16 March 2010; Nottingham, UK: The new Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI) cleaning system from Copley Scientific provides an integrated solution for the post-test ultrasonic washing and drying of the ACI, an instrument widely used throughout the pharmaceutical industry for inhaled product testing. Thorough, reproducible and controlled cleaning and drying is an essential element of good impactor practice, which in turn underpins data integrity. The ACI cleaning system simplifies and semi-automates this manually intensive process, improving productivity, reducing operator-to-operator variability and potentially extending impactor life.
Cascade impactors such as the ACI are precision-engineered instruments. The accuracy of the results they deliver relies on their appropriate use and maintenance. Regular cleaning and drying ensures that the performance critical nozzles are debris-free prior to testing and helps to maintain optimal performance. Ultrasonic cleaning is a widely used and highly effective technique, if applied correctly.
The ACI cleaning system includes a purpose designed carrying rack, an ultrasonic cleaning bath, a rinse bath, a suction aspirator and drying oven. The carrying rack has designated apertures for all parts of the impactor including the inlet cone, induction port and pre-separator. It allows the safe transport of an ACI and is ideal for storing impactors when not in-use. The cleaning bath and oven both have a number of controlled variables for repeatable, automated operation. Together these modules provide an easy-to-use integrated system that occupies just 1.8 m of valuable bench space. www.copleyscientific.com
CAPTION: Impactor cleaning system
About Copley Scientific
Copley Scientific is recognised as the world’s leading manufacturer of inhaler test equipment and is a major supplier of test equipment for pharmaceutical solid dosage forms, including tablet dissolution, disintegration, friability, hardness and powder testers. The company has offices in the UK and Switzerland and a partnership with aerosol particle science experts MSP Corporation in North America. Copley’s broad range of testing products for metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, nebulizers and nasal sprays are supplied and supported worldwide through close relationships with specialist distributors. Serving the pharmaceutical and associated industries, Copley offers an extensive range of equipment for research, development and quality control, as well as full validation and aftersales service, providing a single source for products that meet individual needs. www.copleyscientific.com
