Automation Platform for the Testing of Dry Powder Inhaler

The fully automated robotic workstation was developed to perform shot weight testing including the collection and containment of doses from DPI devices. To achieve location accuracy for automated pick and place operations a customised device tray was designed incorporating storage for 10 devices with beam sensors to check alignment and cap placement.

Featuring a servo motor driven mechanism to rotate the device ready for presentation to the test shot collection mouthpiece adaptor, the system allows operators to simultaneously use the workstation for singular or batch testing with the option of adding additional devices during operation.

Anthony Moran, Sales Director of Astech Projects commented, “Astech’s core Xelair technology provides the flexibility to accommodate unique devices and quantities to suit client specific requirements. With our intelligent and intuitive software suite the system allows full traceability of samples and storage of results data”. He continued, “not only was the shot weight workstation a first for our client but it’s also the first time Astech have incorporated Standardized Measurement of Particulate Airborne Concentration (SMEPAC) testing into one of our systems with a purpose built enclosure for assessing containment performance. We’re also extremely pleased with the system being accredited with OEB5 (Operator Exposure Band) the highest level achievable for human safety in the production of Intermediates and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients by independent tests. It was particularly pleasing to get positive feedback from the client’s project team for the quality of the workstation and the professionalism and expertise shown by Astech’s engineers”.