Process-scale considerations automation

The RC1 is an automated laboratory batch/semi-batch reactor for calorimetric studies which has proven precision. The calorimetric principle used and the physical design of the system are sound. The application of the RC1 extends from process safety assessments including calorimetric measurements, to chemical research, to process development, and to optimization. The ability of the RC1 to generate accurate and reproducible data under simulated plant scale operating conditions may result in considerably reduced testing time and fewer small scale pilot plant runs. 

While utilizing the HTS expertise and capacity might deliver the initial desired results, we recommend that serious considerations are given to the transfer of expertise and build up of a local automation and support infrastructure that is specific to the needs of ADME/Tox testing in order to understand crucial process steps, vhen a rapid scale up is required. 

Automated systems have several potential advantages over classical technical labor. Analytical functions are reproduced on a programmed schedule, reducing the turnaround time of the samples and enabling a more reliable estimate of analytical costs. In addition to the accuracy of the equipment, costs are readily estimated, the process is easier to scale up or down, and process parameters can be more easily varied in an understandable way. Automated systems can produce data from worldwide locations and may be readily standardized and compared. Manual operation remains preferable for procedures that require considerable judgment in the selection of alternatives. 

Spray drying is a continuous process capable of full automation, and can be designed to meet any capacity required in the pharmaceutical industry. A process can be run in a large size unit for as short as 30 min or 1 h, or can be run continuously for many days. The selection of the right scale involves several considerations, but ultimately, it is primarily driven by the targeted process throughput and batch size requirements. 

After considerable evaluation, in November 2000, the firm elected to implement the Ariba Buyer e-Procurement System in conjunction with its existing American Express Purchasing Card program to automate its indirect buy. On the back end, they integrated the Ariba system with the Pfizer financial system to optimize payment processing and eliminate steps that added no value. The firm did evaluate electronic marketplace options only to conclude that their scale was so large that such an alternative offered little added value. 

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