Pharmaceutical Processing articles from December 2004

Pharmaceutical Processing archives from December 2004

Drug safety back in the spotlight.(From the Editor)
December 1, 2004... The uproar over Vioxx has died down somewhat in the mainstream media, but the problems and repercussions it has caused throughout the industry and inside the FDA are still being felt. In recent weeks the FDA has issued a flurry of...

Case packer requires no change parts for different sizes.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The GSL20 horizontal case packer has the ability to pack up to 20 cases per minute, and requires no change parts for different case sizes. The unit features a main machine movement via servo-motors with all drivers controlled via Elau soft PLC...

Horizontal automatic peeler centrifuge designed for continuous solid unloading.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Rina 700 series horizontal peeler centrifuges are equipped with an automatic scraping system for continuous unloading of solids at any rotational speed. Features include a precision feeler to gauge fill level, the ability to open the unit...

Particle reduction equipment offers superior grind uniformity.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The Model 6.5 Gran-U-Lizer offers superior grind uniformity on a wide range of materials in both lab/pilot and production environments. The "6.5" was designed to achieve a narrow particle size distribution with few unwanted "fines," on nearly...

Lab-scale ultra-fine classifier features excellent particle size selectivity and exact internal product flow.(What's Hot)
December 1, 2004... The CFS 5 HD-S High Dispersion Air Classifier with a gas flow volume of 50 [m.sup.3]/h (approximately 29 SCFM) is the smallest machine of this series and guarantees optimal classifying results on a laboratory scale. Low volume and/or high value...

Sampling instrumentation designed for GC and GC/MS.(QA/QC Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The Finnigan TriPlus Autosampler is an XYZ robotic GC and GC/MS solution for the lab. Unit offers performance and increased lab automation flexibility while extending productivity. In addition to advanced robotic control of vial and syringe...

Pump, autosampler and degasser module designed for GPC/SEC.(QA/QC Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The GPCmax features a fixed loop autosampler capable of handling 2ml or 20ml vials and an isocratic pump for constant and pulseless solvent flow. The pump and autosampler can be programmed manually using the front instrument panel or through...

Leak tester operates at high production rates.(QA/QC Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The dual-channel M-1075 increases productivity by testing two parts simultaneously at high production-line speeds. The unit also features extended memory that can save up to 1,000 test records for display, printout or downloading to standard...

Electrochemical system expands mass spectrometer capability.(QA/QC Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Company's EC systems, the Coulochem[R], CoulArray[R] and the Discov-Array, can be integrated into virtually any Mass Spectrometer or LCMS system and can be used as a powerful tool to oxidize/ ionize many different types of compounds. EC systems...

Angled roller belt facilitates automated package singulation.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... By consistently repositioning conveyed packages into a single file, the Series 400 ARB significantly reduces side-by-side packages, improving sorter throughput and reducing barcode scanning errors. Unit fits into a small footprint and offers...

Bulk bag conditioner custom engineered to meet specific applications.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Bulk bag conditioner hydraulically compresses bulk bags to break up materials which has hardened or developed lumps during transit and/or storage. Available as a stand-alone unit, with forklift or hoist load, or as a modular section in the...

Foil liners form-fit the container without wrinkles.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Foil barrier liners offer moisture, odor and oxygen protection and are ideal for UV and environmentally sensitive products. The flexible, puncture and tear resistant material has multiple laminations of PET, aluminum and PE. A variety of custom...

Plastic bottles available in sizes from 30cc through 2000cc.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Bottle line include HD and PET Rounds, HD Squares, and HD Oblong Blakes. A variety of closure options including chilled-resistant and tamper-evident as well as liner materials are available. The Healthcare Packaging Group, a Div. Of O. Berk...

Powered plastic chain transfer offers smooth product transport.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... The MicroSpan[R] transfer features a tight-knit MicroSpan[R] chain providing a stable, flexible base for the smooth transport of all types of products. The stainless steel construction along with the MicroSpan plastic chain is ideal for...

Pipe cutting system provides a square cut without interior burrs.(Pure Water Systems)
December 1, 2004... System provides a square cut with no interior burr on pipe or tube 1" to 8". Cuts can be made on mild steel, stainless steel, copper, cast iron soil pipe and all plastic pipe. T-DRILL Industries, Inc. Use InfoLINK 4M1132 or Call...

Lab water purification systems feature carbon-resin technology.(Pure Water Systems)
December 1, 2004... The arium[R] 611 is capable of producing water with 18.2 M[OMEGA] x cm resistivity with extremely low Total Organic Carbon (TOC) level < 1 ppb, endotoxin level < 0.001 EU/ml and a flow rate up to 2 l/min Depending on the application...

Water purification systems granted UL marking for safety.(Pure Water Systems)
December 1, 2004... Company's Synergy[R] and Synergy 185 water purification systems are now listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) for meeting UL and c-UL (Canadian) mechanical and electrical safety criteria. Synergy systems produce ultrapure water from...

Upgraded swing check valve features increased pressure rating performance.(Pure Water Systems)
December 1, 2004... Swing Check Valve features a top bonnet O-Ring Seal design, which allows for improved pressure rating performance when using elastomeric seal materials. This unique top-entry bonnet design also facilitates maintenance. Valve is available in...

Thermoplastic piping systems components offer solutions for life science applications.(Pure Water Systems)
December 1, 2004... PROGEF[R] Natural (PP-n) and SYGEF[R] Plus PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) high-purity thermoplastic piping systems with proprietary fusion joining technologies include a wide range of diaphragm valves, zero static diaphragm valves, pipe...

Rupture disk functions at very high operating ratios.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The PRO+ disk features a 95% operating ratio to guard against fatigue and premature disk rupture in applications with high operating to set ratios. With burst pressure from 8 to 750 psig, the unit is compatible with a range of applications,...

Current-to-pressure converter is highly reliable.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Type 140 features: fail to zero output pressure on signal failure; advanced electronic closed loop; IP66 housing; vibration immunity and extensive operating temperature range. Encapsulated modular electronics and a sub-micron, field...

LED luminaires feature long operating life.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... Lumiglas miniature LED luminaries have an operating life of approximately 100,000 hours, and the two available models produce 93 and 120 foot-candles of power with no heat radiation from the lens. Since they lack fragile filaments, the lights...

Electronic sensor detects level without any moving parts.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Leveltrak uses patented capacitive sensing technology to determine level by measuring the point of dielectric contrast that occurs at the level height. Unit features an enhanced software algorithm that scans 16 sensing fields along the...

Verification system designed for calibrating liquid handlers.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The MVS offers accurate calibration for liquid handling equipment using multiple heads. System provides low volume accuracy and precision with results that are traceable to national standards. ARTEL Use InfoLINK 4M1142 or Call...

Plastic pump ideal for various fluids.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The Flex-I-Cart[R] unitized mobile pump system consists of the Flex-I-liner[R] sealless peristaltic type rotary pump furnished with a choice of UHMW polyethylene, polypropylene, or Teflon[R] body blocks and a selection of seven elastomeric...

Nutsche filter handles pilot plant and small batch processing.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The ROMAN Filter is designed specifically for cGMP requirements and is ideal for CIP and WIP with no crevices or product hold up areas. All metal surfaces have a standard internal finish of 10-20 Ra microinches and an external finish of 20-30...

High frequency metal detector offers increased sensitivity.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The MET 30+hf uses a single high frequency, trolled oscillator and remains robust and reliable at peak sensitivities. Unit can easily be reconfigured for different products, reducing downtime while increasing efficiency and operating speeds....

Crushers facilitate mixing, drying and conveying.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The Delumper 2085L Crusher utilizes specially designed, individually replaceable teeth mounted on a smooth rotating drum, which intermeshes with sizing combs. Solids are reduced to their basic grain size without overgrind, heat rise or fines....

Design economics for USP purified water systems.(Cover Story)
December 1, 2004... The emergence of reverse osmosis (RO) as a primary deionization technique since the 1980's has all but eliminated the use of regenerable deionization for USP Purified Water production. As RO has become commonplace, innovative or alternate...

Pipeline strainer protects piping system components.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Model 30R Basket Strainer removes dirt and debris from the process media which could potentially damage expensive system components. The stainless steel strainer basket, inside the cast iron strainer body, effectively removes this material...

Rack and pinion pneumatic actuator features bidirectional travel stops.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Series 92/93 actuators feature two independently adjustable travel stop screws and a cam on the output shaft to permit precise bidirectional adjustment of actuator movement in both open and closed positioned for quarter turn valves....

