The Aeromatic-Fielder™ Granulator control system can be supplied
with standardised or 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.
In order to ensure safe, efficient operation of the Granulator, the system
is controlled through an industrial computer 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.
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™
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 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 Lighthouse Probe™ has overcome this
problem.