All-in-one pot processor protects operator and APIs
GEA Pharma Systems has introduced an alternative way of drying highly potent products.
The ULTIMAPRO One Pot Processor strikes a balance between protecting the operator and the active ingredient by ensuring that all ingredients can be mixed, granulated and dried in one machine. It is also suited for granulation and drying highly potent compounds and avoids product transfers.
In recent years, the focus of operator protection has shifted from cumbersome personal protection equipment (such as ‘moonsuits’) to contained equipment to avoid contact between operator and product. The goal is to allow the operators to work in shirt sleeves by introducing containment measures in the production equipment that reduce the airborne exposure levels of the product to safe levels.
The ULTIMAPRO can be equipped with several features to optimise the containment of toxic products.
For example, a product feed and discharge valve can be equipped with the Buck high containment split butterfly valves. Another feature is a sampling valve that allows the operator to take samples during the process without having to stop the machine, open the bowl, or even open a port in the lid, can be integrated into the processing chamber and adapted to different containment levels. The sample container is completely contained allowing the sample to be transported to the QC lab without exposure to the atmosphere.
The concept of containment not only applies to the production area. When working with organic solvents, recovery and containment of these solvents is as important as containment of the product itself. Even for cleaning, the concept of containment is applied. The ULTIMAPRO can be supplied with a wide range of washing-in-place and fully automated cleaning-in-place options. CIP features include spray nozzles adapted for most adequate cleaning of product feed, product filter, bowl, lid and discharge valve.
Even downstream equipment such as a mill can be incorporated in the CIP system.
The One Pot technology can be tested in the Process Development Center of GEA Pharma Systems nv – Collette™ in Wommelgem, Belgium.
Many active ingredients of oral solid dosage forms are highly active and potent compounds that require special care during production to avoid exposure of the operators to the drug.