MEREL Instruments: dissoWASH&DOSE

The dissoWASH&DOSE® from MEREL Instruments is the latest addition to Omicron's dissolution line-up. A portable, semi-automated vessel washing system to improve the efficiency of the most tedious part of dissolution testing - the washing up!

Cleaning the components of a dissolution tester once the test is complete is one of the most time consuming parts of the test for the analyst, it is also crucial to make sure this step is completed thoroughly to prevent contamination between tests. The dissoWASH&DOSE® simplifies and optimizes those monotonous tasks with the additional benefit of reducing the potential for accidents and human error, thereby saving time, reducing cost and increasing output of the dissolution laboratory.

The dissoWASH&DOSE® semi-automated dissolution tester washing system is battery powered for full mobility around the laboratory.

The fully mobile unit is set on robust wheels and is battery powered for convenient access and storage in the laboratory. The unit can be moved to a sink or filling station where the media and rinse containers are filled, and the waste container is emptied via pre-installed hoses with quick connect fittings. Then the easily portable unit is ready to be pushed into a position next to the dissolution tester. The operator uses an LCD touchscreen to select the desired program, choosing between:

• waste emptying and vessel washing

• media dispensing only

• emptying, washing and media dispensing

Depending on the program selected, the dissolution vessels are emptied, rinsed and optionally filled with fresh media (media needs to be fully prepared and degassed before filling the tank). These steps are then performed subsequently on each vessel, using only one tool and with no adjustments or additional steps necessary. The upper tester parts (shafts, evaporation covers, cannulas and probes) can then be washed using a second handheld tool. Once all vessels have been completed, the unit can be moved to the next tester and the procedure repeated.

Using the dissoWASH&DOSE to empty a dissolution vessel.

The dissoWASH&DOSE is capable of cleaning up to 5 testers with 6 vessels containing 900 mL of media each, or an equivalent of 9 testers with 6 vessels containing 500 mL each, before the rinse tank needs refilling and the waste tank requires emptying. The vessels do not need to be removed for the dissolution tester for cleaning, therefore reducing the potential for spillages and breakages. The nozzle can be fitted with different length drain tubes to compensate for differences in vessel height to ensure compatibility with all dissolution testers, as well as both 1L and 2L USP-conforming vessels.

Once full, the waste tank can be easily emptied into a designated container at the push of a button using quick connect tubing fittings, this in combination with direct waste collection from the vessel, simplifies the disposable procedure and minimises handling and contact with waste solutions. This aids and encourages safe, responsible waste handling and disposal by making it easy and convenient.

The dissoWASH&DOSE® also uses water very efficiently, therefore greatly reducing the water consumption of the laboratory. For example, dissolution vessels are rinsed under a running tap after they've been emptied. The average tap uses 6L of water per minute while running, if rinsing one vessel takes 30 - 60 seconds, this would be around 18L - 36L of water used to rinse all vessels for a 6-position dissolution tester. On average the dissoWASH&DOSE® uses less than 250ml of water to wash each position; a total of 1.5L for a 6-position dissolution tester. This is a huge 90% reduction in water consumption, so it is not only the safer and more convenient option, but the most sustainable one too.

Contact us for more information on the MEREL dissoWASH&DOSE, or to book a demonstration.