Independent testing verifies ChargePoint containment performance
ChargePoint Technology have released their latest test data, which has validated the entry level ChargePoint valve with an assured containment performance of less than 5µg/m³, demonstrating an improvement in the integrity of the innovative containment valve technology.
The basic principle of the ChargePoint valve is to minimize the exposure of airborne particles to the operator and production environment whilst transferring potent ingredients from one piece of process equipment to another. This is achieved by creating a barrier between the product and the operator by means of a closed transfer system, through the use of unique split butterfly valve technology.
Testing was carried out by an independent third party, SafeBridge Consultants Inc., during a series of typical controlled powder transfers.
The tests were conducted in line with the ISPE Good Practice Guide: Assessing the Particulate Containment Performance of Pharmaceutical Equipment.
Each transfer was performed with 25g of micronized lactose in a controlled enclosure with a total of 3 transfer runs during which 5 locations were sampled for airborne particulates including the personal (operator) location.
The results of the tests verified that the valve performed well within the target of 5 µg/m³ for all three of the transfer runs. These figures are reassuring, as even with the safety multipliers suggested in European Standard EN 689, the performance achieved is well below the target.
These results further underpin the fundamental benefit of ChargePoint valve technology. Now with specific solutions for operating under pressure conditions, aseptic product transfers and bulk scale material handling with IBC’s, the ChargePoint range of containment valves and integrated material handling equipment presents a series of highly adaptable solutions for safe and clean powder handling throughout the entire pharmaceutical primary production and formulation processes.
