PTWS 1220
The ideal choice for Biowaiver studies and dissolution method development.
PTWS 1220
6+6 USP/EP Tablet Dissolution Testing Instrument
The PTWS 1220 is a 6+6 position, single drive tablet dissolution testing instrument for solid dosage forms as described in USP chapter <711/724> and EP section<2.9.3/4> as well as the DAB/BP and Japanese Pharmacopeia section <15>. The instrument features two additional vessels (approx. 250ml) for media refilling and reference standard media. The PTWS 1220 is the ideal choice for Biowaiver studies and dissolution method development.
User Interface
In keeping with our cutting edge design, a large color, touch screen allows control of the various mechanical features of the instrument such as the tool stirring speed, lift drive and heater. The instrument control is menu driven. Status messages and color changes on the display inform the user of the status of critical instrument parameters, e.g. bath target temperature not reached. A status bar provides a quick overview and uses the familiar traffic light system green – yellow – red.
Access to the instrument can be password controlled if required. If certain operational parameters form a regular feature of the daily routine, then these can be incorporated into a test method for faster set up. These parameters can be tool speed, target bath temperature, sampling time points and so on. The test method memory capacity is almost limitless. As soon as the test is started, a screen saver can be activated with the most important information displayed in large script so that this information remains visible even at time when the operator is not standing directly in front of the instrument.
Stirring Tools
The PTWS 1220 uses the Pharma Test MonoShaft™ design. Tools consist of the main shaft plus interchangeable tool heads (adapters). The main shaft remains in place in the instrument regardless of the tool head being used. The clearance of each tool from the vessel base will always be correct once the main tool shaft has been installed and fixed in its position.
A wide variety of different stirring tools is available while the standard configuration includes USP/EP App. 2 Paddle stirrers.
Vessel Centering System
The PTWS 1220 features a three-point individual centering system for each dissolution vessel (picture shows view from below). The vessels are held in position by three adjustable noses and are inserted into the instrument support framework. Each vessel is correctly centered against the stirring tool, while this position is secured even when the vessels are removed for cleaning and placed back afterwards. The access points for sampling as well as the openings for the tools are contained in an auxiliary, low evaporation, vessel cover.
Lift Mechanism
The upper drive is motorized and electronically controlled it offers eight programmable positions: an upper cleaning position and lower working positions are programmable depending on the type of stirring tool used.
The upper position offers ideal access to the stirring tools and vessels for a change of tools and cleaning steps between the dissolution tests. The rigid design of the electronically driven lift mechanism ensures that the whole lift drive mechanism is positioned in a way so that the tool shafts are always kept parallel and at a 90° angle to the vessel walls when in the working position.
Heating System
The ultra-fast heating system is installed on an easy to remove platform within the stainless steel housing. The heat up time of the water bath has been reduced by approx. 40% compared to previous models. Access to pump, heater and all safety sensor system is possible without to move the bath from its qualified position. The connections between the heater and the bath are made by „quick connect fittings“ for easy connection and disconnection. Water is pumped through the system using a powerful, yet quiet, circulation pump.
The pump itself is spring mounted (to limit vibration transmission) and the flow-through heater is protected from overloading (overheating in case of control electronics failure) via a thermal fuse as well as a thermo switch for added security. With service and maintenance in mind, access to the compact pump and heater section is easily achieved without having to move the main body of the instrument.
Water Bath
The U-shaped water bath rests on vibration absorbers to avoid any vibration transfer from either inside the instrument or even from external equipment placed on the same bench surface, to satisfy the requirements from USP <711>. The bath cover can also be easily unscrewed for cleaning. The water bath contains a water diffuser for faster heating and to ensure that heated water is evenly distributed throughout the whole bath. A tap allows emptying the bath if this is required.
