LHP-NDC0 pages

GEA LightHouse Probe™ * - NDC
Online Process Monitoring
Efficient Moisture Measurement in Fluidized Bed Dryers
LightHouse ProbeTM is a fibre optic probe with fully automated processinterface, which can be used for real-time monitoring of chemical and
pharmaceutical processes and provide inprocess window cleaning at any
time, recalibration during the process, full CIP (cleaning) of wash housing
and seal, and a clear view inside – even in difficult conditions
Main benefits of LightHouse Probe™ – NDC Online LOD sensor
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Low Cost of Ownership:
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no need for model development. The Online LOD sensor uses NDC’s
proprietary measurement algorithm, based on 20 years experience.
Calibration requirements are limited to adjustment of the outputs slope
and intercept, which can be done by the customer’s operators.

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no need to wait for laboratory results. The finished batch can be released
to the next processing step immediately when the drying step is finished.

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Window fouling does not mean end of measurement. The probe can be
manually or automatically retracted through a scraper seal to remove the
deposits. Automated probes can even wash their windows on the machine
without stopping or endangering the on-going drying process.

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Improved Batch-to-Batch Consistency. Using the Online LOD sensor for
endpoint determination will give more consistency between batches in
moisture content of dried granules, enabling optimisation of product quality
prior to the tablet press and eliminating the risk of over-/under-drying.

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The Online LOD sensor is delivered with a filter wheel suited for moisture
measurement. Dedicated filter wheels for solvent supplied on request.

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The Online LOD sensor is delivered ready to measure the moisture content
of a pharmaceutical powder within a range of 1% to 20% with a projected
accuracy of ±0.25% subject to calibration verification and suitable compendial
method.

Suggested configuration for the LightHouse Probe™ – DAD
The Online LOD sensor is a LightHouse Probe™ equipped with an NDC FP710e
gauge.
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Highlights:
“Plug and play”, no model development needed;
No window fouling thanks to patented in process
window cleaning;
Reduced variability between drying batches and reduced
waste;
Suitable for all water based drying processes, solvent
based processes on request;
Accurate moisture measurement to better than ±0.25%.

For initial test work or for mobile test equipment: manual probe

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For integrated systems and if the probe is meant to stop the drying:
automated CIP probe with additional soft- and hardware package.

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For organic solvents, dedicated filter wheels can be provided per solvent

The probe can be mounted by welding a port into the vessel or alternatively by
replacing a window with a specific adaptor.
The LightHouse Probe™ is available as manual probe, automated wash probe and
automated CIP probe.
Test Opportunities
A manual Online LOD probe is available for rental. An automated CIP probe is
available at our test labs in Wommelgem or Bubendorf.
* Patented (US 7869028B2 ; EP 1907822 ; EP 192