WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST BENEFITS?

Making particle size analysis highly efficient

Capture the real-time data analysis of your bulk powder processes automatically with our powder and bulk solid particle size analyzer. Troubleshoot and improve end-product goals with particle size and shape data. Adopt automated process control to drive down production cost. Non-product contact automation minimises risk with hazardous materials.

Seize intelligent innovation Eyecon

GAIN THE COMPETITIVE EDGE

Seize intelligent innovation

Manufacturers are leveraging more data into operations by embedding intelligent devices to increase functionality. Eyecon2 is Pharma 4.0 ready and compatible with the connected devices mantra of the Internet of Things. Using direct image analysis, our particle size analyzer can deliver more efficiency and accuracy than laser diffraction technology to measure particles.

ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Operational flexibility

Eyeconparticle analyser can be implemented anywhere powders flow. In-line, non-product contact measurement for both Batch and Continuous processes, removing the need for sampling. Optimise product transfer and scale-up, Eyecon2 can follow and define the journey from lab to pilot to production scale, saving time and cost.

Eyecon2 operational flexiblity
Quality by design eyecon

TAKING EFFICACY FURTHER

Build quality control into the process

Eyecon2 underpins QbD by affording the ability to control and predict critical quality attributes (CQAs). Knowledge of particle size and shape reveals the functional relationships linking material attributes and critical process parameters (CPPs). Eyecon2 is an enabler of Continuous Process Verification.

Technical Specifications

 

Measurement

Size Range 50 - 5500 μm
Principle Measurement Method (non-product contact) Direct Imaging
Size Measurement Data D10, D25, D50, D75, D90 in numeric and volumetric with Mean and Median values all trended in real time with live histogram and S-curve results. Includes process deviation alarm. 
Shape Measurement Data Eccentricity Average, Eccentricity RSD, Range 0-1
Exportable Data PDF report of recording session, CSV file with data on every image analysed with full PSD from D5-D95, captured images exportable as JPEG
Data Processing EyePASSTM real time particle analysis software installed on a dedicated IPC/PC/Laptop with Windows 10
Measurement Time ~ 5 seconds per image
Material Speed (max.) ≈ 10 m/sec

Physical

Dimensions & Weight Eyecon2 250 x 128 x 132 mm (4 kg)

Connection Hub 254 x 170 x 57 mm (1.2 kg)
  Eyecon2 inc. Automated Benchtop Stage 300 x 190 x 480 mm (7.8 kg)
Power 230VAC @ 50HZ / 110VAC @ 60HZ  
Casing Materials 304 Stainless steel, Glass window, Silicon gaskets  
Connection Cable From Eyecon2 to Connections Hub via Speedcon quick-release power & data cable, available in lengths up to 25 m. From Connections Hub to IPC/Laptop via USB  

Imaging

Illumination Source 12x3 High intensity, low energy R,G,B LEDs
Image Area 11.25 mm x 11.25 mm
Pixel Size 5.5 μm x 5.5 μm
Resolution 2046 px x 2046 px
Exposure Duration 5 μs
Sensor CMOS

 

Software

GMP EyePASS is both 21 CFR part 11 & GAMP5 Compliant
Communications

EyePASS is Open Platform Communications compatible with OPC UA & OPC DA 3

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Application Notes

Method of particle size determination - review by Innopharma Technology

Methods of Particle Size Determination – A Review

Download

EyeCon2

EyeCon2 Product Brochure

Download

An Automated Control Strategy for Wurster Coating to Reduce Dissolution Variability due to Raw Material Variations

An Automated Control Strategy for Wurster Coating to Reduce Dissolution Variability due to Raw Material Variation

Download

Particle Size Analysis of 2 – 5 mm Particles of Varying Colour from Coating and Granulation Processes using Process Analytical Technology

Particle Size Analysis of 2 – 5 mm Particles of Varying Colour from Coating and Granulation Processes using Process Analytical Technology

