The Picoline from Hosokawa Alpine has been setting standards in research and development for several years. The Augsburg-based machine and plant manufacturer has already sold more than 100 units of the modular system for processing very small quantities of powder. Now the Picoline has been updated - with numerous advantages for users.
The Picoline is a solution for fine grinding, classifying or mixing powders in laboratories. Whether grinding processes from coarse to pre-grinding to ultra-fine grinding, the operation of a small batch mixer, a mechanofusion process, mechanochemistry or pure classifying tasks - this master of flexibility is truly versatile. The small system consists of a process platform, a platform controller, numerous function modules and accessories.
The new feature is the separation of the control and work unit. By separating the control and work units, both parts can be positioned independently of each other and adapted to existing conditions. "For example, the process platform can be installed in a fume cupboard due to its compact dimensions, while the control unit can be conveniently and easily operated outside the fume cupboard. This means that employees can be effectively protected from the dangers of new active ingredients or highly sensitive materials can be processed in a protective atmosphere," explains Hermann Schmidt, Manager Business Development Pharma Solutions at Hosokawa Alpine.
Another feature is the visualisation of the operating status with a wide LED bar. Thanks to the extensive operating experience, Hosokawa Alpine was able to make many small improvements such as the easy accessibility of all fuses, possible stand-alone variants, cold grinding processes, complete encapsulation of the electronics or a practical product tray.
The Picoline offers numerous advantages in the product development phase. It can be used to validate the feasibility of a product idea quickly, specifically and cost-effectively. "The tests also provide an excellent starting point for throughput determinations, especially for research institutes and development departments of companies in the pharmaceutical, chemical or ceramics industry or in the areas of battery research, functional materials, magnetic materials, rare earths and wherever the smallest quantities of powder are processed", explains Schmidt. The available modules are based on well-known series from the Hosokawa Group. This means that customers can use the manufacturing process determined as a basis for subsequent transfer to production. This also allows ongoing processes to be quickly optimised or adapted without producing rejects with the production system.
The control unit for all electrical and mechanical components required to operate the function modules is also housed within the control platform to save space. The adapter itself is designed for the connection of all function modules. This allows you to switch from one module to another in a few simple steps. Thanks to the modular design of the system, retrofitting with modules is also possible at any time. Hosokawa Alpine has made cleaning as easy as possible. If dry cleaning is not sufficient, the modules and all accessories can be dismantled individually and washed separately.
"The Picoline offers our customers the opportunity to put together their laboratory system in modular form according to their individual requirements and thus develop their specific production technology in a targeted manner at a very early stage," summarises Hermann Schmidt.
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