Expo Preview
INTERPHEX 2008 — March 26-28, Philadelphia, PA
Cost-Effective Regeneration Tablets Safely Clean Brine Tanks in Water Softeners
Required as part of the pre-treatment for pure-water generation systems, water softeners run the risk of growth of microorganisms on the large surface area of their ion exchange resins. Such growth has the potential to contaminate the water and result in impermissibly high germ counts that could endanger production processes. This problem is often mitigated with built-in sanitization facilities, which are complex and expensive. A simpler solution comes in a regeneration tablet: the germ-reducing Sanisal P. Like conventional regeneration salt, this additive is introduced into the salt or brine tank of the water softener. The tablet’s active substance is released and enters the water softener during regeneration, where it kills any germs that are present. The dead germs and any residues of the chemical are then flushed out of the softener during the rinsing phase, so they cannot have any negative effects on subsequent process stages. The taste and smell of the treated water remain unchanged. Use of the tablets consumes no additional energy, and normal regeneration salt is no longer needed. Sanisal P can be used in existing systems without modification.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Christ Water Technology Group
www.christwater.com
These Nitrile Gloves Take Up Less Space
Latex-free nitrile gloves provide the protection of nitrile and the sensitivity of latex. Their textured fingertips offer excellent tactile sensitivity for easy handling of delicate instruments. The gloves are 3.5 mm thick and are available in extra-small through extra-large sizes. Each box contains 50% more gloves than most glove boxes, simplifying a facility’s storage needs, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Kimberly-Clark Professional
www.kc-safety.com/gloves
Nano-Molecular Labels Ensure Security
The incorporation of IDGLOBAL Nano-Molecular Marking technologies into pharmaceutical labels provides the highest level of protection against counterfeit labels. Each label contains an invisible, non-degradable, digital forensic marker that is uniquely identifiable. This invisible mark can be placed on pedigree documentation and packaging units in a supply chain, and then later read by a proprietary scanning unit to identify the original mark; if these scans match, the product has not been violated. Auditing and field verifications are available from the manufacturer.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
ATL
www.atlco.com
Lab-Sized Agitator Bead Mill Grinds Fine Particles
The MicroCer is a laboratory-sized mill that offers metal-free fine grinding with parts made of wear-resistant yttria-stabilized zirconium oxide. It features the manufacturer’s proprietary Zeta grinding system, which employs grinding media from 0.05 to 0.8 mm in size, the smallest in the industry. This agitator bead mill is suitable for wet grinding of small batches (0.14 to 0.5 L) to produce particles down to 10 to 20 nanometers in size. Its small size minimizes product loss, making it ideal for grinding of high-quality, high-priced and scarce pharmaceutical materials. The line features three different mills for traditional, solvent-based, or water-based applications that can be scaled up to full-size production equipment. These machines include double-acting mechanical seals, swivel grinding chambers that simplify operation and thereby reduce product loss, an improved centrifugal separation system, and integrated circulation tanks with adjustable hose pumps to continuously process particles.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
NETZSCH Fine Particle Technology LLC
www.netzschusa.com
Ergonomic Biosafety Cabinets Keep Users Alert
Purifier Logic Class II Biosafety Cabinets combine microprocessor control, instant feedback and rugged components withan ergonomic design. They provide personnel, product and environmental protection and are suitable for work with agents that require Biosafety Level 1, 2 or 3 containment. To keep users safe and alert to current conditions, they include an LCD information center located inside the cabinet at eye-level. Operating parameters are constantly displayed, including the remaining filter capacity (percent). These cabinets utilize intelligent motor technology to maintain precise, safe airflow as the filter’s load increases. Programmable options permit users to define startup, shutdown and standby parameters, including blower control and the timing of fluorescent and UV lights. Ergonomic benefits have been enhanced with easier work-surface and airfoil removal and greater access below the work area. These cabinets are available in 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-ft benchtop models and carry NSF, NSF International and ETL listings, and CE conformity marking.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Labconco
www.labconco.com
One-Piece Paddle Scrapes and Mixes without Damaging Surfaces