Download

A Guide to D-values in Pharmaceutical Particle Characterisation

A Guide to D-values in Pharmaceutical Particle Characterisation

Download

The use of Real-Time At-Line Particle Size Measurement on a Pelletization  Process for Accurate End-Point Prediction

The use of Real-Time At-Line Particle Size Measurement on a Pelletization  Process for Accurate End-Point Prediction

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Unique Advantages of Process Analytical Technology in Twin-Screw Granulation

Unique Advantages of Process Analytical Technology in Twin-Screw Granulation

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Real-Time In-Line Monitoring of the Impact of Process Parameter Changes on Critical Quality Attributes in Fluid Bed Granulation using Process Analytical Technology

Real-Time In-Line Monitoring of the Impact of Process Parameter Changes on Critical Quality Attributes in Fluid Bed Granulation using Process Analytical Technology

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Real-Time Prediction of Polymer-Coated Multiparticulate Dissolution using Process Analytical Technology

Real-Time Prediction of Polymer-Coated Multiparticulate Dissolution using Process Analytical Technology

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Implementation of PAT for In-Line Monitoring of a Milling Process During DoE for Continuous Processing

Implementation of PAT for In-Line Monitoring of a Milling Process During DoE for Continuous Processing

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GET A HELPING HAND

End-to-end integration support

With Innopharma Technology’s team of mechanical, electronic, and application engineers, we have extensive experience collaborating with process experts to achieve successful measurement and process integration solutions from the equipment level with Eyecon2, to integration with automated software platforms, such as SmartX, for advanced process control.

Avail of our trial facility

GAIN INSIGHT INTO YOUR MATERIAL

Avail of our trial facility

For peace of mind, we invite customers to undertake a trial of their material at our Ireland application lab (with optional customer attendance). Where we offer sample analysis with Eyeconparticle size analyzer. Trials can also replicate real-world conditions with a wide range of processing equipment available to offer assurance that Eyecon2 can meet their analytical requirements.

LET’S START A CONVERSATION

Putting particle size technology to work

We at Innopharma Technology work with industry scientists and engineers to understand the challenges they face, and the risks when embedding new technology. Whether it’s a standard benchtop system or a custom In-line design, Innopharma Technology aims to help facilities get to market faster, improve process understanding and achieve higher standards of quality by offering versatile solutions suited to their needs.

Putting particle size technology to work
Eyecon accessories services

ADD VALUE FROM DAY-1

Accessories and Services

We help customers unlock the full potential of Eyecon2 by offering a number of accessories and services. On-site training ensures users are confident with the technology, while top-notch customer support and extended maintenance contracts ensure you’re never more than a phone call away from help when needed. A Verification Standards Kit (VSK) offers an easy, traceable and certified method for system calibration/verification, and our IQ OQ template streamlines the qualification process, with optional on-site execution by our own expert engineers.

OPTIMISE PROCESSES WITH AI

Measure Particle Size with AI and Machine Learning

Eyecon2 , our non-product contact, real time particle size and shape data analyser has had a significant software upgrade. EyePASS the particle size image analysis software now utilizes cutting edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning.

At-line Eyecon2

Particle Analyses Functionality

Capture the real-time data analysis and profile of your dry powders and bulk solids with Eyeconparticle size analyser. Troubleshoot and improve end-product goals with particle size and shape data. Adopt automated process control to drive down production cost. Non-product contact measurement minimizes risk with hazardous materials. At-line and in-line configurations allow transition from benchtop to in-line integration and evolve with your needs. EyePASS the Image analysis software now utilizes cutting edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

Advances in Machine Learning

The AI upgrade transforms the versatility of the Eyecon2, vastly expanding the range of material types that can be measured in real time and drastically improves particle size and shape detection for materials that were previously unviable for image analysis. One of the primary steps performed by our image analysis software EyePASS is particle segmentation i.e., the detection and delineation of particles from the images sent by the Eyecon2. All measurements reported by the software are based on the results of the particle segmentation step.

