Tablet conveying system aims to help minimize chips, dust

Volkmann prenumatic vacuum conveyor can transfer confections to packaging.

A pneumatic vacuum conveying system from process equipment manufacturer Volkmann USA features a proprietary design that aims to gently transfers tablets, capsules, lozenges, and candies to safeguard against chipping, splitting, and cracking while helping to prevent dust from escaping into the workplace.

Designed for a Fortune 500 pharmaceutical product manufacturer, the custom-engineered Volkmann PPC conveying system sets an optional pinch valve with a soft, flexible elastomer at the discharge chute to promote smooth, unobstructed material flow to filling and packaging downstream. A secondary filter (HEPA, optional) provides redundant air filtration to capture particulates and support a dust-free environment, the company says.

Suitable for food, nutrition, pharmaceutical, and other sanitary and validated processes, the automated Volkmann tablet conveyor transfers the pills from storage or directly from a tablet press through a sealed, vacuum system under containment that aids in contamination control while striving to reduce spillage risk. According to the company, the gentle material handling system helps maintain the tablet size, shape, weight, and appearance for a reduced reject rate and improved quality assurance.

Mounted to an optional, mobile, pneumatic hoist for safe, easy installation at height, the hygienic conveying system includes stainless steel construction with polished interiors and disassembles for cleaning without tools, Volkmann says. The conveyor is also ATEX-certified for explosive environments and suitable for GMP applications, and may be installed in containment isolators.