Custom Sensors & Technology Applies the LIF Sensor to Cleaning Validation Applications

Fenton, MO, July 18, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Custom Sensors & Technology has recently developed a novel LED light induced fluorescence sensor, the LIF Sensor, in collaboration with GlaxoSmithKline for blend uniformity and end-point detection during the blending of powders. After further application studies were performed and market interest evaluated Custom Sensors & Technology applies the LIF sensor to cleaning validation applications.

Mike Ponstingl, President of Custom Sensors & Technology, commented on the industries need for advancement in cleaning validation and use of PAT, “The cost of validating clean surfaces has escalated over the last 10 years. The current swab testing can take anywhere from 3-5 days if done in-house and up to 2-3 weeks if contracted by an outside lab. It is our goal to shorten this time so our customers can make production decisions within 1-3 hours. Providing a portable at-line Fluorometer which can monitor directly on solid surfaces or the swabs themselves for contamination will not only shorten the time for a production decision to be made, but will also increase plant throughput.”

Features of the LIF Sensor include dynamic control to provide tailored analytical versatility via UV-Vis LED array technologies; integrated excitation referencing on each diode; small, light weight and self-contained form factor “sensor” device; versatile onboard hot swappable communication options and powering options, both AC and battery; optical configurations suitable for solid state detection (e.g., powders) with alternative schemes for liquids and gases; various smart sensing and diagnostics features for real-time detection assurance; open communication standard for efficient automation controls integration via OPC; solid state device for optimal robustness; and an onboard accelerometer for mobile applications such as pharmaceutical final drug product tumble blending. These comprehensive sensor novelties afford reliable monitoring for robust process control.

The LIF sensor was featured at the 2010 IFPAC show as well as 2010 INTERPHEX NY and received much attention from potential customers. As a valuable new Process Analytical Technology (PAT) the LIF sensor enables manufacturers to build quality into the process, utilizing QbD to the fullest extent. Along with quality comes a decrease in product waste, reduced labor, and less equipment needed making the LIF an economically attractive solution for all fluorescence applications.

About CST
Custom Sensors & Technology is a full service provider. With 30 years of experience CST supplies the latest in front surface fluorescence sensing, photometric transmitters, fiber optic probes and flow cells, oxygen transmitters, sample handling systems, and services including: application engineering, commissioning and start-ups, product validation, factory acceptance testing, IOQ documentation, process stream GAP Analysis, and in-house repair. Sensors can be applied to several real-time analytical problems such as: *end-point detection for powder blending *cleaning validation *security/surveillance *color measurement *protein purity *total cell density *viable cell growth *scale *biofilm *corrosion *organics in water. For more information, visit www.customsensors.com.

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