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Benefits of Machine Learning AI

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) iterate the trained images, assigns weights and biases to assorted objects in the image, differentiate one from the other and improves the feature of interest extraction from new unseen image data. This means EyePASS V 3.0 with ML image analysis unlocks the full power of particle size and shape analysis. ML image analysis negates difficulties with the traditional computer vision constraints of illumination and classification of materials with light absorption or light reflective properties. i.e dark materials, reflective materials etc. can now be measured for particle size distribution.

We constantly listen to our customers and partners regarding tailoring the Eyecon2 for each organisation. Below are a list of quesitions we are frequently asked. If there is an unanswered question that you have relating to your specific need or project you can get in touch with us.

What can a particle analyser do for us?

Capture the real-time data analysis and profile of your powders and bulk solids with Eyecon2. Troubleshoot and improve end-product goals with particle size and shape data. Adopt automated process control to drive down production cost.  

What is non-product contact?

Non-product contact measurement minimizes risk with hazardous materials and prevents instrument contamination of the material. It is a method that doesn't interfere with the process itself.  

What size ranges can the Eyecon2 measure?

The Eyecon2 can measure bulk solids between 50 – 5500 µm  

Which industries are the Eyecon2 suitable to conduct particle size analysis for?

Eyecon2 is suitable as a particle analyser for any particles in its size measurement range. Examples of industries include, but not limitied to, Chemical, Pharmaceutical, Mining & Minerals, Food & Beverage, Construction Materials, Energy and Power, Milling, Plastics etc  

How would you describle the capabilities of Machine Learning that Eyecon2 uses?

A full rundown of how machine learning works in conjunction with the Eyecon2 can be reviewed here.  

Can particle in liquids be analysed?

No, but the Eyecon2 can measure wet particles such as materials wetted in a fluid bed or twin screw granulator  

What is the difference between In-line, On-line and At-line?

FAQ image 

How can an Eyecon2 be integrated In-line onto process machinery?

The Eyecon2 is non product contact device and will either view through a window or onto a chute to measure particles. We offer integration services for installation of the Eyecon2 In-Line. In some cases this integration can be an 'off the self' solution like a bracket to mount the Eyecon2 on an existing process window or, if there is no suitable window, we will design and fabricate an integration solution to install the Eyecon2 In-Line.  

How can I arrange a call with the product team?

The best way to get in contact with the team is through our 'Start a Conversation' enquiry at the bottom of this page  



In the at-line Eyecon2 System, what is the appropriate lens height for offline measurement?  

For offline/at-line measurement, the height is a set value between 0-25mm. This height value is dependent on various factors such as the refractive index of light and the medium it passes through. The height the Eyecon2 has the most impact on the crossover of light from the Red, Green, and Blue LED from the illumination source. The camera’s optics are on a motor and travel to the correct focal distance, the illumination source cannot move automatically and must be set at the right height away from the material.  

Can the Eyecon2 measure transparent materials?  

EyePASS V3.0 software can accurately measure transparent materials thanks to new machine learning capabilities built into the software EyePASS V3.0.  

Can Eyecon2 recognize the change in particle size during tablet coating?  

Yes, please download our application note titled “Real-Time Prediction of Polymer-Coated Multiparticulate Dissolution using Process Analytical Technology” from the Eyecon2 resources section of our website  

When measuring powder, how is the boundary of each particle defined?  

In an image, the boundary edges are matched to edge of the various particles. The major and minor axis are fitted from this. The major axis is the longest line that can be drawn through the particle and the minor axis is the longest line that can be drawn through the particle that continues to be perpendicular to the major axis. The corresponding ellipse is overlaid onto the coloured particles. In this way the D numbers are calculated.  

During the Wurster coating process, how does the coating measurement happen?  

The coating thickness value is derived from the difference in Dv50s between the start of spraying and the point at which coating factor has been added, divided by two as the Dv50 is a measure of diameter. As the material is coated the Eyecon2 will detect a change in particular size and show it in real time. Add link to CC GAT coat  

How sensitive is the Eyecon2 to detect the change in granule size during the measurement?  

