PTWS 120D

6-Station Tablet Dissolution Testing Instrument
The PTWS 120D is an 6 position, single drive compact 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 and Japanese Pharmacopeia section <15>.

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. Visual signals on the display inform the user of the status of critical instrument parameters, e.g. bath target temperature not reached. 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 120D 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 qualified with any one of the tool sets once. Each stirrer can be raised by hand into a convenient position for easy vessel removal or insertion. PTWS 120D is capable to perform a staggered start for each of the six positions.

Vessel Centering System
The PTWS 120D features a rigid and precise 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. The access points for sampling as well as the openings for the tools are contained in an auxiliary, low evaporation, vessel cover. Each USP Borosilicate glass vessel has a batch code on top of the flange for easy visibility and positioned placement inside the water bath cover.

Lift Mechanism
The upper drive is motorized and electronically controlled it offers eight programmable positions: an upper cleaning and instrument qualification 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 electronically driven lift mechanism is located centrally above the water bath. This 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 heating system is contained in a separate stainless steel housing. 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 vacuum moulded water bath can easily be removed from the support frame for cleaning purposes. 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.

Space Requirements
A key point in today’s crowded labs is the footprint of the PTWS 120D. The space saving design of the PTWS 120D offers the user the choice between a 2×3 or a 3×2 configuration with a minimal space requirement of just 45cm by 60cm (width by depth). The display module can be mounted either of two positions on the drive head of the PTWS 120D instrument.