CleanRooms articles from March 2008

CleanRooms archives from March 2008

What's everybody doing?(from the editor)
March 1, 2008... The number one goal of this publication is to provide our audience of contamination control professionals the very latest and most useful information available. To do this, each month we provide a unique combination of staff-reported articles...

Press report targets pharma QC in Puerto Rico.(news)
March 1, 2008... Puerto Rican industry officials report little impact from an early February press report that implied sub-par quality control practices among the island's drug makers. "Fortunately, the pharmaceutical industry knows Puerto Rico well, knows...

Charges filed in contaminated pet food scheme.(news)
March 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) Office of Criminal Investigations announced that two Chinese nationals and the businesses they operate, along with a U.S. company and its president and CEO, were indicted by a federal grand jury on...

The forecast: Chilly at first, then warming ... maybe.(news)
March 1, 2008... Spring may be around the corner, but the prediction is for a chill to continue for at least the first half of the year. After that, things might warm up. That's the consensus forecast with regard to semiconductor equipment sales. There are...

ISO 14644-6 vocabulary approved as American national standard.(news)
March 1, 2008... International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 14644-6, Cleanrooms and controlled environments-Part 6, Vocabulary, has been approved as an American national standard. The standard is available through the Institute of...

Foster Wheeler acquires Biokinetics, Inc.(PARTICLES)
March 1, 2008... Foster Wheeler Ltd. announces that it has significantly strengthened its position in the biotech and pharmaceutical markets by completing the acquisition of 100 percent of the stock of privately held Biokinetics Inc. from MPA Holdings LP. This...

Tiger Optics awarded patents for gas analysis technology.(PARTICLES)
March 1, 2008... Tiger Optics LLC has received patent rights for five new innovations of the company's continuous wave cavity ring-down spectroscopy technology. The new advances will enable Tiger Optics to offer more versatile and powerful sensors to a broader...

Watson-Marlow acquires Flexicon A/S.(PARTICLES)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Watson-Marlow has acquired Flexicon A/S through its parent company Spirax-Sarco Engineering. The acquisition includes Flexicon America, the company's U.S.-based subsidiary. Watson-Marlow, well known in the biopharmaceutical industry for its...

Baxter provides update on heparin reactions.(PARTICLES)
March 1, 2008... Baxter Healthcare Corp. is providing an update to its January 2008 heparin sodium injection 1,000 units/ml 10- and 30-ml multi-dose vial voluntary recall due to adverse reactions. Since the recall, Baxter has received reports of similar adverse...

Interphex philadelphia.(show preview)
March 1, 2008... MARCH 26-28, 2008 PENNSYLVANIA CONVENTION CENTER Conference & Exhibition CONFERENCE HOURS Wednesday, March 26: 9:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Thursday, March 27: 9:00 a.m.-4:15 p.m. Friday, March 28: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. For...

Battling biofilm: the best sanitation programs are designed along with the product and aggressively implemented early in the manufacturing process.(special report)
March 1, 2008... The cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitization of a clean manufacturing environment determine the safety and effectiveness of the end product. These steps make the difference between a pristine product and a sullied reputation, yet product...

Make protocols the top priority for ISO 7 cleanrooms: designs can only be successful if the proper actions are taken to maintain cleanliness levels.(iso 7 design)
March 1, 2008... Last month's article on ISO 5 cleanrooms discussed the importance of establishing and maintaining the appropriate level of contamination control in a cleanroom. This holds true of cleanroom design at any level of cleanliness, and requires a...

Troubleshooting for liquid particle counting: how to ensure that quality data is being obtained from optical particle counters (OPCs) in liquid applications liquid particle counting.(liquid particle counting)
March 1, 2008... Ensuring that your liquid optical particle counter (OPC) is operating within its designed specification is critical to obtaining quality data. As data from OPCs becomes increasingly important to maintaining process control, it becomes more...

Architects/designers/builders.(product spotlight)
March 1, 2008... Today's critical environments must not only adhere to strict contamination control standards but also meet the needs of individual industries and customers. The flexibility and customization of clean spaces has become an important component of...

Dust emissions monitor.(new products)
March 1, 2008... The new Series PMT particulate transmitter is a reliable dust collector emissions monitor and leak detector. The standard particulate transmitter is designed for general maintenance planning and process protection applications, while upgrades...

Single-use process systems.(new products)
March 1, 2008... AdvantaPure now provides single-use process systems to the pharmaceutical industry and other markets that can benefit from single-use technology. Consisting of silicone tubing, molded silicone components, and other processing-related parts, the...

