Unit Operation: Roller Compaction

The ePAT 621 Roller Compaction Monitor is a real time, NIRS based, continuous PAT analyzer developed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. The system monitors content uniformity of roller compactor ribbon components. Factors relating to compaction of the ribbon can also be monitored. The ePAT 621 Roller Compaction Monitor comprises a compact, self cleaning measurement 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 instrument is capable of measuring samples using a measurement head placed underneath and in contact with, the ribbon of compacted material. The head sits right underneath the ribbon thereby giving uniformity information of the ribbon. The system contains a MEMS-based NIR spectrometer with integrated wavelength and amplitude reference module.

The ePAT 621 can be installed onto a number of types of roller compactor equipment with minimal modification. Expo Technologies can undertake all implementation work. It is easy to calibrate, install, and operate. Complete turn-over documentation is offered to assist with your validation.

Outline Specification of ePAT621 High Roller Compaction Monitoring System

Spectral Range	1350-1800mm
Resolution	2nm
Wavelength Accuracy	< 0.1nm
Wavelength Reproducibility	< 0.1 Standard Deviations
Base Line Drift	< 2mAU/Hr (across entire wavelength range)
Light Source	Tunable laser
Noise (Pk to Pk)	< 0.2mAU (across the entire wavelength range)
Data Acquisition Time	400ms
Power	110/240VAC Optional Four Hot swappable batteries - 6 hr operation
Sampling Interface	Contact
Working Distance	18mm
Enclosure	cGMP, IP65 and NEMA 4X
Weight (Enclosure)	8kgs
Weight (Batteries)	1.5kgs
Weight (Measuring Head)	1.5kgs
Size (Enclosure)	154h x 320w x 275d (mm)
Size (Measuring Head)	57h x 100w x 54d (mm)
Communication	Wireless 802.11g with WPA security and an optional direct Ethernet connection
Computer	Embedded, ruggedized, removable flash memory

Self Cleaning Measurement Head

A key part of this measurement device is the probe for the Roller Compactor Monitor. The measurement head maintains intimate contact with the material ribbon. It is this contact which ensures that material is continually refreshed across the surface of the measurement head window.

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 ePAT621.

Having two batteries attached to the ePAT621 allows power to be hot swapped.