Features
- Automated temperature check and log at all sampling times
- Fully USP <711/724> and EP <2.9.3/4> compliant
- 12 stirred positions in a 6 + 6 arrangement, 2 extra vessels for refilling or standard media
- Rigid motorized lift drive to raise and lower the head
- Individually coded Borosilicate vessels
- File up a nearly unlimited number of different test descriptions (methods)
- Instrument suitability check prior to start of a test run
- Staggered start capability
- Vessel low evaporation sealing covers
- Drainage tap to empty the bath
- CFR compliant method management and user administration with access control
- Built-in thermo printer to print a test-log at the end of a run
- Optical and acoustic signals to inform about sampling intervals, timer count down function
- Status bar with traffic light information on display shows the instrument status by different colors (green = ready to use, yellow = preparing to use, red = error encountered)
- OQ, PQ interval warning with programmable interval
- Interfaces: USB port for remote control of the PTWS 1220, RS-232 port to connect serial devices, I/O port for remote control of external instruments in automated applications, like DSR-M, pumps and PTFC-16
- Calibration menu for stirrer speed, bath temperature
Advantages
- Test 12 samples in one instrument with identical conditions for comparative studies (Biowaiver)
- 6 front line and 6 back line vessels for easy access in manual operation
- Rigid aluminum water bath cover
- Individual 3-point vessel centering
- Excellent access to all vessels
- Staggered start feature for convenient manual sampling
- Screen saver functionality offers most important information at a glance (stirrer speed, bath temperature, time to next sampling interval, elapsed time, media temperature etc.)
- Wake up functionality to start heating at a pre-programmed time
- Programmable infinity test
- MonoShaft™ system to avoid re-adjustment of immersion depth
- Ultra-fast heating system with excellent temperature stability due to newly designed heat exchanger
- Water diffuser for even temperature distribution
- Vibration absorber to avoid vibration transfer into the USP/EP vessels
- Spring loaded pump assembly to eliminate vibration transfer to the frame work
- Extraordinary safety features for pump and heating system, flow control, digital temperature control, water level sensor, thermo switch, thermo fuse
- DQ/QC, IQ and OQ documents included free of charge
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display | 6″- 320*240 pixel color LCD, illuminated |
| Data Entry | Resistive touch screen, alpha-numerical and functional keys |
| Acoustic Signal | Acoustic signal for operator information at programmable intervals |
| Timer | Programmable sampling times, wake-up and sleeping mode, operation time information and timer count-down mode |
| Stirrer Position | 8 freely programmable stirrer immersion positions (paddle over disk, transdermal cylinder etc.) |
| Testing Method Descriptions | Unlimited number of test descriptions can be stored on SD card |
| User Access Control | Multiple level access control |
| OQ, PQ control | Programmable time periods to remind about QO or PQ testing |
| Printer | Built-in thermo printer |
| Number of Stirred Vessels | 12 (6 + 6 arrangement) |
| Standard Vessels | 1 liter USP/EP Borosilicate glass vessel, each individually coded |
| Speed Control | 25 – 250 RPM |
| Speed Accuracy | ±2% of set speed, typically < 1% |
| Stirrer Shaft Wobble | Better than 0.2 mm total run out |
| System Tools | MonoShaft™ stirrer design, USP/EP apparatus 1, 2, 5, 6 tool adapter, cream cell, transdermal patch tools, tools & vessels individually coded |
| Heating System | Pump for water circulation and 1500W heater for fast heating up |
| Heater Range | 25 – 45°C |
| Heater Accuracy | ± 0.2°C inside the water bath |
| Heat Up Process | Energy saving, programmable “wake up” function and “sleep mode” |
| Water Circulation | Water circulated from external heating system through special diffuser inside the water bath |
| Vibration Elimination | Water bath rests on vibration absorbers, spring loaded pump assembly |
| Calibration | Built-in calibration procedures for speed, temperature control, OQ/PQ interval programmable including alarm indicator |
| Bench Space Requirements | Approx. 1120 x 700mm |
| Packaging | Approx. 1370 x 780 x 870mm (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 75 kg net weight, 100 kg gross weight |
| Certification | All components certified to USP / EP requirements |
| CE / EMC Certification | All CE / EMC Certification provided |
| Validation | All IQ & OQ documents included |
We reserve the right to make technical changes without any prior notice.
Included in the Standard Scope of Supply
- One set of stainless steel paddles
- One set of 1000ml Borosilicate glass vessels
- One set of depth adjustment balls
- One bottle of ALGEX water preservative
- Comprehensive documentation folder including:
- User manual
- DQ/QC instrument compliance test certificate
- IQ documentation
- OQ documentation
- Instrument logbook
- Compliance certificates for vessels and stirring tools
Options
- Direct control of peripheral instruments via I/O port such as PTFC-16 fraction collector or DSR-M Sampling Robot
- Amber colored vessels for UV sensitive test materials
- Full range of MonoShaft™ stirring tools available
- Full range of certified validation tools available
- EPE-1220 motorized sampling system
- ITM-1220 media temperature monitoring system
- TM-1220 manual tablet drop magazine
- TMA-1220 automated tablet drop magazine
- Cleaning system for sampling probes and tubing featuring magnetic holders
