GEA Pharma Systems teams with Rutgers University

For immediate release- May 31, 2001

Portable laboratory blender

Columbia, MD - GEA Pharma Systems announces the results of a research program conducted in conjunction with Rutgers University Prof. F. Muzzio. The research has benchmarked intermediate bulk container (IBC) blend performance, established which parameters really do affect blend quality and efficiency, and allowed the company to develop innovative approaches to future designs.

Blending is a critical step in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, and consistent blend performance is vital. Blending can only be optimized with the minimum amount of intervention, that is, loading and unloading operations. In modern pharmaceutical production the handling of more potent drugs and complex formulations requires higher levels of product containment and security. IBC blending is therefore a logical choice compared with other technologies such as V-, double-cone and more mechanical methods of blending, all of which require external product transfer.

Buck® Systems Ltd., a unit of GEA Pharma Systems, offers an innovative blending technology, "Contained Materials Handling," that enables completely contained blending. The process and equipment allows the addition of supplementary ingredients and lubricants without exposing the production process area or operators to product. It is even possible to take samples while maintaining full containment. An optional blending prism provides even further improved blend performance; this is particularly suitable for applications where a variety of products and ingredients are to be blended, as in direct compression.

Having achieved a homogenous blend, it is essential to discharge the IBC in a contained manner, while avoiding problems such as segregation. Buck® offer solutions to discharge the contents of the IBC in a controlled way by incorporating the air-operated decelerator, delivering the product to the point of use in a consistently mixed form.

New Buck® equipment offered by GEA Pharma Systems:

• Portable laboratory blender for up to 3 - 15 liter IBC blending, ideal for research applications.
• Mini Blender for 15 - 500 liter IBCs, including the facility for lifting IBCs for blending and milling operations.
• Standard range of single- and double-pedestal blenders capable of handling 15-3000 liter IBC applications.

Buck® Systems and GEA Pharma Systems offer trial facilities and rental equipment for containment, discharge, and blending at Niro Inc., Columbia, Maryland USA and Buck® Systems Birmingham UK.

GEA Pharma Systems specializes in the manufacture of equipment for the production of materials in powder, pellet, granulate, agglomerate, or tablet form. Niro products include spray dryers and coolers, fluid bed processors, tablet presses, membrane filtration systems, homogenizers, mixers and blenders, high containment systems and other cGMP powder handling equipment.

For further information:

H. McCoy Knight
GEA Pharma Systems
Phone: 410-997-7010
Email: mccoy.knight@geagroup.com