Automated repackaging of bulk solids into individual vials

Using a Powdernium® Workstation, supplied by Symyx Technologies Europe SA, a finished goods group has established a versatile automated system for repackaging bulk reference standards accurately into smaller individual vials.

Historically the Group's manual process for repackaging of bulk reference standards into individual vials created a production bottleneck and suffered from occasional cross contamination problems. Due to limited staffing resources and skills, the Group suffered resources overload and inaccurate dispensing during the manual dispensing process that contributed to additional workload and costs. In addition the potential for staff exposure to toxic and bioactive materials was high.

As a leading provider of integrated workflow improvement solutions, Symyx was able to provide the customer with a CFR Part11 compliant workstation solution for accurate dispensing of a range of bulk reference powder standards into smaller individual vials. Using separate dispensing heads and capping the Powdernium workstation has eliminated cross contamination. Fitting into a glove box the Powdernium workstation has also drastically reduced the potential for staff exposure to toxic and bioactive materials. The new automated system has enabled the Finished Goods Group to achieve significant improvements in the throughput and accuracy of repackaging their bulk reference standards into individual vials in parallel with an overall reduction in operating costs. In future the Group is looking to also use its Powdernium workstation to repackage reference standards into 96-well microplates.

Combining accurate balance weighing, an advanced software algorithm and GMP compliant dispensing heads - Powdernium technology enables laboratories to precisely dispense and record the transferred weight of a very wide range of materials from low density to free-flowing, cohesive, micronised materials and more. Designed to provide unmatched versatility the Powdernium workstation enables precise, traceable and reproducible dispensing of sub-milligram (0.05mg) to gram quantities of materials into a wide range of containers including capsules, bottles, vials, tubes, microplates, reactor blocks and crucibles. State-of-the-art automation including robust XY and two Z-axis controls, allows the Powdernium workstation to run unattended operations speeding development, reducing costs and improving consistency. Fault tolerant and adaptive the intelligent Powdernium Easy-Dose software provides real-time data display and record storage (supports CFR Part 11 compliance) about the dispensing cycle including batch conditions and operating parameters. Using optimisation algorithms the Powdernium workstation is able to dynamically monitor and automatically control any variability in powder properties during the filling process. Incorporating Swiss precision mechanics, intelligent automation, simplicity of operation and a high level of reliability - a Powdernium workstation can be quickly installed and adding to your bottom line in just days.

Symyx Technologies, Inc. is the scientific R&D integration partner to companies in the life sciences, chemicals, energy, electronics and consumer products industries. With scientific R&D under tremendous economic and technical pressure, we help companies reduce R&D risk and enhance R&D productivity to help them bring more and better products to market quickly and cost-effectively. Our integrated technology platform combines electronic laboratory notebooks, content, laboratory logistics and analysis available from Symyx Software, software-driven integrated workflows available from Symyx Tools and collaborative research and directed services from Symyx Research to support the entire R&D process. Information about Symyx, including reports and other information filed by Symyx with the Securities and Exchange Commission, is available via the company website link.

For further information on how the Powdernium workstation can improve the accuracy and throughput of your solids repackaging application please visit the company article webpage or contact your local Symyx office.