Liquid handling verification system.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... ARTEL presents its MVS[R] multichannel verification system with new features, including an advanced automation function for streamlined performance verification of automated liquid handlers. A rapid, easy-to-use system that provides...

Self-cleaning mop.(new products)(Connecticut Clean Room Corp)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Connecticut Clean Room Corp. is now offering the new self-wringing Roll-O-Matic[R] mop with ergonomic extendable aluminum and stainless-steel handle. It is suitable for applying disinfectant to floors, walls, and ceilings in controlled...

Ceramics for medical applications.(new products)
March 1, 2008... CoorsTek, one of the world's largest technical ceramics manufacturers, announces its new CeraPure[TM] line of ceramic materials developed specifically for medical and surgical applications. Including alumina, zirconia, and zirconia toughened...

Exhaust management system upgrade.(new products)(Edwards Ltd.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Edward announces the availability of "idle mode" for its ATLAS[TM] and TPU families of combustion exhaust management systems. Idle mode allows the abatement system to go into a standby mode with reduced fuel and water consumption when exhaust...

R&D, process development system.(new products)(Finesse Solutions, LLC)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Finesse Solutions, LLC, a manufacturer of measurement and control solutions for life sciences process applications, has announced the general release of its TruViu[TM] RDPD system for biotech R&D and process development applications. The system...

Aseptic pumping system.(new products)(Flexicon America, Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The single-use aseptic, peristaltic pumping system from Flexicon America utilizes a closed fluid pathway in which the containment tubing becomes the pump. The closed tubing system and gentle peristaltic motion permits contained cytotoxic...

Air samplers.(new products)(International Pbi S.p.a.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... SAS-ISO from International pbi is the new generation of SAS samplers for the microbiological testing of air. The principle is the impact of microorganisms onto the agar surface of a contact plate or standard Petri dish. The air sampler uses a...

Multispectral imaging workstation.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Cambridge Research & Instrumentation, Inc. (CRi) announces the launch of Nuance 2, an affordable, breakthrough system that converts any brightfield or fluorescent microscope into a multispectral imaging workstation. For multispectral imaging...

Continuous mode emulsifier.(new products)(KD Scientific, Inc.)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The KD Scientific Model KDS 330 is designed to operate unattended to emulsify eleutherosides and other components of the adjunct composition. The product can create viscous fluids/suspensions by forcing fluids back and forth through a...

Disposable mixing system.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The Mobius[TM] MIX100 disposable mixing system is now available featuring a configurable 100-liter container. Its integrated impeller enables risk-free cell culture, media, and buffer preparation; magnetic motor technology eliminates warm-up...

Vacuum inlet trap.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A low-cost, vacuum inlet trap that is designed to prevent pump failures in smaller laboratories and features a new, optional wall mount bracket is being introduced by MV Products. The Visi[R] Trap vacuum inlet trap has a clear sump for visually...

Ultra-clear pet bottles.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A new "Special Round" 16-oz. ultra-clear PET bottle intended for packaging of personal care, household, automotive, and industrial products has been introduced by Novapak Corp. The bottle (Mold 1076) has an M28SP410 neck finish, measures 6.978...

ESD-safe swabs.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Puritan Medical Products, LLC, a leading manufacturer of specialty-tip applicators, announces the introduction and general availability of the company's new electrostatic discharge (ESD)-safe swabs. The new products, an extension of the PurSwab...

Electrical safety testing application.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... QuadTech, a leading provider of electrical safety test and passive component measurement solutions, reveals CaptivATE 3.2, the latest version of its electrical safety testing automation software. A key feature in the updated software is the...

Antimicrobial-treated lockers.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Lyon antimicrobial lockers are finished in an advanced powder coating technology from DuPont and Agion[R] Antimicrobial that inhibits bacterial, mold, and odor build-up on locker surfaces as well as the touch transfer of microbes on locker...

Recirculating chiller for clean process and research applications.(new products)
March 1, 2008... Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has expanded its line of recirculating chillers with the addition of the NESLAB ThermoFlex 2500 unit. With continuous cooling capacities of 25,000 W, this recirculating chiller can be used for diverse applications...

Hygienic conveyor suitable for powders.(new products)
March 1, 2008... PIAB, a global leader in industrial vacuum technology, introduces its C2100-64 conveyor. Engineered to be compact and powerful, the C2100-64 quietly and hygienically conveys powder and bulk materials in spaces with very low ceilings or limited...

Liquid chromatography system.(new products)
March 1, 2008... Varian, Inc. announces its 920-LC liquid chromatograph, a fully automated, computer controlled analytical HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) system that offers "Fast LC" capabilities, state-of-the-art performance, improved...

