Unit Operation: Blending

The ePAT 601 Blend Monitor is a real time, NIRS based, continuous PAT analyzer developed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. The system monitors the uniformity of all blend components such that end -point determination can be controlled and maximized. The ePAT 601 Blend Monitor also comprises an on-board computer and a remote measuring head.

The system includes an embedded computer which communicates with a remote base station computer, so that measurements can be viewed and recorded in real time. All data is recorded locally within the embedded computer such that no data is lost in the event of a communication failure.

The measuring head is configured for convenient, non-contact analysis with a nominal 6mm, 10mm, 20mm, or 40mm measurement area and a standard focal distance of 18mm.

The instrument is capable of measuring samples through a window, typically inserted into the lid of a blender bin and triggered by the blender's rotation.

A flush mounted window design can be manufactured and implemented by Expo Technologies on behalf of the client.

The system contains a MEMS-based NIR spectrometer with integrated wavelength and amplitude reference module.

The ePAT 601 can be directly installed onto existing blending equipment with minimal modification. It is easy to calibrate, install, and operate. Complete turn-over documentation is offered to assist with your validation.

Outline Specification of ePAT601 Blend Monitoring System

Spectral Range	1350-1800mm
Resolution	2nm
Wavelength Accuracy	< 0.1nm
Wavelength Reproducibility	< 0.1 Standard Deviations
Base Line Drift	< 0.3% RAU/hr
Light Source	Tunable laser
Noise - RMS	< 0.04mAU
Data Acquisition Time	400ms
Power	Four Hot swappable batteries - 6 hr operation Optional 110/240VAC Optional 12VDC
Sampling Interface	Non-contact
Sampling Area	6mm, 10mm, 20mm and 40mm spot sizes
Working Distance	18mm
Enclosure	cGMP, IP65 and NEMA 4X
Weight (Enclosure)	8kgs
Weight (Batteries)	1.5kgs
Weight (Measuring Head)	3.5kgs
Size (Enclosure)	154h x 320w x 275d (mm)
Size (Measuring Head)	170h x 125w x 130d (mm)
Communication	Wireless 802.11g with WPA security and an optional direct Ethernet connection
Computer	Embedded, ruggedized, removable flash memory

Triggering

Triggering measurement can be done in a couple of ways. The software can be set to make measurements as spectral criteria are met, or, the preferred method is to incorporate an optical trigger switch that can be bolted to the instrument or the blender. It is important that the robustness of this triggering device is characterized and understood. Expo Technologies' document 601-RR-18-0117-C Triggering Robustness (PDF).

Hot Swappable Batteries

Four batteries and mains charging system are supplied. Two batteries can be charging on the mains charger while the other two batteries are utilized on the ePAT601. Both the batteries and the battery charger have inbuilt charge indicator levels.

Having two batteries attached to the ePAT601 allows power to be hot swapped.