Pharma Technology Inc. (PTI) has introduced an integrated bin filling hopper for its PharmaFlex family of tablet dedusters. The hoppers, which come in sizes of 50 or 100 L, allow for the accumulation of tablets until in-process weight, thickness, and hardness control checks have been completed.
PTI can now integrate these hoppers into its PharmaFlex 1200, 1300, and 1500 models of tablet dedusters, each of which are also offered in dust-tight and high-containment WIP versions. These three models’ tall spirals sufficiently raise dedusted tablets for discharge to the hopper and, eventually, to a bin underneath it. However, the hoppers also are offered as retrofits to any existing PharmaFlex deduster by adding additional, stackable spiral segments.
A 4-in. flexible valve allows discharge from the integrated hoppers into subsequent bins without risk of damage to tablets, and an optional backup sensor can be added to detect possible jams in the hopper inlet tube. Through PTI’s FlexConnect silicone connection system—a design configuration allowing for sanitary, quick, and easy integration of various process equipment—a metal detector can be positioned at a customer-preferred point along the tablet run.
PharmaFlex’s signature segmented deduster spiral is composed of FDA-approved, high-tech, pressure-molded polymer segments or 316L stainless-steel segments. Each stainless-steel segment has a vertical height of 500 mm. These spirals allow for PTI’s concurrent flow dust-removal system in which tablets and extracted dust flow in conjunction and without interruption for more thorough, efficient dedusting.
