New TPK 2100 Critical Flow Controller for dry powder inhaler testing

A highly automated system to speed up testing, improve reproducibility, and enhance data output and recording.

The newly introduced TPK 2100 builds on Copley’s heritage of TPK models, an international standard in the field of DPI testing equipment, and is ideally suited to the needs of formulators and quality control scientists. It sets a new benchmark for the set-up, control and documentation of all the parameters associated with the measurement of delivered dose uniformity and aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) by cascade impaction, in accordance with the US and European Pharmacopoeias.

Anna Sipitanou, Business Development Manager at Copley Scientific, comments: “The new TPK 2100 has already generated extremely positive feedback from customers who have interacted with it, both at RDD Europe back in April and since its launch. We think it will be a big hit at DDL, as we give live demonstrations to inhaler testing analysts and laboratory managers alike. It is rewarding to know that the advancements we have incorporated into the TPK 2100 look set to benefit both existing and new customers, making a substantial difference to productivity and efficiency in the execution of these important tests.”

Designed to replace the well-established TPK 2000, significant new features are built into the TPK 2100. A new ‘fly-by-wire’ flow control valve allows operation to be automated. Inhaler pressure drop, P1, and test flow rate are accurately and rapidly set by the TPK 2100 during test set-up, whilst in-line flow measurement can be accommodated and in-situ impactor leak testing is fully automated for the first time. The user is warned if the important P3/P2 ratio is greater than 0.5, giving full confidence that tests are conducted under sonic flow conditions, whilst notification is also given if the set flow rate and impactor leak rate are outside acceptance limits. Test duration is automatically calculated based on the required test volume, and the new model offers an optional footswitch and temperature/humidity module. Data output to printer and computer are standard, with enhanced monitoring and 5 different reports covering critical in-test parameters, whilst remote control via USB allows the TPK 2100 to be integrated into larger automated systems, where required. Finally, the new instrument allows users to emulate the previous generations of TPK, promoting interchangeability and integration into existing standard operating procedures (SOPs).

A new TPK 2100-R is also being launched. This is a reversed version where the flow inlet and outlets are swapped over to allow for different arrangements of testing equipment to be set up on the laboratory bench.