February 2008 Editor's Picks

Optima Group Pharma
Nested syringe filler operates at high speed
The “H10-16” nested syringe-filling and -closing machine from Optima Group Pharma (Green Bay, WI) provides high-speed operation and on line fill-weight checking. Uwe Kellermann, vice-president of pharmaceutical applications for the company, says, “In the 160-nest configuration, the [unit’s] output is 960 syringes/min.” He adds that the device processes six tubs per minute, regardless of the nest configuration.

The H10-16 machine is equipped with a proprietary in-process control (IPC) system. The IPC system performs fill checks by removing one row of syringes, weighing it before and after filling, and providing automatic feedback to the filling system. This nondestructive method allows companies to use or sell all tested syringes.
In addition, the unit incorporates a robot that removes the “Tyvek” cover and layer from tubs before filling and closing.
Kellermann observes that the device accommodates various fill systems, including peristaltic pumps.

Sono-Tek
Spray dryer collects small particles
At INTERPHEX Puerto Rico, Sono-Tek (Milton, NY) unveiled its “SonoDry 1000” spray-drying system. Luis Abarca, director of Sono-Tek’s ultrasonic coating solutions business, explains that the system’s dual-cyclone design “efficiently collects fine particles with high yields to create small batches of spray-dried particles from aqueous or solvent feeds.”

Abarca adds that the nonclogging high-frequency ultrasonic nozzle is core of the system’s technology. The nozzle is available in four frequencies to create customized droplet sizes at low flow rates. The 120 kHz nozzle, for example, creates a median drop size of 18 µm in water.