Penn Pharma installs new Gerteis roller compactor technology

Published: 12-May-2015

Enhances powder flow as well as effective containment using skan isolator technology and integrated cleaning systems

Pharmaceutical manufacturer Penn Pharma has installed a Gerteis Mini-Pactor at its contained manufacturing facility in Tredegar, South Wales to further expand its service offering at the site.

The new Mini-Pactor was successfully and safely manoeuvred through a customised roof into the contained manufacturing facility. It was elevated and put in position through the recently redesigned purpose-built flexible roof, fitted to allow the safe installation of this latest technology. The lift and subsequent placement of the roller compactor required the use of a 100ft crane operated by a team of specialist engineers and skilled support functions.

Roller compaction provides a granulation method for materials that are heat- and moisture-sensitive, avoiding the use of liquid and high temperatures associated with wet granulation and subsequent drying methods. The Gerteis Mini-Pactor offers a patented, proven design that enhances powder flow as well as effective containment using skan isolator technology and integrated cleaning systems. The process is easily scaleable, facilitating shorter and less costly development programmes.

Bill Mitchell, CEO of parent company PCI, which acquired Penn in August 2014, was on site to oversee this latest milestone. He commented: 'This latest investment is a further demonstration to our customers of the commitment we have made to deliver best-in-class solutions. This contained roller compactor increases our ability to provide advanced services in response to growing market demand for the processing and manufacturing of solid dosage forms containing potent molecules.

'The PCI Penn Tredegar site has more than 20 years of experience in the use of roller compactor technology. By combining expertise gained over time with state-of-the-art technology, we understand the importance of this technology and its application in addressing the specific needs of our customers.'

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