Why volumetric powder filling? An introduction to the technology.

Introduction to volumetric powder filling technology Volumetric powder filling technology has proven to be an excellent solution for not only accurate and repeatable dosage requirements but also a cost-efficient answer for various product applications. Comparably, net-weight fillers may reduce the need for a check-weight measurement, but they can significantly increase the filling time; nor do they cope well with fine powders due to their design. The product is firstly transported via vibratory plate/belt onto a load cell to satisfy the initial dosing procedure (near the samples target weight). This is then followed by a slowing of the feed stream, to complete the desired fill size; a feature which may impact dispensing time, efficiency, and dusting. In answer to this issue, auger filling machines have a closed-off design, more suitable for use with fine or consistent particle distribution powders. However, their downfall lies in the additional attention required for a steady and even feeding process. Failure to do so could result in unreliable accuracy levels as well as possible product damage due to the compression inside of the cylinder and auger. Kinematics and Controls Corporation (KCC), on the other hand, utilise volumetric powder filling technology in their equipment design for a fast, accurate and economical powder filling solution; suitable for not only a free-flowing, but also fine, powders. Furthermore, KCC’s engineers have introduced a modular design of their systems in order to overcome any possible concerns of volumetric fill limits being too low. This enables operators to upgrade from a base model system (4400VC), to a fully automated production machine (4400TX or 5500TX). The Process Desirable results are achieved by using a uniform vacuum force to pick up the product and compact it in a cylindrical chamber. The homogeneously compressed powder assures consistency in the powder density, as well as repeatable dosage weight with accuracy levels often achieving a ±1% variation. Then, the product can be dispensed into the user specified container by applying gentle positive pressure, minimising the risk of dusting. Semi-Automatic 4400/VC system In the case of the 4400/VC powder dispenser, the maximum dosing speed is often determined by the time taken to manually handle the containers between the dosages. For example, the upper dosage output per minute will be 20 fills whereby 1 second picks up the container, 2 seconds to dose the powder inside and finally rest the container onto the surface. Of course, some factors will influence the upper dosage number, described below. Automatic Where a greater level of automation is needed, similar restrictions can be applied and further consideration has taken place in relation to the way the container will be introduced to the system. The PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) based program can then be configured to the desired mode/program selection, which will initiate the start of the fill step. This can be determined with use of the sensor or timer, depending on user preference. Additional accessories, like the funnel or large product hopper with the sensor, can further improve the efficiency of your filling process and decrease the downtime between batches. Furthermore, for fully automated production lines, the KCC powder fillers can also be integrated into a conveyer belt line with container washing and capping capabilities. To read the full article please visit our website

For more information on Why volumetric powder filling? An introduction to the technology. talk to Biopharma Group