This mixing paddle scraper is lightweight, durable and made from FDA-approved materials. Its solid, one-piece polypropylene construction reduces the potential for bacterial contamination. This tool, which features a T-grip handle and has tapered edges, can efficiently mix products and scrape tubs and vats without damaging the work surface. It is available with or without holes, in two lengths, and in five different colors.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Remco Products
www.remcoproducts.com
Real-Time Photometric Converter Logs and Displays Data
The Control 4000 is a microprocessor-based, photometric converter with an advanced modular design that enables precision process monitoring and control. This flexible converter is designed for use with the manufacturer’s ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR) absorption-based and scattered-light-based sensors. The new high-contrast graphic display shows absorbance, transmittance and concentration in real-time and in any unit of measure, such as CU, ppm, EBC, FTU, and g/L. These measurements may also be displayed as text, bar graphs or trend values. The C4000 software includes adjustable signal damping, 16 linearization tables, and advanced calculation capabilities. An additional feature for scattered light sensors is a factory zero point; a secondary zero for additional offset and slope adjustment has also been added to the design. Manual adjustment can be used to compensate for long-term process-related disturbances. An integrated data logger captures vital process information for quality-assurance and plant-control records, which are easily transferred to a PC.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Optek
www.optek.com
These Small Electric Boilers are Clean and Quiet
The Series SSB electric boilers are designed to produce clean steam up to 100 psig at rates from 36 lb/h to 540 lb/h. No flues, fuel lines or tanks are involved in their operation, and no on-site products of combustion are generated. They operate on electricity, can be located almost anywhere and are compatible for use with distilled, demineralized, deionized or reverse-osmosis-produced water. Small in size, they are quiet, provide high-quality steam and are almost 100% efficient. Minimal heat is lost to the surrounding ambient. A secondary low-water cut-off is now standard, as well as passivated 316/316L stainless-steel pressure vessel construction. Typical applications include laboratory validation, moisturization, clean room humidification, sterilization, food processing and storage, cosmetics manufacturing, and in tablet press and shrink tunnels.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Sussman Electric Boilers
www.sussmanboilers.com
Silicone-Based Process Systems are Cost-Effective
Single Use Process Systems are comprised of silicone tubing and molded-silicone components, such as Tri-Clamp style fittings, container seals and bottle stoppers. Compared to traditional stainless steel systems, their design results in decreased production downtimes for cleaning activities, which increases productivity and reduces costs of materials and labor. Use of the silicone-based system simplifies cleaning validation procedures and reduces the risk of product cross-contamination. The manufacturer offers GammaTags, which are gamma-irradiatable RFID tags that provide reliable, electronic identification.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
AdvantaPure/New Age Industries Inc.
http://www.advantapure.com
Autoclavable Wipers are Available in Custom Sizes
These nonwoven wipers are ideal for applications where high absorbency and low extractables are important. Composed of 45% polyester and 55% cellulose, the wipers are double-bagged for cleanroom use. Compatible with most solvents, they are excellent for picking up aqueous spills and for cleaning precision components and equipment in a Class 10,000 environment. Their standard sizes range from 4-in. by 4-in. to 18-in. by 18-in.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Connecticut Clean Room Corp.
www.ctcleanroom.com
These Maneuverable Lightweight Mops Clean Floors, Walls and Ceilings
Designed to clean in controlled environments, the EasyCurve mop consists of a flat, fabric-laminated mop head attached to a curved, stainless steel frame, all of which is autoclavable. The easy-to-use mop provides superior performance and effectiveness compared to other all-surface cleaning systems. It is an ideal upgrade alternative in applications where sponge roller and self-wringing mops are currently used. Compatible with a wide range of disinfectants, solvents and cleaning solutions, it is suitable for use in pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing plants. Its 14-in. disposable mop head securely attaches to the curved frame by a unique system of latching tabs, but remains simple and easy to remove. The very absorbent and non-dripping mop head conforms to the curvature of the frame to offer true “lift-and-pull” surface-cleaning action. The EasyCurve mop uses a separate sling-style wringer that is installed over a 6.5-gal (25-L) polypropylene bucket. Unlike traditional sponge roller mops, the wringer is not on the handle, so weight and operator fatigue are significantly less.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Contec, Inc.
