With the installation of Russell Compact Airlock Sieve, Cipla able to maintain OEL compliant plant

Sieving equipment is an integral part of most pharmaceutical processes and usually with the primary role to ensure ingredients and finished products are quality assured during production and before use or despatch. When processing active pharmaceutical ingredients (API’s), the occupational exposure limit (OEL) has a significant part to play in the design of a process to ensure operators are not at risk to exposure. Therefore, when Cipla Ltd built their OEL compliant plant at their Goa factory in 2005, having a sieving machine that would ensure product quality and integrity were maintained without compromising the safety of their operators was essential.

In recent years, the pharmaceutical industry has seen a growing demand for products that require API’s and with the introduction of highly potent API’s (HPAPI’s), the concern for operator’s safety due to the adverse effects related to the handling of dangerous compounds is becoming more prevalent. Although a range of personal protective equipment (PPE) is widely available, this can only reduce exposure levels rather than eliminate them. Therefore, having certified plant equipment that can help reduce OEL levels must be considered an advantage not only to improve the working environment of operators but also to reduce costs associated with sophisticated PPE and dust containment systems.

Cipla’s new OEL compliant plant was built for the manufacture of a new highly potent drug and as with nearly all processes handling pharmaceutical powders, to ensure specification and quality were upheld, a number of sieving operations were required. Firstly, on incoming pharmaceutical raw materials to remove any oversized contamination and secondly after granulation to remove undersized particulates.

It was the task of Tapas Datta, factory manager of Cipla plant in Goa, to source a suitable industrial sifter to meet their stringent requirements. Due to the vibrating action of a sieve, dust can be generated very easily and therefore the need for a high containment sieve was required. It was during its showcase at an exhibition in 2005 when he came across the OEL level 5 sieving machine offered by sieving machine manufacturer Russell Finex. Known as the Russell Compact Airlock Sieve® , it utilizes a pneumatic clamping system, which, combined with its patented Twist Lock Inflate (TLI) technology, provides a uniform dust tight seal. “We were unable to find a sieving unit anywhere else with this level of containment” explains Tapas.

The unit is clamped together with a revolutionary airlock system. The pneumatic lock gives an even and high clamping force across all sealing faces and therefore guards against powder leakage more effectively than traditional band clamps or over-centre toggle clamps. Through independent tests this valitable clamping system has been certified to an OEL value less than 1µg/m3 (OEL level 5).

The relationship between Russell Finex and Cipla started in 2001 after purchasing their first vibrating screener. To date, the Goa site has multiples of Russell sieving machines positioned in a variety of production lines carrying out various sieving/check-screening and grading applications. “During initial product trials, we recognised how the new Airlock screener utilises the Russell Compact technology to increase screening efficiency allowing even sticky products to be sieved without blinding” Tapas adds, “Also, due to its new clamping system, it is extremely easy to dismantle when compared to conventional clamping methods.”

Assembly and disassembly of the screening machine is achieved in seconds. The component parts are placed into the base and located by twisting and locking the lid without the need for tools. The airclamp is then inflated to secure and seal the unit during operation. The sieving unit is suitable for either continuous or batch operations and also lends itself to applications where a number of different products are being processed due to the simplicity and speed with which it can be disassembled and cleaned.

The plant has been in operation for over 3 years and Cipla have been looking at ways to improve the process further. Although the cGMP design of the vibrating sifter is based on clean lines making sanitation easier, reducing the exposure of operators to products during clean down of the sieve can be achieved by retrofitting the Russell WIP system. This spray ball system allows an even spray on the product contact parts to wet the components prior to dismantling the sieve improving handling of the components during clean down. Tapas concludes, “We would always prefer to purchase a Russell sieve due to their high-quality design, finish and performance. It is clear that this particular unit has been designed specifically for this type of application.”

Throughout the world, Russell Finex serves a variety of industries with applications including food, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, adhesives, plastisols, paint, coatings, metal powders and ceramics with their innovative range of filters, sieves and separators to improve product quality, enhance productivity, safeguard worker health, and ensure liquids and powders are contamination-free.

Please contact us to know more about the wide range of sieving solutions available for the pharmaceutical industry.

For more information contact:
Russell Finex Sieves & Filters Pvt. Ltd.
Radhika Singh
Smartworks, 3rd Floor, Vardhman Trade Centre,
Nehru Place, Delhi 110019.
Mobile: +91 8800558656/ +91 8800558687
Email: sales.rfsf@russellfinex.com; radhika.singh@russellfinex.com
Web: http://www.russellfinex.in/