A bespoke containment solution to support dispensing and weighing out of active/excipient pharmaceutical powders, has recently been installed at the North of England facility of a leading, innovative pharmaceutical manufacturer.
The system is capable of meeting low OEL levels during drum tip, invert, dock and mill and IBC transfer, (all fully interlocked with client MES).
The downflow booth offers an extended safe working zone of 2m and meets the facility single level space and layout requirements. It includes a cooling package and low noise operations for a more comfortable working environment.
Raw materials for dispensing into IBCs are presented in a range of multiple drum sizes to be discharged into an IBC using a drum tipper and post hoist inverter. Space restrictions determined that drums be lifted and inverted using either the drum tipper or post hoist to allow for the 120⁰ or 180⁰ rotation required to invert for discharge. If the raw material requires milling the material enters the IBC via the mill which is part of the dispensing train but which only has the impellor and screen fitted when required.
A vacuum lifter is used to lift raw material drums off the pallet and place the drum on the inverter where it is clamped into position and fitted with drum discharge cones for easy, dust free discharge of drum contents. Drums are then lifted and lowered onto the mill and docked and locked into position for discharge.
A downward inflating packing head located below the mill outlet inflates against the IBC inlet to ensure closed transfer of materials from mill to IBC. A mill frame with combined IBC guide rails ensures the IBC is perfectly docked for filling prevented product egress which may present a health and safety hazard.
The customer commented, ‘We have worked with Hosokawa on similar installations and always find them easy to work with. The input from Hosokawa’s experienced engineers is invaluable, not least in the early design stages with physical and visual mock ups that reassure all members of our team that we have the best design possible for the task’.
