Russell Finex brings new dimension to screening
Russell Finex has introduced the new Compact Airlock Sieve, specifically designed for the pharma industry. Developed following lengthy consultations with manufacturers, the Compact Airlock Sieve is claimed to be the first real advance in pharmaceutical sieving technology for 10 years.
It has a validatable pneumatic clamping system that improves significantly product containment and operator health and safety. Oversize contamination is
accurately removed by the mesh screen fitted to the unit, while good product passes through the mesh and on to the next stage of production. The unit also complies with the new ATEX legislation in Europe.
The cGMP design of the screener is based on clean lines making sanitation easier and performance greater. Clean-down times are reduced as the sieve can be easily disassembled in seconds without the need for tools. Crevice-free and smooth surfaces make the fully washable product contact parts easy to clean.
The unit is clamped together with an innovative pneumatic airlock system - the TWI (Twist, Lock, Inflate) - which gives an even and high clamping force across all sealing faces and therefore guards against powder leakage more effectively than traditional band clamps or over-centre toggle clamps. It also eliminates the possibility of operator error and ensures a consistent, repeatable seal.
Twisting the lid locks it into place without the need for tools. The airclamp is then inflated to secure and seal the unit during operation. Also, to assist with FDA process approval, this pneumatic clamping system can be validated to provide a unique and measurable seal, while a failsafe system turns the machine off in case of failure of the compressed air supply.
The Compact Airlock Sieve's design means that the screener is less than half the height of a traditional sieving machine. The unit is available with a range of options, including different construction materials; different grades of finish; explosion proof motors; mesh deblinding systems and magnetic separators for ferrous metal removal. Documentation packages are also available to simplify the validation process.