LHP-DAD0 pages

GEA LightHouse Probe™ * - DAD
Online Process Monitoring
High Shear Granulation Endpoint Detection
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™ – DAD (diode array detector)
•t

NIR spectra contain physical and chemical information about the measured
product, allowing good correlations with traditional granulation parameters
like density, particle size etc.

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Using the Lighthouse Probe™ – DAD sensor for endpoint determination
will give more consistency between batches in granule properties, enabling
optimisation of subsequent processing steps.

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Less waste thanks to a more consistent quality of the batches. Real-time
availability of the product data like moisture content and density will decrease
risks and reduce waiting time for the finished batch to be released to the next
processing step.

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Because of the fast moving product during granulation, short measurement
cycles are needed. The latest Diode Array Detectors can take spectra in only
a few milliseconds, allowing the customer to take chemical images of very
small quantities of material or, by averaging these spectra over time, to
adjust the measured volume of product to what is normally used in offline
measurements. Other configurations are possible but speed of measurement is
traded-off against the gain in resolution.

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More accurate modelling thanks to the possibility to clean the probe prior to
taking a reference measurement for modelling.

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Enhanced reliability thanks to the automation of the system. The LightHouse
Probe™ – DAD will perform a health check prior to usage to guarantee a
correct measurement during process. This health check can also run online
during production to ensure correct endpoint determination.

Suggested configuration for the LightHouse Probe™ – DAD

Highlights:
Suitable for monitoring blend homogeneity, moisture,
density, particle size by correlating spectra;
More consistent batches resulting in better tablets;
Non-destructive and direct online analysis of granule
quality;
Very fast spectroscopic technology using Diode Array
Detector (other spectroscopic technologies possible);
Reliable and robust process interfacing to guarantee
representative measurements.

engineering for a better world

For initial test work or for mobile test equipment, a manual probe is suggested
while automated wash and CIP probes are designed for production. For single pot
processing including drying, a CIP probe is advised combined with an complete
integration to change models between granulation and drying regime.
The LightHouse Probe™ fits on a standard 2” port, standard adaptor or weld-in
ports can be provided. It is available as manual probe, automated wash probe and
automated CIP probe.
Test Opportunities
A manual probe is available for rental. An automated CIP probe is available at our
test lab in Wommelgem.
* Patented (US 786