www.contecinc.com
Peristaltic System Protects Workers from Cytotoxics
This single-use aseptic, peristaltic pumping system utilizes a closed-fluid pathway in which the containment tubing becomes the pump. The closed tubing system and gentle peristaltic motion permit contained cytotoxic liquids to be installed and dispensed within a convenient, easy-to-use, easy-to-change, fully contained fluid pathway. Unlike traditional piston-pump filling operations, in which manual loading and unloading of materials and the required CIP and SIP processes expose users to cytotoxics, this system eliminates the manual measuring and filling of cytotoxic liquids on the filling line, and requires only a change of tubing with no CIP washdown required prior to loading or changeover. By pairing the system within an isolator, a biopharmaceutical manufacturer or contract filler can eliminate physical plant expansion costs, land acquisition, and time delays associated with construction of a dedicated clean room
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Flexicon America, Inc.
www.flexiconamerica.com
Wireless Network is Robust and Secure
The SureCross network is an all-in-one packaged wireless solution with plug-and-play functionality. It consists of at least one gateway controller and one or more remotely located nodes, which can be connected to both digital and analog I/O points. Depending on the configuration, each gateway can support up to 15 nodes and each node can accommodate up to 12 I/O points. SureCross offers bidirectional Rx/Tx communications with reliable performance capabilities that provide monitoring and control in processing applications. This feature protects information during communication interruption or failure by reverting to a configureddefault output condition; the network automatically returns to normal operational status when the radio frequency (RF) link is re-established. Multiple SureCross networks can coexist in close proximity, and the network integrates seamlessly with existing process or control networks. The network employs frequency-hopping spread-spectrum (FHSS) communication, which establishes integrity by verifying bidirectional transceivers in each device to fully acknowledge data transmission. Time-division multiple-access (TDMA) slots guarantee bandwidth to each node, while polling and site survey capabilities ensure communication integrity, either at the gateway or locally at each device, by means of an integrated display. SureCross is available in both 900-MHz and 2.4-GHz models, allowing deployment of advanced wireless capabilities anywhere in the world.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Banner Engineering Corp.
www.bannerengineering.com
Sintered Mesh Laminate is Durable and Rigid
Hyperflo Porostar sintered mesh laminate offers up to 50% more permeability than traditional mesh laminate filtration media, which significantly reduces pressure differentials. The laminate can be custom-fabricatedfor applications requiring micron ratings of 40 and larger. Its stainless steel construction provides extended filtration-media life and simplifies cleanup.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
W.S. Tyler
www.wstyler.com
Split Butterfly Valve Transfers Powder Cleanly
The Andock split butterfly valve is suitable for any application that requires powders to be transferred from one container to either another container or processing machinery. The valve features a quick-assemble design, which requires only two hex-head wrenches. Additionally, it takes only 3 min to take the valve apart. It is available with powered or manual actuation, and in 4-, 6-, 8-, 10- and 12-in. sizes.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Servolift
www.servo-lift.com
Glassware Washers Have Spray-Arch Water Delivery
These Hotpack large-capacity glassware washers offer a unique spray-arch water-delivery system that ensures thorough washing and rinsing by projecting a highly efficient vertical “wall of water” equally across the entire chamber. Separate plumbing for wash and rinse cycles minimizes detergent carry-over, which results in a clear final rinse. This high-efficiency water-management system conserves energy and reduces operating costs. With a touch-screen control interface located at eye level, it enables easy selection from a range of preset or user-defined programmed operating options. The automatic door has safety interlocks that allow washer operation only when the door is fully closed. Additional convenient operation and maintenance features include a tough Type 316L stainless steel interior for easy cleaning, easy access to plumbing and detergent reservoirs, and an ultra-clear glass door to provide unrestricted observation of machine operation. A wide range of baskets to accommodate all types of laboratory glassware and interchangeable spindle manifolds are available.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
SP Industries
www.SPIndustries.com
Misting Booth Decontaminates One User at a Time
Providing one-way passage between a potentially contaminated processing room and a degowning area, this misting booth supplies a fine, low-volume “fog” to remove loose powder that may have adhered to protective garments, reducing exposure to hazardous particulates. An operator simply opens the door and steps into the misting booth, activating the owner-determined timed misting cycle. Water generated collects in the sump of the shower and is pumped to a drain or directed to a process floor drain. Optional accessories include a step-off pad, a bag-out chute, and a water-pressure-boosting system.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Applied Engineering Controls
www.aecpharma.com
Software Helps Companies Carry out PAT
Industrial for PAT combines process data collection and analysis with traditional process control and data management functions into a complete Process Analytical Technology (PAT) solution in a single system. This standalone product delivers all of the regulatory, quality and productivity benefits promised by the FDA’s PAT initiative. It fills the technology gap found in previous PAT systems by providing a vertically integrated solution that interfaces with all types and brands of analytical instruments, analyzes the data using various chemometrics packages, manages the raw collected data and the calculated data, and easily interfaces with new and existing control systems and internal and external networks. It determines the actual status of the current process and communicates this information to the control system, which allows real-time adjustment of the process. Its scalability allows life-science companies to design and build PAT solutions for small-scale development operations, such as those found in R&D, then increase the size of the same solution to use with much larger operations, such as those found at manufacturing sites. Industrial for PAT can be applied to a single process unit, such as a fluid bed dryer, granulator or bioreactor, or to an entire facility that contains several types of manufacturing equipment.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
The ABB Group
www.abb.com
Operator Interface Mountings Improve Efficiency
These operator interface mountings and systems are engineered to improve efficiency, ease of use, and cleanability in sensitive pharmaceutical environments. Their durability and superior construction reduce data inaccuracies and unnecessary downtime. The Pharmaceutical Suite-Station is of NEMA 4X stainless steel construction and crevice-free design, which allows the unit to fit entirely into the confines of a shallow wall. The in-wall design allows access to interior components without compromising the wall seal. MiniStations feature a tightly integrated display and keyboard enclosures with the industry-standard Vertica articulating arm for counterbalanced vertical adjustment and ergonomic flexibility. Mobile Stations are stand-alone systems designed to bring the operator interface to the process for such applications as on-the-spot scanning, labeling and quality assurance. Mobile Weigh Stations are ideal for bulk product, batch pre-weigh, or quality assurance applications. MightyMount, the only industrial-grade mounting solution for desktop displays and keyboards, features easy-to-use counterbalanced adjustability. Wall Stations are wall-mounted display and keyboard systems designed to save space in tight work areas.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Strongarm Designs, Inc.
www.strongarm.com
Pressure Transmitter Operates on Low Power
The A2 pressure transmitter is available in both intrinsically safe and explosionproof configurations. The explosionproof version has a compact UL- and ATEX-listed enclosure, while the intrinsically safe configuration is CSA- and FM-approved for both Class 1, Div.1 and Class 1, Div. 2 (non-incendive) applications. At 1-in.-dia. and less than 5-in. long, the A2 carries the CE mark for EMI/RFI immunity. Pressure ranges from 0–5 through 0–10,000 psi are available with accuracies of ±0.5% and ±0.25% of full span, for operating temperatures of –40°C to +125°C. Resulting measurement data are communicated through any of six different voltage or current outputs. Specifically designed for installations where low power consumption is essential and smart communications protocols are not required, the Ashcroft A2 can be purchased for a fraction of the price of feature-laden process transmitters.
Appeared In Issue: February 2008
Ashcroft
www.ashcroft.com