Computer and monitor feature optimized panel space.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The AllenBradley VersaView 20" Flat Panel Monitor, designed to fit in a standard 9U-size cutout, can replace 18" TFT displays and 19 and 20" CRTs. Ideal for human-machine interface applications that benefit from larger screen views, the...

Zero-pressure pallet accumulator offers simple field wiring.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Motor-controlled Zero-Pressure Accumulator (MZPA conveyor makes pallet accumulation simple and reliable by eliminating pneumatic clutches, zone-to-zone chains and PLC controls Photoelectric sensors directly control the MZPA conveyor's...

Analytical balance accurately weighs powders.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Explorer(R) Pro Analytical Balance is ideal for weighing powders and pills and automatically senses changes in ambient temperature. The balance features four cursor keys to provide easy menu-driven navigation and lead users through a...

Validation package streamlines validation activities.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The TrackWise(R) Validation Package streamlines validation activities for users of the TrackWise(R) Quality Management System. The package allows for, not only rapid validation for initial deployment, but also minimizes validation activities...

Fluoroplastic tubing available in a variety of materials.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Tubing is available extruded from Texfluor PTFE, FEP, PFA, and MFA in straight lengths, coiled, or convoluted styles. Featuring a low coefficient of friction and anti-stick properties, each material has specific dominant characteristics, but...

Bulk container/bag made of FDA accepted components.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Designed for use in applications with electrostatic hazards, the OhmX D+ Super Sack(R) container combines the features of the Type D and C FIBCs. The Type D offers reliable static dissipation without the need for grounding, while the Type C...

Hydraulic drum dumper offers intrinsically safe operation.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Dumper provides dust-tight discharge of non-free flowing pharmaceutical powders. Includes a Control Link Rotation System for 180 drum rotation, and exclusive Lift & Seal System for dust-tight operation. Unit accommodates a wide range of drum...

Roto-molded tanks available in four materials.(Material Handling)
December 1, 2004... Tanks are available in polypropylene, polyethylene, PVDF and Halar, and are impact-resistant, with high tensile and flexural strength. Tanks are available with FDA-approved and UV stabilized resins, flame retardant resins and antistatic resins....

Flow measurement system is highly accurate.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Complete Flow Solution consists of an Accutube averaging pitot tube, a three valve manifold and a multivariable transmitter. The system produces a mass flow rate that is fully compensated for static pressure and temperature, eliminating the...

Magnetic capping head clutches compatible with all machinery.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... Clutches feature a hysteresis design that provides smooth, vibration-free performance and has a Vernier scale for user adjustable torque setting from 2 to 24 in-lbs, with +/- 2% accuracy. Compatible with all popular machinery used for screwing...

Collars and couplings made from stainless steel.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... Line of 316 stainless steel shaft collars and couplings are designed for use in mixing equipment, drive systems, flow control instruments, and related machinery exposed to harsh chemicals, solvents, and detergents. Supplied with a choice of...

Color-coded handles assist with sanitation maintenance.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... Spectrum(R) Self-Locking Flex-Tip(R) Handles can be attached to push broom, sweep, squeegee or floor scrubs to ensure staff uses the correct cleaning tool in the appropriate area. These 60" long fiberglass handles are available in seven...

Martin D. Madaus named new President and Chief Executive Officer of Millipore.(Industry News)
December 1, 2004... Millipore Corporation has announced the appointment of Martin D. Madaus, Ph.D., to President and CEO of Millipore, effective no later than February 1, 2005. Dr. Madaus comes to Millipore from Roche Diagnostics Corporation where he led a $1.9...

airPharma signs agreement with Britannia to bring novel asthma treatment to market.(Industry News)
December 1, 2004... airPharma and Britannia Pharmaceuticals Limited recently announced that they have signed a global licensing agreement in which airPharma will develop AP0016, a dry powder formulation of Britannia's synthetic surfactant, Pumactant. Under the...

Plymouth Tube Co. signs Letter of Intent to acquire Trent Tube's CWA plant.(Industry News)
December 1, 2004... Plymouth Tube Company recently announced that they have signed a Letter of Intent to acquire the Cold Work Anneal (CWA) Plant of Trent Tube, located in East Troy, WI. Crucible Materials Corporation, headquartered in Syracuse, NY, is the parent...

Parker and Honeywell create alliance to provide process industry with system for sample analysis.(Industry News)
December 1, 2004... The Instrumentation Products Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation and Honeywell are teaming to deliver next-generation solutions for process sampling, sensing and analysis. The alliance combines the Parker IntraFlow line of surface mount...

Precision valveless dispensers and metering pumps ideal for extended operation in remote locations.(Pumps)
December 1, 2004... Pumps provide precise fluid control for environmental monitoring, sampling, and treatment applications. The low current DC motor is ideal for extended 12/24 Volt battery operation in remote locations. The design of the CeramPump[R] utilizes one...

Replacement parts and pumps interchangeable with other models.(Pumps)
December 1, 2004... The Titan C22 pumps and interchangeable replacement parts offer high quality performance at a low cost. Pump line can handle fluids from thin, flowable liquids to highly viscous materials and solids in suspension. Features include: flow...

Centrifugal pump line reduces maintenance.(Pumps)
December 1, 2004... The FPR series stainless steel centrifugal pumps reduce maintenance time and effort. Their front pullout seal design allows production personnel to service them in place. Processors save time by changing seals without pulling the pump out of...

Metering pumps operate smoothly and quietly.(Pumps)
December 1, 2004... The H25 Metering Series Industrial Pumps are hydraulically balanced diaphragm pumps engineered to pump at up to 1200 gpm, while providing [+ or -] 1% steady state accuracy with a 10:1 turndown ratio. Rugged design can operate at 1000 psi, but...

Pulsation dampeners remove 99% of system shock.(Pumps)
December 1, 2004... Positive displacement pumps create pulsation and hydraulic shock due to the reciprocating nature of their stroking action, potentially damaging the entire pumping system. SENTRY[R] Pulsation Dampeners remove virtually all system shock,...

Programming software increases project development productivity.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... New functionality available in RSLogix 5000 v. ] 3 allows for the reuse of previously written code and documentation, providing substantial savings in control system development time. The Ladder Diagram (LD)Partial import/Export capability...

Combination particle and activated carbon filter provides odor control.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... Fresh Air Supreme uses a unique, chemically-enhanced carbon to remove odors and compounds. The media used in the filter captures odors through both chemical reaction and adsorption. The media is self-supporting and doesn't require a metal...

Vibratory feeders designed for complicated feeding applications.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... Line of small vibratory feeders feature the Hi-Vi magnetic drive circuit that provides a solution to complicated material feeding applications. Feeders feature a totally enclosed, dust and moisture-resistant magnetic drive that extends coil...

Liquid filler features peristaltic pump tubing system.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The DAFPA Disposable Aseptic Fluid Path System is ready to use and incorporates a Gamma radiated sterile flexible product bag, sterile filter and peristaltic pump tubing assembly with nozzle. At the point of use, the technician simply opens t...

Vacuum conveying system is simple to use and efficient.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... The Quadro Vac[R] integrates vacuum transfer technology with the powder incorporation and dispersion capabilities of the Ytron in-line ZC Powder Dispersion unit to provide an integrated powder transfer and dispersion system. Benefits include:...

Containment system meets stringent hygiene standards.(Processing Equipment)
December 1, 2004... System can filter extremely fine dust particles and aerosols, bringing pharmaceutical processing contamination levels down well below the most stringent OEL. The system features the exclusive use of sub-micron particulate filter cassettes in...

INTERPHEX2005 provides smart solutions for sterile manufacturing.(INTERPHEX2005 Update)
December 1, 2004... The common bacterium, Serratia marcescens, causes the pinkish "mildew" that appears in bathrooms. Once considered to be harmless, it is now recognized as a broad host pathogen that can cause opportunistic infections. Serratia marcescens is a...

Safety interlock designed for both hinged and sliding doors.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The DM modular access interlock is suitable for use on all types of doors. The unit, part of the mGard range of modular interlocks, is available with a selection of all stainless steel actuators for both hinged and sliding doors. The head...

Pressure transducers designed for a broad range of applications.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The Ashcroft[R] G2 delivers 1% full scale Total Error Ban performance including linearity, hysteresis, non-repeatability and thermal error. It offers excellent EMI/RFI performance; an IP67 water ingress rating; and is available in pressure...

