Breathing Innovation: Briggs’ pMDI Solution
Summary
Briggs of Burton led a project to upgrade the end-to-end pressurised Metered Dose Inhaler (pMDI’s) mixing systems for a leading pMDI manufacturer. We provided a commercial mixing system for their Hydrofluoroalkane (HFA-134a) propellant, designed for use in inhalers for asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. With the market seeking advanced production solutions, our pharma engineers offer testing and validation during the trial stage, providing reassurance for scale-up.
Scope
Our customer aimed to increase its capacity to manufacture more pMDIs to support patients with respiratory-related diseases. They approached us to optimise their pMDI mixing processes to accommodate three distinct variations.
Challenges
- Tailoring a solution to meet our customer’s diverse and specific needs and specifications
- Ensuring the filling capability was reliable enough to handle complex processes
Solution
Our team provided an engineering solution that included detailed design, bespoke manufacturing, in-house automation, installation, and commissioning.
We designed a system that precisely met our customer’s diverse mixing requirements, customising equipment to exact specifications, and developing an advanced automation system with a Programmable logic controller (PLC) and Human Machine Interface (HMI) for recipe control.
To maintain stringent hygiene standards, we equipped the system with Clean-in-Place (CIP) capabilities, allowing thorough cleaning and sterilisation.
Our scope included the design and integration of conditioning vessels, a solutions mixing vessel, a suspension mixing vessel, and multiple Drug Addition Vessels (DAVs) to support Single Stage, Two Stage, and Dual Filling processes. All equipment met ATEX (Atmosphères Explosible) rating requirements.
Impact/Result
Our Pharma Engineering team successfully delivered the project within the client’s specified timeline. We provided the customer with a versatile pMDI mixing system capable of accommodating the different formulations required for their products, all while adhering to strict cleanliness standards through CIP capabilities. This flexibility positions them well for upcoming regulatory changes aimed at reducing the environmental impact of inhaler propellants.
To gain deeper insights into the pMDI’s manufacturing process, watch our video: [Briggs of Burton pMDI’s Mixing System – YouTube]
