Contained Offloading Of Aurora Filters

Nutsche Filters are a mainstay in processing in the Pharmaceutical and Chemical industries. They typically function by keeping the slurry contents fluidized until most of the mother liquor is filtered through. When filtration is complete, the cake can be washed by reslurrying the cake. After washing, the mother liquor can be refiltered and the cake can then be discharged.

AURORA FILTERS, a Division of ALL-WELD Company Limited designs and fabricates a line of Nutsche filters for the pilot scale production of active pharmaceutical ingredients. These designs typically combine a glove box with a single plate vacuum Nutsche under an inert gas blanket to ensure operator safety and product integrity.

However, the outlet of the filter is not typically contained. This Flexible Containment Solutions Guide outlines several methods of achieving a contained discharge from the Aurora Filter.

HOW DOES THE CONTAINED OFFLOADING SYSTEM WORK?
There are a variety of methods that can be used to achieve contained offloading of an Aurora Filter. The designs of the filters are varied so the applications below represent a few of the installed solutions. Some customization may be needed depending on the specific filter.

Offloading to DoverPacs®
The key components in The DoverPac® system include:

• Transition adapter between the vessel and the DoverPac® canister
• Multiple o-ring canister (typically separate from the Transition Adapter but these can be combined into one piece of hardware)
• DoverPac® which is a combination of inner liner and outer Type C restraint
• The new FlexLoc clamp (an improvement over the original DoverLoc clamp that replaced the original cir-clip)
• The Crimp Separation System (the replacement for the original twist, tie, tape and cut system for repeatable separation of the liner from the vessel without breaking containment)