Operating Mode

A large LCD screen and an alpha-numerical keyboard are used to edit product and test information, such as the target disintegration time for each station and the bath and media temperatures. Up to 16 different testing methods can be filed in the instrument’s memory. A test screen shows the run time information once a disintegration test is started. The total testing time for the station is displayed at the end of a run. A result report including the individual disintegration times can be printed by connecting a PCL printer to the instrument.

The instruments are supplied with a complete PT-MKT electronic disintegration test basket for each testing position. Each basket is used to test six samples and includes six glass tubes and six disks. For larger samples of up to 30mm diameter we offer the PT-MKT33 basket (“B”-type according to USP <2040> and EP <2.9.1.2>). This basket is used to test three samples and is equipped with three tubes and disks only.

To enable the automated detection of the final disintegration time of each individual sample, the basket bottom sieves are split. A small metal ring is injected into the disks during manufacturing. This ring closes a contact between the two sieve halves once the sample has disintegrated. Each disk can be used in any of the testing positions. There is no need to always place them into the same tube or even basket. There is also no need to use different designs or tools to test different tablet shapes. The complete basket design including sieve and disks is in full compliance with the current USP and EP pharmacopoeias. The specific weight of the disks is kept in full compliance too.

Sustained Release Testing

At the end of a test run, each basket is completely raised out of the test media by the individual basket lifting system. This feature is particularly useful if sustained released products are tested, which may require a medium change during the test run.