Case study: pneumatic sifter for high containment applications

Published: 30-May-2018

Howorth Air Technology and Russell Finex collaborate to provide a multiple contained powder handling system solution for a pharmaceutical producer

A global pharmaceutical producer sought a multiple contained powder handling system and approached Howorth Air Technology and Russell Finex for a solution.

Howorth engineers a range of powder containment solutions and aseptic systems for medical, pharmaceutical, and other industries. The company manufactures high quality bespoke products and turnkey systems to clients throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Russell Finex is a global manufacturer of pharmaceutical sieving and filtration equipment.

The customer had previously held concerns about operator exposure during the processing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and two systems were required to guarantee containment in two key production areas.

Firstly, a Howorth worksafe containment booth was supplied, where pharmaceutical powders would be weighed and transferred into a hopper then vacuum-conveyed into an IBC via an integrated sieving system.

The Russell Compact Airswept Sieve was recommended on this occasion. This aseptic pneumatic sifter combines industry-proven Russell Finnex compact sieve technology with vacuum conveying lines, ensuring powders can be check-screened in one dust-tight operation. The sieving unit is quick and easy to dismantle, reducing downtime between processes.

A Howorth Isolator System (also known as a glove box) was also supplied to the customer. APIs can be loaded into the isolator, vacuum-conveyed and then screened via another integrated sieve system.

A customised aseptic pneumatic sieve was engineered, combining a Russell Compact Airswept Sieve with the Russell Compact Airlock Sieve clamping system.

This vacuum-conveying screener provides all the benefits of pneumatic sieving technology with the patented TLI (twist, lock and inflate) airlock clamping system, designed to provide effortless operation, ideal for integration inside a glove box.

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