Equipment and Processing Report
PharmTech's monthly newsletter, Equipment & Processing Report, reviews the Editor's Picks for the July 2009 edition from Mettler Toledo Safeline and Munters.
Mettler Toledo Safeline
Metal detector offers high sensitivity
Mettler Toledo Safeline’s (Tampa, FL) Pharma GF gravity-fall metal detector incorporates an ultrahigh-frequency coil system and sophisticated digital noise and vibration filtering techniques to provide a high level of detection sensitivity, particularly to nonmagnetic stainless steels. The unit detects irregularly shaped metal contaminants such as sieve wire and slivers. The detector also provides stable performance through its immunity to external interference and vibration.
The Pharma GF is a fully integrated system that includes a high-speed reject diverter and built-in performance-validation routines that support regulatory compliance. Systems also include software that automatically checks that the system’s critical components are operating correctly and alerts operators if problems occur. The detector can be integrated with data-collection and network-connectivity solutions to enable compliance with 21 CFR Part 11. The Pharma GF unit is made of mirror-polished stainless steel and is suitable for the inspection of free-flowing pharmaceutical powders.
Munters
Heat exchanger operates at high temperatures
The Thermo-Z welded-plate air-to-air heat exchanger from Munters (Buena Vista, VA) can be constructed with integral, all-welded, stainless-steel expansion joints that are designed to account for the internal thermal growth of the plate pack. Expansion joints allow the heat exchanger to thermally expand in all directions inside the exterior case. The exterior case and the connection flanges are isolated from the heat and will not thermally expand. This feature facilitates installation, according to the company.
Thermo-Z units are available with various cleaning options for applications such as water-wash systems. The devices can be constructed of corrosion-resistant materials and designed for retrofit applications. The heat exchangers achieve effectiveness as high as 85% and function at operating temperatures as high as 1400 °F. The Thermo-Z unit is appropriate for recovering energy from a dryer or applications operating with elevated waste airstreams.