Product category:
Pharmaceutical Processing News
News Release from: GEA Process Engineering | Subject: Modul tablet press
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 23 June 2006
Tablet press swaps products in just 30
minutes
The Modul tablet press has a new shape and a revolutionary design that allows operators to change from one product to another in just 30 minutes - compared with up to 8 hours for all ordinary presses
The new Modul tablet press from Courtoy, a member of Niro Pharma Systems (NPS), has a new shape and a revolutionary design that allows operators to change from one product to another in just 30 minutes - compared with up to 8 hours for all ordinary presses The Modul has all its product-contact parts contained in a Wash-off-Line (WOL) Exchangable Compression Module (ECM)
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 18 Apr 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
NEW aseptic filling technology
GEA Procomac, specialists in aseptic filling technology for PET containers, has received a letter of non-objection (LNO) from the US FDA, for aseptic filling systems for low acid shelf-stable products
Reduced costs for pharmaceutical process lines
The new BuckValve MC is a new concept in high containment valves that makes the transfer of active ingredients or chemicals between IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) much easer and less expensive
At the end of a batch the operator simply disconnects the ECM, swings it out of the way and replaces it with a clean unit.
The used ECM can then be removed to a remote washing station while production continues on the machine.
The whole operation takes less than 30 minutes.
The benefits of the WOL ECM are.
* Less down time means significantly increased productivity.
* Better productivity means fewer machines, less capital investment and less use of valuable space.
* Increased flexibility allows different batches, with different tooling, to be run on the same day.
* The product is contained within the ECM to avoid contaminating the room or the operator in many cases avoiding the need for clean room space.
* Highly toxic drugs can be handled without risk to operators.
* Better visibility and accessibility making it much easier to maintain.
The ability to swap products in just 30 minutes (compared with up to 8 hours for ordinary presses) allows users to process economically small batches of high value or highly toxic powder.
This has the potential to enable some products to be manufactured in tablet form that were previously uneconomic.
The WOL ECM provides enhanced product containment offering a very low OEL (Operator Exposure Level).
This allows very potent drugs, such as hormones or anti-cancer drugs, to be processed safely with less need for the operators to wear uncomfortable and restricting air suits.
Using an isolated ECM in the machine removes the need for dust covers so the visibility is much better and it is easier to access for maintenance.
Courtoy will supply the Modul with a choice of ECMs offering general containment, built-in washing ports or high containment for potent products.
There is even one designed specifically for R and D purposes that allows users to trial products under production conditions then ramp up to full production when required.
• GEA Process Engineering: 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
