DIR Technologies

the world a safer place. The pharmaceutical industry has a direct and deep impact on health and safety. Ironically, despite strict quality assurance guidelines and regulations, severely outdated inspection methods still permeate the pharmaceutical industry – making it ripe for the change DIR Technologies offers. DIR Technologies has developed first-in-industry thermography based inspection solutions for quality assurance and process control. The company introduced its first solutions in 2013 in the form of inspection and analysis systems for primary pharmaceutical packaging. DIR solutions offer a quantum leap from commonly used methods of sampling by providing 100% in-line, non-intrusive inspection that does not result in production slowdown. DIR’s Induction Integrity Verification System, or the I2VS draws on proprietary, patent pending technology to inspect the integrity of induction sealed bottles. The I2VS monitors the induction process itself, providing insight on its stability and empowering the operator with the ability to detect and amend issues in real-time. The I2VS checks 100% of packages without reducing line speeds. Thermal imaging not only allows inspection to be done through the closed cap without damaging or degrading the product, but also allows for the collection of precision data regarding overall process quality. The unit’s sophisticated algorithms enable swift, in-line analysis of data, an immediate accept/reject of bottles and, when a faulty bottle is detected, an indication of why the problem occurred. Similarly the SFM, DIR’s Sachet Full Monitoring system, draws on thermal imaging to monitor sachet sealing integrity and content levels. The SFM can monitor most laminated sachets and most contents: powder, gel, liquids, cream etc. Primary packaging sealing integrity is critical in ensuring product viability and shelf life. Leaking sachets that previously went undiscovered can now be stopped before they reach the market. Contamination can be prevented, protecting the health and safety of end users. DIR provides unprecedented insight on the sealing process of both induction sealed bottles and sachets, putting previously unattainable options and control in the hands of line managers. DIR has recently expanded the company product portfolio to include process control inspection solutions for heat sealed packaging in a number of different industries.