HOF VTS-Vial transfer system
HOF VTS-Vial transfer system
S – safeM – modularA – automatedR – reliableT – time-efficient
The demand for high-quality loading and unloading systems for freeze-drying systems in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industry is increasing and, with it, the technological requirements. HOF fulfils this need - with the right innovative answers and the expansion of reliable and high-quality production.
Therefore, new developments have been continuously implemented in the field of loading and unloading systems in the past. The new HOF VTS meets the highest customer demands and is a good example of HOF’s knowledge, creativity and innovative power.
HOF VTS – pure Innovation
Reliable, functional and easy cleaning processes
Reliability and fast detection of individual objects all the way to hygienic design are crucial for HOF plant sensor technology. The same with the HOF VTS.
The latest sensor technology made of stainless steel with adequate shape requires high functionality and guarantees optimal cleaning and sterilization results.
Production reliability is additionally increased by not having to readjust the positions during possible sensor replacement.
All machine parts in the classified area have been tested with regard to the hygienic design so that the largest possible radii, selection of materials and easy disassembly for the cleaning process have a decisive influence on the results.
Shorter changeover times
Changeover times with varying vial sizes will be significantly reduced in the future with the HOF VTS series through a simplified functional design of the format parts. The same with the new HOF VTS.
An exchange of format parts in a cRABS or an insulator is simplified even by glove intervention. Format parts with bottleneck guides are used at certain points to increase production safety.
All format parts are designed to avoid confusion.
Flexible control technology and intuitive user guidance
In the future, control technology of the loading and unloading systems will focus on the new possibilities offered by Siemens as part of the TIA Portal (Totally Integrated Automation Portal).
The user software’s user interface has been oriented towards the future and has been specially designed for application in the clean room. This increases flexibility and guarantees state-of-the-art, needs-based technical solutions.
Intuitive operator guidance via touchscreen, permanently assigned function keys or a combination of both, new control panels used by HOF, now standardized, provide an optimal solution for users. Displays with a wide viewing angle ensure an optimal overview of all plant conditions.
The HOF VTS sets new standards for design, technology and functionality
Construction:
- Format widths up to 1520mm
- Fixed side guides on the individual positioning plates, transfer plane and buffer surface
- All stainless steel components in contact with the packing device are provided with an FDA-compliant coating to minimize friction.
- HOF VTS can be used both in the RABS and in the isolator
- Mechanical connection between the individual panels and the transfer level to ensure a clean transition between components
- Unloading unit inside the freeze dryer (ejection unit’s CIP and SIP, no additional space required in the equipment room behind the freeze dryer)
- Bellows optionally made of PTFE or stainless steel
- Format-independent horizontal vial ejection
- Format-independent horizontal vial recognition
- Small format parts for easy handling
- Short changeover times through the use of universal format parts
- Easy sensor replacement without reorientation
- All format parts can be mounted or adjusted without tools
Process:
- Row-by-row loading after single-lane feeding of vials by the upstream machines
- May be discharged as single row or multi-row
- Vial neck guides at critical points to improve vial stability at high levels of performance
- Automatically-swiveling hexagonal stopper for transporting vials
- Correction value entry for hexagonal stoppers for vial tolerances
- Freely adjustable system output of 20-100%
- Verification of row length before transferring on the buffer surface
Cleaning:
- Band body as open construction for improved H2O2 decontamination is possible
- Hygienic design sensors with resistance to H2O2 and all common cleaning agents
- HOF WIP cleaning system (wash-in-place), for example, toxic applications
- Material selection is based on common cleaning agents for highest possible resistance
Control:
- All drives are provided as servomotors with integrated absolute encoders
- Operation of the loading/unloading system and freeze dryer through a control panel
- Input table for precise positioning and identification of sample vials
Operating modes: Production, Cleaning, Service, Sensor test
PAT technolgy:
- Automatic exchange of normal plugs against prepared plugs with wireless temperature sensors at a freely selectable position on the positioning plate
- Automatic removal of vials with wireless temperature sensors before transferring vials to the crimper
- Detection of prepared vials via camera system
- Fully automated stopper handling via robot system (clean room-suitable, H2O2-resistant)
