Pharmaceuticals
Moving forward
Vacuum conveyors from PIAB move pharmaceutical products with ease
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acuum conveyor technology using Piab’s Coax system, has become an indispensable part of the food and pharmaceutical industries. Used for an increasingly wide array of tasks: moving materials like coffee beans, baking ingredients, fine powder handling in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
The growing reliance on vacuum conveying is easy to understand, considering its myriad advantages. It is product friendly, enclosed, hygienic and safe. Even materials sensitive to humidity and contamination can be safely conveyed.
Choosing the best vacuum conveyor for your
pharmaceutical environment is a challenging task requiring careful consideration. If systems are chosen without consideration loss of productivity, employee hazards, downtime, etc. can result. There are a variety of specific features and benefits to look for when selecting a vacuum conveying system. An ideal system will optimise performance, and increase overall productivity. Look for vacuum conveying systems that offer the following qualities:-
Pneumatic vacuum vs. mechanical pumps – The main difference between these two types of pumps lies in their source of power, compressed air and electricity. Vacuum pumps are small, compact, lightweight making them more energy efficient. Further benefits are: no moving parts; the ability to operate intermittently; unaffected by ambient conditions due to their internal multi- chambered design and pneumatic operation. Lastly they offer minimal product degradation, heat, noise and contamination issues associated with mechanical pumps are eliminated. Flexibility and modularity – Pharmaceutical powders feature varying densities and flow characteristics, it is important that the conveyor be modular, and capable of running a variety of different dry materials (e.g. cellulose, lactose and dextrose).
Speeds of system – Select your conveyor for the 26 March 2014 Solids and Bulk Handling
speed and performance which allows you to convey the maximum amount of product required. Systems are available up to 10 tons of product per hour. Hygienic solutions with less waste – A critical
consideration is that the material
conveyed is completely hygienic, free from contact and pathogens.
The conveyor system needs to be enclosed and safe - from source to destination – minimising the risk of cross contamination or dust generation, thus improving the overall health and safety aspects of the process. Filtration – Filters are an integral component of the conveyor, they prevent dust and fine particles from escaping and being drawn into the pump. Consider your filtration options; the key is to pick a vendor with a variety of options these could include pleated, pleated rod or textile socks all fully compliant to FDA. Test facility – Having the opportunity to view and analyse your conveyed product at a manufacturer’s facility is a vital step in the selection process which is often overlooked. Fluidisation – Compressed gas passes through porous materials creating a cushion that reduces the coefficient friction allowing non free flowing material to discharge freely from the vacuum receiver. It is ideal for conveying of non-free- flowing powders, a common characteristic of cohesive products. Size/shape – Conveyors offer a relatively small footprint, maximising floor space. Conical shaped modules are stiff and rigid, eliminating the risk of implosion. Durable material – Easy cleaning, combined with innate strength, makes stainless steel the
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material of choice for strict hygiene conditions. Flow modulation – Giving greater control of the way the material is conveyed. This is achieved by adjusting the feed pressure at the vacuum pump thus affecting the product velocity. Compliance – The pharmaceutical industry is heavily regulated incorporating CGMP and FDA compliance. Accessories – Selection of accessories such as feed lances, feed adapters can greatly optimise the conveyor’s performance. Employee safety and production efficiency
– With the proper conveying system, a greater number of materials can be safely conveyed, reducing the risks to employees. Environmentally friendly – Energy efficient and low contamination; complying with the latest industry standards eliminating the threat of oil or lubricant contamination.
A conveying system is not an impulse buy; it requires careful consideration of numerous criteria regarding performance, safety, ergonomics and flexibility. n
For further information contact Piab Ltd on tel: 01509 857010 or visit:
www.piab.com
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