Laboratory blender performs NIR analysis simultaneously

A laboratory-scale blender with integrated near-infrared (NIR) analysis has been launched by Birmingham-based Buck Systems, allowing users to analyse powders as they are being blended. Being able to 'watch' the changing powder characteristics enables users to achieve the ideal blend as quickly and economically as possible.

The SP15 NIR blender features a Zeiss Corona NIR system that has been fully integrated into the blender. In addition to the standard Corona system an extended range version is available using an InGaS spectrometer capable of measuring wavelengths up to 2200nm. This enables detection of an even wider range of actives, excipients and lubricants.

The system is able to identify materials with different NIR absorption spectra, then track changes in the spectrum during the blending process. Monitoring these changes can indicate the degree of homogeneity within the container and can give a blending end point without the need to stop the process to take samples.

Unlike non-integrated systems, the SP15 NIR provides a permanent power supply to the Corona head and removes the need for batteries to be mounted on the rotating frame. This eliminates the possibility of the battery voltage affecting the process measurements and extends the running time of the machine indefinitely.

In addition, the whole spectrometer and RF communication system is fully enclosed within the body of the blender, making the whole system much more robust and easy to clean.

Buck Systems' blenders have a removable blending prism which can improve blending times by acting as a low-shear mixing blade as the powder is tumbled within the IBC.

The SP15 also features the new DN50 Buck HC valve, which allows the powder to be sampled during processing without any risk of contamination.