Weighing system offers containment and accuracy

Published: 8-Sep-2011

ILC DoverPac has developed a cost-effective modular weigh and dispense system that combines proven containment with ease of operation

ILC DoverPac has developed a weigh and dispense system with a modular design to allow weighing or subdividing materials in a highly contained way while maintaining weighing accuracy. With the benefit of low capital cost to purchase and install, the system can be used for weighing and then directly charging into a process vessel or other equipment.

The modular design allows the system to meet specific process demands using proven containment and weighing technology and offers improved ergonomics over hard wall isolators by utilising the comfort of the flexible wall system. It is designed to operate with a typical accuracy level of +/- 5 grams depending on scale capacity (higher accuracy available with custom design and scale selection), and can achieve proven containment using the static or dynamic Flexible Isolator System to less than 1.0μg/m3.

The versatile design enables the use of balance, load cell system or floor scale systems, along with tare removal of packaging for net weight accuracy. Weighing accuracy is determined by the scale capability and the weights being handled.

The system is primarily designed to dispense from drums, which are easily attached using the ILC Dover drum attachment ring technology; the standard design accommodates drum diameters up to 23 inches. Drums can be completely or partially discharged and then removed from the system, maintaining containment for subsequent discharging. The ILC Dover Crimping System completes the safe and secure process.

This passive system is proven for high containment; the integrity of the system is secure using DoverPac’s robust ArmorFlex 113 flexible film. Testing results consistently report an OEL below 1.0 μg/m3 TWA, and systems have been provided up to 200 inches long with no limit on size capacity.

The ArmorFlex family of films has been developed for the specific needs of the pharmaceutical industry including FDA approval for product contact. The flexible isolator is manufactured from ArmorFlex 113 film and is typically 8 mil thick. This robust material is resistant to damage from typical use and is more functional than a hard wall type design. ArmorFlex is developed to be resistant to most solvents, environmentally friendly for incineration with no chlorides, and has a 5-year shelf life.

The flexible isolator is manufactured from ArmorFlex 113 film and is typically 8 mil thick

The flexible isolator is manufactured from ArmorFlex 113 film and is typically 8 mil thick

The Dynamic Flexible Isolator has been designed with a fan and HEPA filter system to provide an additional level of containment protection while reducing the risk of any breach. Pressure control is maintained and monitored by a PLC system, and a breach control senses and indicates a pressure drop while changing the operating parameters to maintain a negative pressure.

Process examples include:

  • Dispense to DoverPacs for charging
  • Dispense to continuous liner
  • Subdivide drums of potent materials
  • Sampling from drums
  • Weigh and dispense directly to the process

Among possible design options are N2 inerting of the system; low humidity control; alternative transfer options, including RTP units and transfer valves; wash-in-place cleaning; adjustable height base; and collapsible frame for storage.

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