Recover API Powders with a Dust Collector Cyclone

Prevent API Powders from being Lost in Filters

When processing Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), it is important to make sure that these expensive powders are not wasted or lost during any part of the process. The increasing potency of API powders means that this is crucial from a safety point of view, as well as financial, as high potency drugs need to be properly contained.

The Hanningfield Uni-Dust Powder Recovery Cyclone is designed to be connected to the extraction line of a tablet press or capsule filling machine to intercept API waste powder before it reaches the central extraction system. To guarantee the integrity of captured API powders, the cyclone can be mounted inside the process room. This means that recovered powder can be reworked and reintroduced (where protocol permits), minimising material loss. Another benefit of recovering API powders in a contained and controlled manner is that it enables simple and accurate batch reconciliation, helping manufacturers to satisfy FDA guidelines.

Our experience and knowledge of providing powder processing solutions to the pharmaceutical and related industries means we understand the stringent hygiene, safety and regulatory requirements of API processing. The cyclone is completely compliant with these requirements and offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for preventing API powders from being lost in filters.

Uni-Dust Cyclone: Overview

To capture lost API powders, cyclones use vortex separation which causes the solid particles to hit the wall of the cyclone, slow down and fall to the catchpot at the base of the cyclone. This allows clean air to pass downstream (to the dust extraction source) and prevents a build-up of materials in the filters, which can be time consuming and expensive to replace.

With no moving parts and no filters, the Uni-Dust features a sanitary GMP stainless steel construction, assembled using only Tri-Clamps for fast and easy dismantling.

For greater control over your process, the cyclone can be modified to include various upgrade features including safe-change, level control or sight glass (in catchpot), isolation valve and air balancing valves. All equipment can be supplied with full validation documentation (FS/DS, FAT, SAT, IQ/OQ) and 3.1 mill certificates.

Features

> Compatible with the standard airflows of compression and encapsulation machines
> GMP stainless steel construction
> Can be mounted inside the process room for guaranteeing integrity of captured material
> Can be retrofitted to existing processes

Benefits

> Prevents blinding and replacement of expensive filters in central dust extraction system or vacuum cleaner, with associated environmental benefits
> High efficiency design, typically capturing 90 – 99.9% of powders
> Almost zero maintenance costs, as cyclone has no moving parts and no filters
> Helps pharmaceutical manufacturers comply with FDA guidelines on batch reconciliation and yields
> Recovered powder can be reworked and reintroduced, minimising material loss

Uni-Dust Cyclone: Typical Applications