Posts by Bob Sandor
IQ, OQ, PQ Examples for Analytical Instruments
Analytical instruments confirm processing equipment used in the pharmaceutical, food and other industries meet standards set by the FDA, the Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 and other regulatory bodies. Standards apply from the very beginning with design qualification. At the customer location equipment is validated and verified via initial and ongoing tests described in this post as IQ, OQ, PQ examples.
IQ, OQ, PQ Examples Defined
In brief IQ, OQ and PQ mean Installation Qualification, Operational Qualification and Performance (or Process) Qualification . An example is an HPLC system, including its pumps. These systems must precisely and accurately analyze pharmaceutical compounds as they proceed from R&D into manufacturing. We’ll go into that in more detail later.
But first, some more detail on our IQ, OQ, PQ Examples
Installation Qualification Described
As described in an FDA Group blog post “Newly installed or modified equipment must first be validated to … Read the rest
Solvent Ultrasonic Cleaning Helps Porvair Filtration
An explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaning system satisfies customers’ preferences for flammable solvents employed during initial cleaning processes for new and reconditioned stainless-steel filters, reports Jeff Bernier, Quality Manager at Porvair Filtration Group in Caribou, ME.
“Solvent ultrasonic cleaning falls into our passivation cycle as a means of improving the corrosion resistance of our 316L stainless steel filters by removing ferrous contaminants like free iron from surfaces, and restoring them to their original corrosion specifications,” Mr. Bernier explains, adding “many of our chromatography customers expect it.”
Solvent Ultrasonic Cleaning Replaces Aqueous Solutions
… Read the rest“Our explosion-proof ultrasonic cleaner allows us to safely use flammable solvents versus previously employed non-flammable aqueous solutions for initial cleaning,” Mr. Bernier says.
“Grade A isopropanol alcohol and pharmaceutical grade acetone are the preferred solvents. However, they require specially designed ultrasonic cleaners as well as compliance with strict safety standards.
“These include the National Electric
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How Can I Use Flammable Solvents in an Ultrasonic Cleaner?
Examples of a widely used flammable solvents are IPA (Isopropyl alcohol), Acetone, and IMS (Industrial Methylated Spirits). Any time flammable solvents are used for cleaning purposes there is risk of fire or explosion due to ignition of volatile vapors by a flash source. Ignition can occur from any source due to spills or as flammable solvent vapors spread. This guide will explain how you can safely use flammable solvents in an ultrasonic cleaner.
You may not have to use a flammable solvent as your cleaning solution. Watch the video below for details on selection a cleaning solution for your ultrasonic cleaner.
Cleaning with flammable solvents requires extreme caution in any case but ultrasonic cleaning with … Read the rest
How to Use an Ultrasonic Bath to Make Liposomal Vitamin C
Liposomal encapsulated vitamin C offers a high absorption efficiency vs. taking vitamin C pills and is much more convenient than intravenous administration. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic there has been an increase in demand for vitamin C as a means of protection or treatment while a recent report states that demand for liposomal vitamin C has outpaced that for hand sanitizers*. Because liposomal vitamin C has a short shelf life, this post tells you how to make it yourself using an ultrasonic bath and a beaker kit.
Why Ultrasonic Energy Delivers Superior Liposomal Vitamin C
While it uses a benchtop ultrasonic cleaner, the process employs the power of what is called ultrasonic cavitation to encapsulate ascorbic acid within liposomes. Encapsulation improves the bioavailability of the vitamin C in your body.
Ultrasonic processing is also preferred as a means of reducing … Read the rest
Ultrasonic Cleaners Protect Dentists During Corona Virus Pandemic
The American Dental Association releases guideline updates on how dental technicians can protect themselves during the current Corona Virus pandemic. The ADA on March 16 encouraged dental practitioners to postpone elective procedures for the next three weeks. It also refers dentists to conform to CDC guidelines for sterilizing and disinfecting patient care items and devices.
