Application: Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis with Getinge La Calhene Alpha-Beta Ports
This stainless steel enclosure was designed for Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy analysis methods involving Highly Potent Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (HPAPIs). Particularly, it was designed for operations conducted in facilities operating under the stipulations of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs). The working space allows operators to freely load samples and accessories (such as those associated with the Thermo Fisher Nicolet spectrometer series) into the spectrometer. A ball valve fitting (3/8” NPT) is located on the left side of the enclosure for connection to an inert gas source for purposes such as sample column purging, deoxidization of sample column, etc. Additionally, there are two NEMA 4X-rated electrical receptacles located inside of the enclosure for connection to a power source and two iris ports (or “glands”) which facilitate data connections from the spectrometer to your computer.
After the analysis is complete, the operator has the capability to transfer and transport analyzed product from the enclosure to another enclosure with protection from exposure during transport. This function is made possible through the use of an integrated Alpha Getinge La Calhene Rapid Transfer Port (RTP) on the right side of the enclosure. The Alpha RTP facilitates safe transfer by allowing the attachment of a Beta RTP conjugate capsule to the Alpha RTP. Following attachment, the operator is able to transfer the desired amount of powder (or aqueous solution*) from the enclosure interior, through an opening created by the Alpha/Beta connection, and into a Beta RTP capsule. From here, both the Alpha and Beta conjugates are sealed and the Beta capsule is used as a transport vehicle to the other enclosure. Referring back to the previous paragraph, the enclosure also allows for the transfer process occur, in reverse, after the Beta capsule is transported to the next enclosure or RTP-compatible device.
After Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and surrogate powder exposure simulations, the enclosure was proven to contain to a Time Weighted Average (TWA) concentration below the customer’s specified parameter of 100 nanograms per cubic meter of air (ng/m3). The actual level of containment was proven to be 1.15 ng/m3.
“Containment Target”, as depicted in the image above, is the respiratory exposure concentration specified by the customer. The “Surrogate Powder Testing Result” is the actual exposure concentration result from air samples taken during performance validation testing conducted by FSI. The surrogate “contaminant” sampled during the FAT was a powder substance with attributes similar to that of the actual contaminant.
*Note:If the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) or Occupational Exposure Band (OEB) for the pertinent HPAPI contaminant(s) are lower than 1 microgram per cubic meter of air (1 ug/m3), dissolution of the sample into an aqueous solution is an alternative method to reduce the risk of overexposure during RTP transport.
The Stainless Steel FTIR Enclosure with Getinge La Calhene Alpha- Rapid Transfer Port (RTP) port was designed to provide personnel protection during spectrophotometric analysis of Highly Potent Pharmaceutical Ingredient (HPAPI) powder. The enclosure features a 316 grade stainless steel superstructure and a hinged front door with gas springs for loading and unloading of equipment and other materials.
On the left side, the enclosure features (2x) NEMA-rated receptacles, (2x) 3” diameter iris ports for electrical connections, and a control box with FS1650 integrated alarm. Also features one 3/8” NPT ball valve with turret for connection to a gas source (½” barb fitting angled 90 degrees). The workspace facilitates efficient use of a Thermo-Fisher Scientific Nicolet iS 50R Research Spectrometer with dimensions 25”(L) x 25”(W) x 11”(H). Laminated safety glass viewing panels and LED lighting provide optimal field of vision and illumination across the workspace.
Size:
40” Exterior Width
42” Exterior Depth
36” Interior Height
FSI Category: 10+
