Team West Pharmaceutical

Sponsor: Tim MillerAdviser: Dr. Harris

Sponsor and Business• Leadership in Drug

Administration Systems and Components

• Project Focus: rubber manufacturing for various rubber device components

The Problem• Rubber is being tested

far too late in the manufacturing process and takes too long

• Results in excessive material waste, as production continues with wrong formulations

Project Scope

• Create a rapid, at-line testing method to determine whether a rubber compound was properly mixed and will cure correctly.

Technical Basis

• Focus on Rubber Production

• Scorch time, cure rate, performance, viscosity

• Factors relate to quality of batch

Questions?

Wants/Needs/Constraints

• Wants– Simple Readout– Cost Effective– Automated

• Needs– Accuracy of

Prediction– Fast Testing– Minimize amount of

sample destroyed • Constraints– OSHA– FDA

Key Metrics

Metric Target

Uncertainty ± 2σ

Time < 10 min

Weight Destroyed < 1/2 lb

Selected ConceptAt-Line Viscosity Compression Test

Supporting Theory

Preliminary Testing• Tests were performed in the CCM to verify testing method using the Instron 5567

DesignDetermine Viscosity via compression test

Fabrication•The device was built from a combination of purchased motor components and machined framework

Calibrations and Programming• Labview & GalilTools

– Automatically converts and sends appropriate commands to the controller

– Allows user to set number of data points

– Safeguard to power off motors before critical loads are reached.

Video

Results and Statistical Analysis

Sample Viscosity (lb-s/in2)

A1 0.0055

A2 0.0052

A3 0.0055

A4 0.0056

A5 0.0058

A6 0.0059

Standard Deviation = 2.48×10-4 (lb-s/in^2)

Viscosity factor= (w^4)*8*(1/(h^3))*dh/dt

Meeting Key Metrics

Deliverables

• Prototype with ability to perform the desired tests

• Labview program for controlling the tests

• Method for performing tests and gaining useful data

Path Forward

• More Calibration Testing• Develop a more polished program• Build Database of viscosity data• The device needs to be a bit more refined, with proper electrical enclosures

Cost Summary• Sponsor given range: $5,000• Actual Costs: $4,851.67

– Zaber: Stepper Motors-> $1222.00– McMaster Carr and Materials-> $733.67– Galil: Controller-> $1817.00– Omega: Load Cell->$1079.00

Thank You

Comments/Questions?