Russell Finex Introduces its Revolutionary New Compact Airlock Sieve™

Fine mesh separation and filtration specialist Russell Finex has introduced the new Compact Airlock Sieve, adding a new dimension to screening technology for the pharmaceutical industry. The unique design has evolved as a result of close consultation with many of the top pharmaceutical companies around the world.

This new Compact Airlock Sieve is the first real advance in pharmaceutical sieving technology for ten years, with its validatable pneumatic clamping system giving large improvements in product containment (OEL value of 1µg/m³) and operator health and safety. With powders safely contained, the screener accurately removes any contained, and therefore improves product quality and safeguards the reputation of the user. The unit also complies with the new ATEX legislation in Europe.

The operation of the Compact Airlock Sieve is simple but very effective. Oversize contamination is accurately removed by the mesh screen fitted to the unit, while the good product passes through the mesh and on to the next stage of production.

The cGMP design of the screener is based on clean lines, making sanitation easier and performance greater. Clean-down times are reduced, as the sieve is simple to disassemble in seconds without the need for tools. Crevice-free and smooth surfaces make the product contact parts very easy to clean and they are fully washable.

The unit is clamped together with the revolutionary airlock system. This pneumatic lock gives an even and high clamping force across all sealing faces and therefore guards against powder leakage more effectively than traditional band clamps or over-centre toggle clamps.

Assembly of the screener is achieved in seconds. You simply place the component parts into the base and locate them by twisting and locking the lid – no need for tools. The airclamp is then inflated to secure and seal the unit during operation. Furthermore, to assist with FDA process approval, this pneumatic clamping system can be validated to provide a unique and measurable seal.

The screener has recently undergone independent (SMEPAC) tests to get an OEL (occupational exposure limit) value. The unit has registered a value of less than (1µg/m³), proving that the Compact Airlock Sieve gives large improvements in product containment, reduces dust, and improves the health and safety of operators.

The Compact Airlock Sieve fits neatly into any part of the production process, providing considerable screening capacity with little headroom. Its innovative design means that the screener is less than half the height of a traditional sieving machine. It is ideal for check screening incoming ingredients on the primary side right through to finished powders on the secondary side of your production facilities.

The unit is available with a range of options, including: different materials of construction, different grades of finish, explosion-proof motors, mesh deblinding systems and many more. Also available are documentation packages to simplify the validation process.

The versatile Compact Airlock is manufactured at Russell’s high-quality ISO9001 accredited factory.