Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - June 2010 - (Page 11)

Inspection technologies update Many pharma manufacturers believe that product inspection technology is essential to guarantee product safety and such technologies are frequently relied upon for quality control. There are three main types of tablet inspection technologies: checkweighers (inspect by weight), metal detection systems (identify the presence of metal contaminants), and x-ray inspection systems (x-ray beams to identify missing products, ensure product integrity and detect contamination). Metal detection is the most accurate way to identify very small (0.3 mm) spherical sized metal foreign bodies on packaging lines, whereas checkweighers are the traditional method for checking for missing product or missing product information leaflets (PILs). Checkweighing serialisation solutions can also be used to protect against counterfeiting. Meanwhile, x-ray inspection is ideal for the detection of high-density contaminants, but has difficulties detecting low-density contaminants. Despite this, however, x-ray inspection is fast becoming an all rounder with both the ability to “see” missing products and PILs, as well as spot contaminants, such as metal, high-density plastics or even glass. The most significant need in the pharmaceutical industry regarding tablet inspection technologies is the requirement for traceability. As such, many manufacturers have updated their software systems by equipping them with an electronic signature login system that stores access activities and tracks changes to comply with the FDA’s 21 CFR Part 11. cartoning and boxing equipment, thus available floor space is limited. In response to industry needs, however, the available systems will continue to evolve; for instance, many new checkweighing systems are already compact and flexible enough to fit the majority of production lines. Meanwhile, x-ray technology will continue to detect even smaller contaminants and software will provide tailored solutions for end users, while metal detection systems will advance with improved detection levels and rejection methods to enhance product quality and reduce the number of false rejects. PTE Paul Burroughs, Mettler Toledo Future challenges The greatest challenge for tablet inspection and, indeed all pharmaceutical manufacturing operations, is the upcoming 2015 Track and Trace requirements, which state that companies will need to provide track and trace capabilities from the point of packaging to the pharmacy or healthcare facility. To do this, they will require checkweighing, marking, verification and validation systems to be included in their production lines. Other challenges will relate to space, flexibility and efficiency. Production line space is designed to fit filling, Based on a contribution by Paul Burroughs, Account Manager Pharmaceuticals at Mettler Toledo Product Inspection. www.mt.com 1 CONTENTS 7 CONTINUOUS PROCESSES 3 CHANGING TRENDS 8 COATING CHALLENGES 4 EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS 10 CODING TECHNOLOGIES 5 GRANULATION 12 TOP TECHNOLOGIES http://www.mt.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - June 2010

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - June 2010
Contents
Find Out What PTE Readers Feel Are the Most Common Problems Encountered with Their Tabletting Equipment.
Tablet Compression: Changing Trends, More Demands
Tabletting Equipment: Common Problems and How to Avoid Them
Granulation: Evolving Slowly But Surely
Drying: Moving from Batch to Continuous Processes
Challenges in Coating
Flexible Blending
Coding Technologies: Breaking Down the Barriers
Inspection Technologies Update
Twelve Latest Technologies Showcased

Pharmaceutical Technology Europe - June 2010