Dale Natoli introduces a new solution from a tableting expert
An established player in the tablet compression industry is launching a new product.
The NP-400 from Natoli Engineering is an economical, heavy-duty, medium output press. Capable of running around the clock, the NP-400 can produce up to 180,000 tablets per hour.
It is a single footprint press that utilises a 21 CFR part 11 compliant SCADA to continuously monitor the tablet pre-compression and main compression forces and tablet ejection force. Optional tablet take off force, press temperature and humidity monitoring are also available.
Automatic punch barrel oil lubrication and automatic punch head grease lubrication systems are standard. Non-proprietary off-the-shelf-controls offer a significant reduction in replacement part costs and delivery times.
The new press comes with a complete electrical schematic and a bill of materials listing all electrical parts, part numbers and suppliers is also included to allow the purchase of electrical parts directly from the manufacturer. It is available with a 20 station ‘D’ tooling turret, a 25 station ‘B’ tooling turret or a 30 station ‘BB’ tooling turret. Cam tracks are offered for both TSM and EU tooling configurations. A tool-less zero clearance feeder assembly comes as standard with this press.
Just as Natoli Engineering partners with its customers to solve their most pervasive tableting challenges, the company has partnered with leading instrument manufacturers to provide process analytical technology (PAT) and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy solutions to be integrated with the new tablet press. The addition of NIR and PAT technologies creates further opportunities for reduced cost and time savings during tablet production.
Incorporating spectroscopy
In the same way that features such as auto-lubrication have become indispensible on tablet presses, spectroscopy is set to become an important option for tablet analysis during manufacture.
A NIR sensor installed on the NP-400 can analyse tablet quality and improve tableting efficiency. Such a sensor measures the NIR spectrum of each tablet following compression and uses a multivariate calibration model to determine whether the tablet is within the specification range. If the tablets are out of specification, the NIR controller will communicate with the NP-400’s on-machine SCADA system and the tablets will be directed to the reject chute of the tablet press for later evaluation.
Assisting manufacturers
This ability offers considerable advantages to manufacturers. In addition to producing consistent high quality tablets, they also can improve efficiency and reduce costs by identifying nonconforming tablets during production. The opportunity to correct issues during lot manufacture saves time and prevents formulation waste.
Integration of NIR with the NP-400 allows customers to generate a data-rich batch record that can be used for lot release support and process improvement options for the drug manufacturing process.
For more information at www.scientistlive.com/eurolab
Dale Natoli is president of Natoli.
