In-Line Viscometers Provide Automatic Control Of Process Fluid Viscosity Pharmaceutical Online Interview With David Brookfield, President/CEO, Brookfield Engineering Laboratories
The editorial staff at Pharmaceutical Online recently sat down with David Brookfield, President and CEO, Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, to discuss methods of measuring visocosity, the advantages of bringing measurements in-line, and the company's extensive viscometer product line. Enjoy the discussion.
For more information, or to contact Brookfield Engineering Laboratories, click here.
How are pharmaceutical manufacturers measuring viscosity?
There are many ways that viscosity can be measured, such as capillary, vibration, falling object, rotational, even mixer or pumping force. These methods have very different accuracies and benefits, and may work well for process monitoring or control, but may not be in agreement with laboratory or analytical requirements. In general laboratories require a more scientifically correct measurement, while process control requires a stable, repeatable signal.
Process measurements are made in-line or off-line. A bench-top viscometer has generally been used for off-line measurements wherein a sample of the process fluid is drawn and tested under controlled conditions (temperature, shear history, shear rate, etc.). In-line viscometers are immersed in the process stream and measure continuously under process conditions. The demands of these two environments are so different that it is unlikely that the same equipment can be used for both or that the exact same results will be generated. However, if done properly, the results will follow the same trend, making in-line measurement useful for ensuring consistent production quality.
What are the benefits to bringing your measurement in-line?
In-line measurements give real-time, continuous readings of the fluid's viscosity during processing and consequently provide a means to automate the modification and viscosity control of the process fluid. While it is difficult to control all the factors that are present in the process that affect the fluid's viscosity (such as temperature, air bubbles, shear history, turbulence, pressure variations, etc.), if these factors are kept relatively constant, then good control can be achieved.
What efficiencies are gained by measuring in-line?
Automatic control of the process fluid viscosity insures consistent product all the time and reduces or eliminates human errors and expensive sample testing. Also, it provides for a complete record of how the process varied over a span of time, instead of at just one point in time.
What are the top 3 factors to consider with changing your measurement process?
For process control measurements, the critical factors are stability, repeatability and sensitivity to changes in viscosity. In the laboratory or for analysis, environmental controls (E.g. temperature, flow, sedimentation, air etc.) and scientific measurements (controlled shear, geometry measurement, and sample preparation) must also be included.
How does monitoring the viscosity of pharmaceutical products affect product quality?
Most products are formulated to flow or spread in a controlled manner. Monitoring viscosity at critical shear points ensures that the product will act the same way every time the customer uses it. This is the most tangible indicator of quality.
How has the increased number of international manufacturing facilities affected the way Brookfield Engineering markets their products?
Brookfield sells worldwide with trained dealers and experienced support in all major markets. The growth of manufacturing worldwide has allowed our dealers to grow their sales and open up new opportunities for them and for Brookfield.
How would you characterize Brookfield Engineering to someone who is not familiar with your pharmaceutical product offerings?
We are the only supplier of viscosity test equipment that effectively sells and supports both laboratory bench-top and in-line process viscometers. We focus on the Q.C. market and the high value side of the analytical market where we maintain low cost through technical innovations and efficient operations. Our lean manufacturing operations allowed us to win the New England Shingo prize in 2006. Our product line is extensive and as a consequence, we can measure almost any fluid and meet most customers needs.
What do you see in the future for the Viscometer/Rheometer industry?
With the increase in standardization initiatives such as ISO 9000 and PAT, I see increasing use of analytical viscometers to establish and document the desired properties of products. To a much larger extent, I see the use of Q.C. viscometers to control the production of those fluids to maintain the desired properties, and in particular, the use of in-line viscometers, wherever possible, to automate the process of controlling these desired fluid properties.
If you could get one message out to the Pharmaceutical community, what would it be?
Quality, consistency, and customer acceptance require testing and control of key parameters, of which viscosity is certainly an important one.
What are the biggest advantages of using Brookfield Engineering for measurement?
We have serviced the Pharmaceutical Industry for over 70 years. Our knowledge of applications and techniques is second to none. We also know more about the issues and differences between laboratory and process measurements than other suppliers, and we have instrumentation with decades of successful operation for both types of measurements.
How would you explain your products and services to someone who has never worked with Brookfield Engineering before?
We supply instruments that measure viscosity (flow behavior) and now also texture for both laboratory and process applications that is both for analysis and for control. We are a company with a wide network of experienced dealers that can support and service these products, and we stand behind these products today as we have for the past 70 years. That is why when people think viscosity, they think Brookfield.
Source: AMETEK Brookfield