These guidelines refer to reusable dental instruments, and among other techniques recommend the use of ultrasonic cleaners as a pre-sterilization or disinfecting procedure to render them safely for reuse.
Ultrasonic Cleaners In CDC Recommendations for Covid-19 Infection Control
The CDC’s 2008 Infection and Sterilization Guideline notes that “The most common types of mechanical or automatic cleaners are ultrasonic cleaners…” and that “Ultrasonic cleaning removes soil by cavitation and implosion in which waves of acoustic energy are propagated in aqueous solutions to disrupt the bonds that hold particulate matter to surfaces.”
Note that ultrasonic cleaning … Read the rest
How Ultrasonic Cleaning Brass Can Restore Gleam
Those appreciating the gleam of brass – whether fireplace andirons & tools, chandeliers, escutcheons, or antique decorative brass hardware of any description – also appreciate the work that goes into restoring and maintaining the gleam of brass. Chemical-based brass cleaners on the market usually require lots of time to apply and buff it off to reveal the shine. This post describes how ultrasonic cleaning brass can help savvy collectors or sellers of brass products restore the gleam of antique brass.
Why Ultrasonic Cleaning Brass Works so Well
The power of ultrasonic cavitation in an ultrasonic cleaner removes heat marks, soot deposits and other grime on fireplace implements that accumulates over the heating season.
Similarly it removes tarnish and other surface deposits on brass door knockers, mail slots, latches, name plates, switch plates – in fact any decorative or functional product made of brass.
As suggested above, sonic cleaning also avoids … Read the rest
How to Select Ultrasonic Parts Washers
One or more cleaning procedures are generally involved in the manufacturing, finishing and maintenance of thousands of industrial and consumer products. In this post we provide suggestions on how to select ultrasonic parts washers that find wide employment in preparing and repairing most anything that comes to mind. These range from printed circuit boards in your PDA to aircraft jet engines.
But first we’ll provide information that may be useful for those of you not that familiar with the ultrasonic process. For the cognoscenti, feel free to scroll down to the Tips section. … Read the rest
We Want You to Sparkle and Shine!
Need to make your bling sparkle and shine? Yes, we’re talking giving your rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and other jewelry the tender loving care it deserves. Get your jewelry looking like new and turning heads with the power of ultrasonic cleaning.
Look at these happy folks and their shiny jewelry:
… Ultrasonic Cleaners for Jet Engine Maintenance
Regular maintenance procedures are strictly prescribed for aircraft jet engines and include thorough cleaning and inspection of fuel nozzle assemblies. “An example is the highly popular Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine which requires cleaning engine fuel nozzle manifold adapter assemblies every 400 hours of operation,” says Scott Pottebaum, Director of Technical Services, Elliott Aviation in Des Moines, IA. “Overhaul and maintenance procedures are clearly spelled out in the P&W Maintenance Manual; service organizations such as Elliott Aviation are responsible for performing these procedures then testing the engines before they are approved for return to service.”… Read the rest
E Plus Line of Elma Ultrasonic Cleaners Available
Upgraded E Plus Features Target Parts Cleaning and Laboratory Applications
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment distributor Tovatech announces the availability of the new Elmasonic E Plus line of 37 kHz benchtop ultrasonic cleaners in 9 stainless steel tank capacities from 1/4 to 7-½ gallons. Replacing the Elmasonic E line, the newly designed E Plus ultrasonic cleaner units deliver about 30% more ultrasonic cleaning and mixing power.
Microprocessor-controlled Power Tracking assures reproducible performance run-to-run.
Operator-activated Pulse produces intermittent bursts of high power intensity to remove stubborn contaminants, degas solvents and to mix, disperse and dissolve lab samples. An automatic Sweep mode ensures even distribution of cleaning action throughout the ultrasonic bath. The choice of Sweep and Pulse functions addresses the full range of ultrasonic unit applications in scientific and medical laboratories as well as industrial shops.… Read the rest