MicroNIR PAT-W – Viavi (NIR)

MicroNIR PAT-W process spectrometer is a rugged, scalable, next-generation Near Infra Red (NIR) system for real-time process monitoring in blend homogeneity, loss on drying, compaction, content uniformity, and other process analytical technology (PAT) applications. The MicroNIR PAT-W is a battery-powered and equipped with WiFi connectivity for data communication, making it suitable for use on rotating blenders as well as other stationary process equipment.

The software package allows for positioning flexibility from process/product development to manufacturing environments and offers audit trails, comprehensive user management, encrypted secure data storage, and several other capabilities required for regulated GMP environments.

ATEX certified version of PAT-W is also available!

MicroNIR PAT-W process spectrometer is a rugged, scalable, next-generation system for real-time process monitoring in blend homogeneity, loss on drying, compaction, content uniformity, and other process analytical technology (PAT) applications. The PAT-W has the smallest form factor in the process monitoring instrument market in a fit-for-purpose design. This makes it ideal for use with processing equipment of all sizes, with the performance and stability to enable smart and efficient manufacturing.
The easy-to-use MicroNIR PAT-W was designed for today’s demanding GMP-regulated environments yet requires minimal system maintenance. It has no moving components or expensive fiber optic cables, enabling superior instrument stability and performance in harsh process environments. Its stainless steel/brushed aluminum cabinet resists dust and water to IP67 standards and cleans easily.

Key Features

  • Non-destructive, non-invasive, and real-time near-infrared analysis
  • User-selectable WiFi or Ethernet for system control and data communication
  • User-replaceable, rechargeable Li-ion battery with over 8 hours of continuous run time
  • Integrated multi-axis triggering
  • Trigger options for different applications: internal orientation timer, push button, and external
  • Real-time moving block standard deviation (MBSD) and %RSD analysis for end-point determinations for blending, drying, granulation, and coating processes
  • Washable, IP67-rated enclosure
  • Integrated PC enables fast and secure store and forward of collected spectral data

Applications

  • Blend uniformity
  • Fluid bed drying
  • Granulation
  • Content uniformity
  • Moisture content
  • Nutritional assay
  • Protein
  • Fat
  • Reaction monitoring
  • Polymers
  • Petrochemicals

Software

The software suite allows for deployment flexibility from process/product development to manufacturing environments and features audit trails, comprehensive user management, encrypted secure data storage, and many other capabilities required for regulated GMP environments.

  • The MicroNIR PAT control software enables easy data acquisition, method investigation, user management, method development, instrument performance qualification per USP 1119 criteria, and the visualisation of moving block standard deviation (MBSD) trends.
  • Viavi Unscrambler® X Lite regression and classification software provides a complete set of chemometric tools for calibration model development and data investigation, supporting MBSD model development with %RSD and PCA-based blending tools.

Mounting and Process Integration

The MicroNIR PAT-W has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind to meet the many different criteria for process integration. It integrates into a process with three different mounts:

Standard

This includes a modified DN90 flange, a 2” sanitary (hygienic) flange mount, a sapphire window, and a retaining ring with O-rings. The modified DN90 flange is welded into a hole cut in the lid of a blender and then the sanitary flange mount, window, and retaining ring are assembled. The PAT-W with an adjustable collet then secures against the window and a sanitary flange using a standard tri-clover clamp (or C-clamp). All pieces disassemble for easy cleaning and maintenance.

Bore Seal

This method uses the same adjustable collet and tri-clover clamp approach, but instead of mounting against a sapphire window, a sealed window and bore seal are attached to the PAT-W and these come into direct contact with the material being measured.

When used on a rotating blender, the PAT-W features an integrated 9-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU) that contains a 3-axis gyroscope, a 3-axis magnetometer, and a 3-axis accelerometer. The IMU enables highly accurate and repeatable triggering of the PAT-W .

ParameterSpecification
Illumination sourceTwo integrated vacuum tungsten lamps
Bulb life>40,000 hours
Illumination geometryFlood illumination/ 0° observer
Input aperture dimensions2.5 x 3.0 mm
Sample working distance0-15 mm from window
Dispersing elementLinear variable filter
Detector128-pixel InGaAs photodiode array
Pixel size/pitch30 µm x 250 µm/50 µm
Wavelength range950 – 1650 nm (10,526 – 6060 cm-1)
Pixel-to-pixel interval6.2 nm for 950-1650 nm
Spectral bandwidth (FWHM)<1.25% of center wavelength (1% typical) (for example, @1000 nm, resolution is <12.5 nm)
Analog-to-digital Convertor16 bit
Dynamic range (max)1000:1
Measurement time (typical)0.25 – 0.5 second
Integration time10 ms typical, minimum 10 µsec, maximum limited by dark signal
Computer interfaceTCP/IP Cat5 Ethernet 802.11 g WiFi
Spectrometer weightLess than 1.4 kg (3 lb)
Size160 mm x 136 mm x 136 mm
(6.3 in x 5.37 in x 5.37 in)
PowerBattery: 7.5 V @6.4 Ah for >8 hr run time
External: 110-240 V AC
Data formatEncrypted, Unsb, CSV, and SPC output
Operating systemWindows 8.1, 8, and 7
Software availableMicroNIR PAT, Unscrambler X Lite, MicroNIR Process
Operating temperature0 – 40 deg C (non-condensing)
EnclosureStainless steel and aluminum: dust and waterproof, sealed and cleanable to IP67 standard
TriggerInternal 9-axis IMU, external 24 V input
MountingAdaptable stainless steel tri-clover mount

Stainless steel and aluminum: dust and waterproof, sealed and cleanable to IP67 standard

Trigger

Internal 9-axis IMU, external 24 V input

Mounting

Adaptable stainless steel tri-clover mount

Click Here to download the PAT-W data sheet

Click Here to download White Paper – PAT-W for Blend Endpoint Analysis in a High Dosage Product

Click Here to download Application note – Combining a Compact PAT Analyzer, Analytics, and Applications in QbD Environment

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