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Optical methods such as UV/VIS or NIR spectroscopy can be very powerful tools for analyzing a range of product characteristics, but in processes involving wet and sticky powders it is necessary to ensure that the system has a clear view of the product. Conventional windows used in process equipment such as fluid bed systems, high shear granulators or spray dryers have always suffered from the risk of window fouling. The new Lighthouse Probe™ has overcome this problem. In addition to in-process cleaning (CIP), to ensure a clear optical path, the Lighthouse Probe™ has been designed to enable the probe and wash system, including the critical product seal area, to be fully cleaned in place (CIP – Clean-In-Place) at the end of the process. The novel design also includes a self calibration facility which can be used to positively confirm that the seven observation windows have not become contaminated and also to regularly check the calibration of the spectrometer.

The Lighthouse Probe uses a combination of fiber optics and mirrors to give an exceptionally compact design suitable for simple mounting on the smallest processors without disrupting the process. At the same time it offers the ability to ensure that the analyzed sample volume is consistent with the scale of scrutiny required with respect to a unit dosage.

GEA Pharma Systems will now offer the Lighthouse Probe™ Technology as part of its process equipment and will continue to use its extensive background in process engineering to develop new applications. This will enable GEA Pharma Systems to offer world-class solutions to meet the demands for pharmaceutical production in the 21st century.

Options to retrofit to existing process equipment are also available.

The Lighthouse Probe™ is a process analyzer that enables PAT

• On-line and in-line analysis becomes more important today. This importance is increasing after introduction of the FDA‘s PAT initiative.
• Some of the in-on-line analysis methods are based on optical measurements. The use of these optical methods is based on analyzing the process through a window
• Window fouling is a well known phenomenon, which is often happening, leading to wrong analysis results or unwanted stops of the process.
• This is a big problem for methods using optical detection
• To ensure an optical detection without any problems during the process the Lighthouse Probe™ was developed

The Lighthouse Probe™ system consists of 5 elements:

1. Probe with optics
2. Spectrometer
3. Software (data acquisition and analysis software and programming for movement unit and CIP unit)
4. Movement unit and housing
5. CIP unit

Benefits:

• No window fouling
• In-line window wash
• In-line calibration
• Full CIP
• In-product measurement with 360 degrees view
• Simultaneous use of various analytical methods (NIR, FBRM etc)

Technical details:

• Tubular Sapphire glass windows
• Large observation area
• Fibre Optic side viewing optical probe
• Small probe diameter
• Compact CIP skid
• Customized probes
• Various lengths
• Various tips/noses
• Portable versions
• In-flow measurements
• Multi-point/-depth

Summary

The Lighthouse Probe™™ provides:

• In-process window cleaning at any time.
• Recalibration at any time during the process
• Full CIP of wash housing and seal
• Always a clear view inside, even in difficult conditions

Future developments

• Combining Lighthouse Probe Technology with UV/VIS-, fluorescence- and Raman spectroscopy.
• Experiments with pastes and suspensions.
• Tests in different vessels and tubes (flow through).
• Combination of different optical methods in one probe.
• Additional experiments for checking product homogeneity in vessels.

SOURCE: GEA Process Engineering Inc.

GEA Process Engineering Inc. • 9165 Rumsey Road • Columbia, MD 21045
Tel. 410-997-8700 • E-mail: info@niroinc.com • Website: www.niroinc.com