Static Elimination in Medical/Pharmaceutical
There are many processes in the manufacturing of medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and biotech products that generate static electricity. These issues are compounded by low humidity and the nature of the solvents and fine powders used. Static controls can eliminate product misbehavior and other issues negatively impacting productivity or product quality.
Powder Filling
In bulk powder handling and packaging operations, static buildup is common during powder conveying, transfers, and filling processes. This static charge leads to production inefficiencies, poor package seals, contamination risks, inaccuracies in filling, and potential safety hazards.
The 3024 DC Ring Ionizer is an advanced static elimination solution designed to neutralize electrostatic charges from powders during handling. Installing the ring ionizer after the filling tube (A) or discharge point results in:
- Improved product flow/filling performance
- Optimal machinery uptime and productivity gains
- Product integrity in medical, pharmaceutical, food handling
Recommended Solutions:
Blister Packaging
Static charges generated in the thermoformed blister pack filling process can lead to the repulsion of tablets/capsules, product jams, attraction of contaminants, and poor blister pack sealing.
Tablets can become trapped by electrostatic attraction and adhere to surfaces at various positions during their transport to the filling station. Typical positions are in the bowl feeder or delivery chute (A). A static eliminator bar such as the Model 3024 DC at these points will neutralize the static and prevent sticking, product jams and static repulsion.
There are also a couple of areas before the filling process begins where static neutralization provides increased efficiency and quality. Two of the most effective pre-filling station neutralization positions are on the tray wind-off reel and above the thermoformed tray-base just before the filling station (B). The 8001 DC Precision Point directed at these locations will reduce generated static charges and prevent the attraction of dust and contaminants to the tray-bases.
During the filling process, knock-down brushes to help seat the product in trays can generate static charges. A Model 3024 DC static eliminator placed at the point where filled trays exit the brush (C) will neutralize this charge.
Recommended Solutions:
Vibratory Bowl Feeder
Bowl feeders are used in the medical and pharmaceutical industries to orient small components or tablets into the right position to be transported on single line delivery systems to filling, packing or inspection lines. Static charges on these small parts can cause them to stick to each other or to the bowl itself. Alternatively, with like charges, repulsion can cause them to be ejected from the bowl.
Installing TAKK’s 8001 DC Precison Point Ionizer with an Ion Shower Nozzle above the bowl will eliminate the static charges and product misbehavior issues. This will also prevent contamination attraction.
Recommended Solutions: