Product category:
Weighing systems, Strain gauges
News Release from: Edwards | Subject: Non-Contact Check Weigher
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 15 November 2004
First non-contact check-weighing system
on powders
The first non-contact check-weighing system to be used within a pharmaceutical powder filling line has been developed by BOC Edwards Pharmaceutical Systems for a major US pharmaceutical company
First non-contact check-weighing system for a powder filling application improves quality and efficiency of production process The first non-contact check-weighing system to be used within a pharmaceutical powder filling line has been developed by BOC Edwards Pharmaceutical Systems for a major US pharmaceutical company
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 4 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Atlas Conditioning Systems for use on solar cells
Edwards, a leading global supplier of vacuum and exhaust management equipment and services, has sold two Atlas thermal conditioning systems to Solsonica of Italy, a solar cell and module manufacturer
New turbo-molecular vacuum pump from Edwards
Edwards, a leading supplier of vacuum, abatement and chemical management equipment and services, announces the new STP iX2205 series of magnetic bearing turbo-molecular vacuum pumps
Based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technology, the new system enables increased quality control and efficiency goals outlined in the FDA's current "Process Analytical Technology" initiative.
Traditional methods of weighing on high-speed filling lines involve samples being periodically removed from the line and weighed on precision balances, both before and after filling.
The new Non-Contact Check Weigher (NCCW) from BOC Edwards is incorporated into the filling line so that every container is checked as it continues through the production process.
Further reading
Two stage RV pump approved to ATEX standards
Leading vacuum equipment manufacturer Edwards has launched a new range of ATEX-compliant Rotary Vane (RV) pumps for use in potentially explosive environments
Turbomolecular pump for compact vacuum systems
The leading UK manufacturer of vacuum equipment for scientific applications, Edwards, has launched a new pump for cost-effective, compact laboratory vacuum systems
Any problems with the process are identified virtually immediately and corrected via process feedback to the BOC Edwards filling equipment, greatly reducing the costs of waste product and downtime and providing greater assurance that each individual vial contains the correct amount.
NMR technology relies on the magnetic properties inherent in atomic nuclei; the signal received from the MR system being proportional to the number of hydrogen atoms contained in the sample and hence also the mass of the sample.
Although the technology is novel for this pharmaceutical application, NMR has already proved to be highly accurate and reliable within other industries, for example in diagnostic medical imaging and quality measurements of samples from oil wells.
"The pharmaceutical industry is under increased pressure to improve process monitoring and control while maintaining extremely high levels of throughput," explains Dr Paul Stewart, Director of Technology, BOC Edwards Pharmaceutical Systems.
"The Non-Contact Check Weigher is a unique combination of proven technology and best-in-class machinery.
The result is a highly effective solution that I believe is the most significant innovation in check-weighing for over 50 years".
The project at the major US pharmaceutical company is also recognition of the BOC Edwards strength as a turnkey supplier of integrated solutions to the pharmaceutical industry.
The scope of supply includes not only BOC Edwards filling equipment and the Non-Contact Check Weigher but also the procurement, integration and installation management of fully isolated vial inspection, washing and capping equipment from third party suppliers.
• Edwards: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
