Bosch: FLT Vial Filler With 100 Percent Checkweigh Option

At Interphex 2012, Bosch Packaging Technology presents its re-designed FLT vial filler. Due to its small size and flexibility, the FLT is the ideal clinical trial and small batch vial filler. “There are three major features we have significantly updated”, said Applications Engineer Paul Tinucci. “First the machine has a new transport design that will facilitate a smoother transfer of vials through the various stations. Secondly, a 100 percent checkweigh and reject option has been added. The electronics have also been updated, including a bigger HMI and new motion control system”, Tinucci explained. “Another advantage is that the machine has fewer size parts. No adjustments are required for product changeovers.”

Built to the same quality standards as higher speed Bosch filling machines, the scaled down FLT allows manufacturers to replicate the conditions of higher speed production, thereby anticipating potential variables. This way, users can predict how a product will handle on the filling line and reduce the risks associated with scale-up to full production. Hence, the machine provides a smoother transition and lower costs. The new version with a walking beam transport design requires minimal size parts and impresses with a small footprint and reduced changeover times. With the re-designed filler, changeover of the vial diameter requires only three guideparts. Changeover is easy to accomplish using digital counters for repeatable positioning of guides and station heights.

The newly designed machine improves on flexibility and simplicity in the first stage of drug development. Stoppering or capping of 13 and 20 millimeters finish is realized with a single vibratory bowl, requiring only the change of tracks. On the re-launched FLT, spring-discs ensure robust and efficient capping. Rotating crimp roller technology is now standard on the FLT filler. It handles containers ranging from 2 to 100 milliliters and processes up to 30 vials per minute. 100 percent checkweigh and a new reject station account for automated, precise dosing and dose weight verification. Peristaltic or rolling diaphragm pumps are used for filling, either with re-usable or single-use PreVAS product path parts. Additionally, the filler features a very easy to operate HMI with touch screen controls and color readouts. Optional features include an Oxygen Reduction System, bottom-up filling, a reject/sample station and laminar air flow wood. The FLT vial filler is on show at Interphex, May 1-3, 2012 at the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York, booth 2227.