Dust collector controller.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Farr Air Pollution Control has introduced a new FDC controller that provides user-friendly and reliable pulse cleaning control for all types of cartridge and baghouse dust collection systems. Using factory-programmed or customer-selected...

Dissolved ozone analyzer.(new products)
March 1, 2008... The new dFFOZ-TR trace dissolved ozone analyzer from IN USA, Inc. is an ozone-specific measuring instrument that accurately reads and measures low concentrations of dissolved ozone at the ppb level for ultra-pure water applications. This sensor...

Hot air plastic de-flashing.(new products)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... A new method for the non-contact removal of microscopic flash from molded, cut, and skived medical parts such as catheters and personal care applicators is available from Malcom Company, Inc. Malcom's Leister[R] LE mini heater produces up to...

Parts cleanliness test station.(new products)
March 1, 2008... The Surfex 100M table-top monitor is a compact, integrated particle extraction system for monitoring and qualifying parts cleanliness. By combining ultrasonic extraction, particle measurement, and high-purity fluidics, the monitor increases...

Hand-held UV stain detector.(new products)
March 1, 2008... Spectronics Corp. has introduced the EA-160 UV inspection lamp, a lightweight, portable unit for detecting stains, spills, germs, and other contaminants on surfaces as diverse as carpets, upholstery, and bedding to counter-tops, exam tables,...

Metal coating.(new products)
March 1, 2008... As a developer of coatings that inhibit the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria, molds, mildews, and fungi, Sureshield Coatings Co. offers a comprehensive selection of powder, liquid, and coil coating options that are designed to be...

Mass spectrometry brochure.(new literature)
March 1, 2008... Hiden Analytical has released new literature covering secondary ion mass spectrometry. A new, full-color brochure describes the instrumentation and specifications available and their application to surface analysis, depth profiling, and...

Medical manufacturing information kit.(new literature)
March 1, 2008... The Linear Motion and Assembly Technologies group from the Bosch Rexroth Corp. is offering a free Lean Production Resource Kit for Medical Manufacturing available upon request from the company's web site. The full-color brochure and resource CD...

Maximizing outsourcing for compounding sterile preparations: when responsibility shifts to the contracted facility, qualifying the pharmacy for USP <797> is of the utmost importance.(compounding corner)
March 1, 2008... In today's modern hospital pharmacy, a strategy for effective USP compliance is to outsource high-risk medications. High-risk compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) are prepared using non-sterile components. The non-sterile aspect of these...

Calendar.(Calendar)
March 1, 2008... APRIL 4 2008 Surface Preparation and Cleaning Conference. Sheraton Austin Hotel, Austin, TX. For more information: www.sematech.org APRIL 6-9 Food Automation & Manufacturing Conference and Expo 2008. Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater...

Global semiconductor market drives European fab upgrades: construction spending and cleanroom space growth are in line with past several years, driven by migration to 300-mm technology.(semiconductor technology)(Industry overview)(Company overview)
March 1, 2008... Boasting 12 percent of the world's integrated-circuit fabrication capacity, and nearly one-third of the world production of power devices, Europe accounted for some $6.6 billion in semiconductor equipment and materials spending in 2007,...

Germany/Europe drive dramatic photovoltaic industry growth: solar energy companies are ready for their day in the sun.(solar technology)
March 1, 2008... Companies operating in the solar energy/photovoltaics (PV) marketplace are facing what is often called a good problem to have: how to meet growing demand for its products. The call from public and private sectors for sun-derived power has been...

It's the best/worst of times for European bioprocessing: despite mixed signals biotech marches on, and takes contamination control technology along with it.(bioprocessing)
March 1, 2008... The last quarter of 2007 displayed more discouraging signs than positive ones for the European bioprocessing industry. Yet 2008 nonetheless holds promise. Suppliers of contamination control products and services, especially those involving...

HAI awareness drives investment in infection control products and systems: the concept of disease prevention is simple.(hospital infection control)
March 1, 2008... Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs; also called nosocomial infections) are a distressing issue on two levels: one, it is a sad fact that many people leave the hospital with infections and associated problems that they were not admitted with;...

Coming clean: cleanliness and critical environment controls are essential for the manufacture of modern automobiles. A new standard could help harmonize disparate testing practices in the EU.(automotive manufacturing)
March 1, 2008... Quality management systems, embodied in recognized standards such as ISO and in the meticulous specifications used by individual manufacturers, have been integral to the resurgence and success of the automotive industry since the 1980s. Today,...