The Latest in Package Testers

Headspace Data Logger
A system measures moisture permeability, free water, and temperature. The PyroPerm PAT measurement system employs the calibrated PyroButton-TH (PB-TH) data logger for pharmaceutical applications including stability and container/closure validation testing. For instance, the PyroButton can be placed in headspace for parallel measurement of temperature (+/- 0.2 ºC) and RH% (+/- 2.0 %RH) in situ. PB-TH measures test products relative to storage and stability requirements for container/closure and packaging content validation. The integrated mathematical model can determine the source of moisture in the headspace and packaging effectiveness. PyroPerm includes 21 CRF Part 11 compliant SQL database, decision support software, and embedded mathematical models. Each PyroButton-TH captures up to 4000 data points for both temperature and RH at highest resolution. Dimensions are 16 × 5 mm. System includes PyroButtons, multilogger programmer/reader, calibration services, SQL database, software, and mathematical models. QbD Innovations for Opulus Ltd., Ashland, VA; 845/ 267-1393; www.pyrobutton.com.

In-Line Gas Flush Analysis
An oxygen gas stream analyzer has been designed as an inline addition to vertical form-fill-seal units, rotary pouch machines, and horizontal flow wrappers with continuous gas flushing for extending product shelf life. GSA Model 102 features the self-initiating Cal-Smart calibration system, which uses ambient air and advanced electronic controls to perform a two-point calibration (0 and 21% gas levels) instead of the commonly used room air or certified tank gas methods. The two-point calibration is intended to improve the instrument’s accuracy and repeatability while significantly reducing intervals between more time-
consuming certified gas calibrations. The GSA Model 102 can be programmed to automatically perform Cal-Smart calibration at predetermined intervals, and the calibration cycle only takes 90 seconds to execute, so no downtime is needed. Because the GSA Model 102 measures the gas stream prior to package sealing, problems can be discovered earlier in the process. The compact GSA Model 102 weighs less than 2 lb. Its compact size simplifies installation on new units or retrofitting on existing equipment. Mocon Inc., Minneapolis; 763/493-6370; www.mocon.com.

Motorized Force Tester
With a load capacity of 300 lbF, a new force tester is suited for spring testing, peel testing, tensile testing, wire pull testing, and many other tests. Model ESM301L offers full 18-in. travel distance to accommodate high elongation requirements such as that of tensile testing for plastics, rubber, and other elastic materials. The tester can be programmed to stop at or cycle between travel positions, force values, or limit switches. Modular design eases remote configuration. Mark-10 Corp., Copiague, NY; 888/MARK-TEN, www.mark-10.com.

Torque Tester
An ergonomically designed device is intended to simplify torque testing on both closures and cappers, while improving accuracy and minimizing downtime. Unlike traditional torque metering units that are typically heavier bench models, the portable TorqTraQ Device has been designed for maximum flexibility. Measuring about 4 in. diam, the device works by positioning a closure-specific chuck, located on its underside, over the cap to be tested. The chuck is held in place with two screws and can be changed out in less than a minute to measure a different closure. Plastic Technologies Inc., Holland, OH; 419/725-5620; www.plastictechnologies.com.