The ECM Concept: Exchangeable Compression Module

MODUL Tablet Press Technology

The Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM) is the unique, distinctive feature that sets the MODUL tablet press apart.

Pharma Product ECM Technology
All MODUL tablet presses are based on the GEA Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM) concept. The ECM is a dust-tight module that is completely isolated from the remainder of the machine, contains all product contact parts and can easily be disconnected and removed from the tablet press in a matter of minutes. With the machine remaining powder-free and requiring no cleaning, a second ECM with the right tooling can be inserted into the tablet press, and the machine is up and running again. The cleaning activity is completely removed from the machine, while the tablet press is simply doing what it is designed to do - Making Tablets.

ECM - Exchangeable Compression Module

The Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM) is the unique, distinctive feature that sets the MODUL tablet press apart. The patented ECM is a tremendous improvement on the exchangeable turret concept and offers very high containment with incomparable productivity and flexibility for tablet compression. Much more than a conventional exchangeable die table, the ECM is a sealed unit that’s isolated from the remainder of the tablet press and not only contains the turret and compression tooling, but all the press’s product-contact parts as well.

At the end of a production run, the ECM can be removed from the machine in just 15 minutes. No machine cleaning is required, as all product contact parts and powder residues are encapsulated in and removed with the ECM; the inside and outside of the press are left perfectly clean. A duplicate, clean ECM can then installed in the machine in another 15 minutes.

Providing both operator and product safety, the ECM can be easily removed and exchanged with a replacement unit in just 30 minutes for fast product changeover and the complete line can be back in full production in less than one hour. Offering easy cleaning, high productivity and removing any risk of cross-contamination, this extremely short changeover time results in unmatched productivity and flexibility for tablet production.

Standard ECM

The standard ECM provides a closed environment that ensures contamination levels outside the machine remain below 10 μg/m3. This is ideally suited for non-potent pharmaceutical applications in which a dust-tight seal provides adequate protection when the doors of the press are opened. The ECM can then be safely removed for cleaning in a designated area, usually with a simple air hose. There is no further need to clean the inside of the press or the room in which it operates.

High Containment ECM with Wash-off-Line (WOL ECM) Capabilities

The WOL ECM has been specifically designed for tableting operations using highly potent APIs to keep operators safe from harmful compounds, without the use of cumbersome air suits, and to prevent cross-contamination. The WOL ECM maintains the concentration of harmful APIs in the environment around the tablet press below 1μg/m3.

ECM Availability

The table below shows which ECM types are available for each model (MODUL P, MODUL S).

MODUL P   MODUL S
C-ECM x x
HC-ECM x x
WOL-ECM x x
BL-ECM x

WOL-ECM

WOL-ECM: the Wash-off-Line Exchangeable Compression Module
Pharma Product WOL ECM
With the patented Wash-off-Line (WOL) concept, GEA introduces a high-containment solution that is economical, ergonomic and easy to use.
The WOL ECM

The WOL ECM has been specifically designed for tableting operations using highly potent APIs to keep operators safe from harmful compounds, without the use of cumbersome air suits, and to prevent cross-contamination. The WOL ECM maintains the concentration of harmful APIs in the environment around the tablet press below 1μg/m3.

Made from corrosion-resistant materials, the WOL ECM can be removed from the press and washed separately, using strong detergents, without any risk of damage. Washing takes place in a sealed environment using a special wash skid that avoids the need to open the ECM or remove any components (such as punches) and uses the minimum amount of water and detergent. The WOL ECM can be opened for final manual rinsing and drying without any risk of toxic material becoming airborne. All electrical components, or components that cannot be constructed from suitably corrosion resistant materials, such as cams and bearings, are kept outside the confines of the ECM so do not require cleaning.

The fast product changeover time of just 30 minutes is particularly significant for high containment operations as the same operation on a standard isolator-based system can take up to 16 hours.

Benefits
  • Fast product changeover
  • Reduced downtime
  • Dust protection for working environment
  • Easy cleaning in safe area
  • No need for air suits.
  • Wash-off-Line facility for high containment applications

Bi-Layer ECM

The bi-layer ECM, available exclusively on the MODUL P, enables small-scale continuous bi-layer tablet production. It is the perfect solution to your bi-layer formulation development, clinical trial and other small-scale production needs.
Pharma Product B-layer tablets
GEA’s MODUL P, the smallest tablet press in the MODUL range, is now available with an Exchangeable Compression Module (ECM) for bi-layer tablet production. The bi-layer ECM can be exchanged with all types of ECM, so the same basic MODUL P can handle all your small-scale production requirements.
A unique approach to Small-Scale Bi-layer Tableting
  • Enables continuous bi-layer tablet compression with a fully tooled turret
  • Is able to produce up to 100.000 bi-layer tablets/hour
  • Can run with only 1 punch at 10 to 50 tablets/minute
  • Is available with mixed turret (10 B and 10 D stations)
  • Is available in WOL execution for potent drugs

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