
PAT.
GEA Pharma Systems supplies its
Lighthouse Probe™ with all
new equipment as well as for retrofits and continues to use its extensive
experience in process equipment design to develop new products and extend the
applications for its existing range.
(*The Lighthouse Probe™ won the
VR-Mittelstand Innovation Prize 2008 for J&M Analytik presented to the
company in Stuttgart this March and the ‘Key to Success’ award at the
Polish Pharma Conference in Poznan in 2007.)
For further editorial
information contact:
Steve Jordan
The Words Workshop Ltd.
26 Swanwick Lane, Milton Keynes, MK10 9LD
Tel: (44) (0) 1908
695500 Fax: (44) (0) 1908 690099
Email: steve@thewordsworkshop.co.uk
All business enquiries to:
Tomas Vermeire
Product Sales Manager
GEA Pharma
Systems nv
Tel: +32 3 350 12 58
Email: tomas.vermeire@geagroup.com
Photo
caption: Receiving the award on the GEA stand at ACHEMA Thomas
Vermeire (right), Product Sales Manager for Lighthouse Probe™; Trevor Page,
Division Technical Director for GEA Pharma Systems; and Joachim Mannnhardt,
General Manager of J&M Analytik.