In a previous article, we discussed how moving from a standard filter system to a dust containment system can provide better protection for your people and your products. What was missing from that discussion — and, unfortunately, what’s missing from many discussions about dust containment in solid dose manufacturing — is the fact that no piece of equipment on a production line works in isolation.
As Luca Di Siervi, Nilfisk’s business development manager for the pharmaceutical industry says: “Containment is not just the connection of different machines, but the integration of those machines into one system.” It’s important to pay attention to this integration. If you don’t, you might end up with a system that doesn’t achieve the desired results once you’ve put it on the production line. Even worse, it might disrupt the performance of your other equipment.
Connecting dust containment systems to process machines
Individually, your process machine (tablet press, capsule filler, blistering machine, etc.) and your filter unit provide a high level of containment. But what about the connection? Are hazardous dusts being adequately controlled as they move between the machines?
The image above illustrates a common scenario, and one that end users and OEMs need to work together to solve. By paying attention to the pipeline or hose that runs between the machines, you can ensure that the connections will support your desired performance levels.
Your OEM partners should provide consultation and assistance. For example, when you buy a Nilfisk dust containment system, we will work with you to design a secure connection that doesn’t interfere with the negative pressure environment inside the tablet press. We’ll also help you size the pipeline for easy cleaning so dust doesn’t build up inside of the equipment.
Integration and automation
Going a step beyond simply securing the connections, we’re seeing higher demand for fully integrated and automated solutions.
To this end, we’re working closely with OEMs of process equipment so that our dust containment systems can be controlled directly from the display panel of a tablet press or other process machine. This allows an operator to monitor and control the performance of the entire system from a single point. As solid dose manufacturers work to increase their productivity and efficiency, we expect to see (and participate in) more collaborative relationships among OEMs to provide fully integrated and automated solutions to end users.
The best way to guarantee your equipment is compatible is to not leave it to chance. Work with your OEM partners to design a solution that will give you the performance you need. Download the brochure for our complete line of dust control solutions.