Toxic gas monitor connects to pocket PC.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... Toxic gas monitor can be configured by mixing and matching up to five gas sensors including ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen cyanide, ethylene oxide, ozone, oxygen, chlorine, hydrogen chloride,...

LCD industrial panel computer designed for industrial applications.(Processing Components)
December 1, 2004... The ARP-2115 is a fanless, 15" LCD industrial panel computer that features resistive touch-screen or strengthened glass that protects the LCD panel from scratching and its aluminum panel with its heavy-duty steel chasses makes it ideal for...

Electrically actuated ball valve features a modular design and multiple functionality.(Fluid Handling)
December 1, 2004... The 130 Series of Electrically Actuated Ball Valves features the new EA 21 Electric Actuator. The EA21 actuator was designed specifically to complement the modularity and flexibility of the 546 Series valve and provide a system approach to...

Molded silicone assemblies reduce installation time and improve cleanliness.(Fluid Handling)
December 1, 2004... Supplied as silicone fittings attached directly to sillcone tubing or hose. the assemblies are well-suited for applications involving aseptic transfer, sterile processing, and other critical applications in the pharmaceutical, biomedical, and...

Flowmeters are designed for maintenance-free, in-line operation.(Fluid Handling)
December 1, 2004... Series 2000 in-line flowmeters measure liquid flow rates with 2% accuracy full scale. The flowmeters are calibrated for water or for user-specified specific gravity and viscosity and make more accurate measurement of flow possible in a variety...

Co-extruded plastic tubing offers purity and flexibility.(Fluid Handling)
December 1, 2004... Polyethylene-Lined EVA tubing provides the purity of polyethylene combined with the flexibility of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). The tubing is a co-extruded item. Its core of low density polyethylene is extruded first. Then, using a patented...

Digital valve controllers designed for ease of use.(Fluid Handling)
December 1, 2004... The DVC2000 series of instruments was designed in accordance with NAMUR standards IEC60534-6-1 and IEC60534-6-2. The DVC2000 can be mounted on Fisher and other brand actuators, enabling FIELDVUE performance to be applied to a wide range of...

FDA's compliance policy guide on radio frequency identification pilot programs will facilitate industry uptake.(Regulatory Update)
December 1, 2004... The agency released the "Radiofrequency identification Feasibility Studies & Pilot Programs for Drug" compliance policy guide recently. "You need someone to step forward and exert leadership. There are many examples where technology could...

IoM drug safety study may buy time for FDA; report will play in PDUFA IV.(Regulatory Update)
December 1, 2004... FDA's decision to proceed with an Institute of Medicine review of drug safety regulation could trigger a full-fledged debate over the possibility of creating a separate post-marketing regulatory agency in the U.S. FDA expects IoM to examine the...

PhRMA CEO succession.(Noted)
December 1, 2004... PhRMA CEO succession: The Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America is understood to have finalized its plans to hire Rep. Billy Tauzin (R-La.) as CEO of the trade association. However, no announcement is expected before the Dec. 4...

Sen. Gregg moves to Budget Cmte.(Noted)
December 1, 2004... Sen. Gregg moves to Budget Cmte.: Senate Health Committee Chairman Judd Gregg (R-N.H.) will retain responsibility over Medicare on a macro level following his move to the chairmanship of the Budget Committee. At his announcement of his plan to...

Genentech CFO.(Noted)
December 1, 2004... Genentech CFO: Genentech CFO Lou Lavigne will retire in March 2005 after serving as a Genentech finance exec for over 22 years. He first served as controller and was promoted to CFO in 1988. In his retirement, Lavigne intends to serve on the...

Serono U.S. CFO goes global.(Noted)
December 1, 2004... Serono U.S. CFO goes global: Serono U.S. CFO Stuart Grant is promoted to CFO for entire company Nov. 10. Grant will assume his new role within the next few weeks and will report to CEO Ernesto Bertarell.

Sanofi U.S. strategy exec.(Noted)
December 1, 2004... Sanofi U.S. strategy exec: Sanofi-Aventis names Juergen Lasowski, PhD, to head U.S. business development & strategy. He formerly served as Aventis VP-strategic planning & business and head of strategic development at predecessor company Hoechst...