Astech has introduced the Xelair 1 automated waste firer system to its Xelair series of analyst workstations for inhaler testing.
The Xelair 1 waste firer automates the device preparation, actuation and waste dose collection, including sonic flow confirmation, in the QA of inhaler production and product development.
Manual, labour-intensive and time-consuming waste firing is a requirement for many inhaler tests and exposes operators to risks of repetitive strain injury (RSI), work-related upper limb disorder and also possible inhalation of the active pharmaceutical ingredient.
By automating this process, the Xelair 1 waste firer leads to a reduction in these health and safety issues, as well as increasing productivity and reducing result variability.
The Xelair 1 waste firer can automate device cap removal, actuation and waste dose collection, and is compatible with most device types including dry powder inhalers (DPI), metered dose inhalers (MDI) and breath-actuated inhalers (BAI), with an optional shaking system for MDIs.
Operating at a high throughput of up to 360 collections per hour dependent on the device, the standard unit holds 10 inhaler devices but can be tailored to suit individual customer requirements.
The waste dose collector, which incorporates filtration and safe collection sump has a high capacity, so only infrequent disposal is required.
Anthony Moran, director at Astech Projects, said: 'We offer customers a number of levels of automation.
'For example, they can automate discrete functions within the testing process with the Xelair 1 series.
'Alternatively they can opt for the Xelair 3 series of semi-automated platforms that can automate multiple functions.
'For complete automation, the Xelair 5 series offers full, 24/7 unattended operation.
'Upgrade paths are available throughout the Xelair range, so we offer future-proofing to allow for changing needs.'