Eyecon2 can measure the particle size and shape of bulk solids between 50 and 5,500 μm. For the Coating study the Eyecon was sensitive enough to detect changes in coating thickness as low as 5um. Add link to CC GAT Coat  

Can every 1% of drug loading during the process be diferentiated with Eyecon2 results?  

The Eyecon2 will not directly report when every 1% of drug loading is added, instead a calculation based on two things, 1) the loss on weight of the spray binder from the scales and 2) the coating thickness from the Eyecon2 D value results should be compared to to infer the % of drug loading. Add link to CC GAT coat  

Can the Eyecon2 be configured to output sphericity?  

The Eyecon2 uses eccentricity to determine how close to particle is to a perfect circle. The eccentricity formula is really the measure of a how close to perfect a circle is to zero, where the major diameter equals the minor diameter. 1 being completely non-circular with an infinite ratio of length to width, such as a straight line. The eccentricity of an ellipse which is not a circle, is greater than zero but less than 1. This method is comprehensive to more particles than sphericity since not all particles analysed tend to be globular and eccentricity gives a hint on the macro shape of the particle itself.

There is a plethora of shape descriptors available in the field of particle analysis. Quantitatively, aspect ratio, compactness, elongation, circularity, sphericity, convexity, and eccentricity are just some of more popular terms yet there is not one widely recognised method to determine shape as the principal method of quantitative feature extraction.

Based on the third-dimension assumption used in our volumetric calculations (mean of D1 and D2 in the case of each particle) we thought that a possibility of conversion between the two methods in theory existed, but there is no direct or clear conversion between them. As you intend to use this value as an input to an equation describing the aerodynamic drag of particles in a fluidising airflow the elliptical model is likely to throw results way-off. The rough surface texture of these particles will cause their drag to be much higher than the equivalent smooth ellipse. The only correlation that could be established it that a lower eccentricity could mean higher sphericity.  

How do you detect particle share when particles overlap?  

Instead of using a Black & White lighting model our illumination method of using Red, Green and Blue LEDS shows the crossover of light between the particles. This is further enhanced by our machine learning capability to show both the shape and size of overlapping particles.  

Is it neccesary to buy a new Eyecon2 to include the Machine Learning feature?  

Machine Learning can be considered a software update to the existing EyePASS software that the instrument is running. It would not be neccesary to purchase new equipment to get this feature. This new software is an advance in technology and does require further computational power so as long as the laptop being used has suffient graphics card there is no issue to upgrade.  

Is there a scale bar on the images?  

This feature was added to the V3.0 of the software and it is useful because you have a reference of what size you expect your particles to be and the size the are at the moment of the analysis. It is costumizable regarding the colour and the size of the bar.  

Can 21 CRF be turned off?  

No, and this is how ensure results are compliant with 21CFR.  

Does it capture an image every 5 seconds?  

On average, yes. Different fators can impact on this.  

What are the minimal dimensions for the window the Eyecon2 will be mounted onto?  

50 mm width/diameter and up to 20mm of thickness  

Can a guess purge anti-fouling nosel be integrated inside a fluid bed?  

Yes, it can and in our experience this is considered quite invasive and results may vary from process to process. Other solutions as our wiper could be better suited in some cases  

Which ISO standards apply to particle measurement?  

ISO 13322-1:2014 Particle size analysis — Image analysis methods — Part 1: Static image analysis methods; ISO 13322-2:2021 Particle size analysis — Image analysis methods — Part 2: Dynamic image analysis methods; ISO 13320:2020 Particle size analysis — Laser diffraction methods; ISO 17867:2020 Particle size analysis — Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS); ISO 19430:2016 Particle size analysis — Particle tracking analysis (PTA) method, ISO 22412:2017 Particle size analysis — Dynamic light scattering (DLS)  


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Testimonials

The Eyecon is outstanding in measuring in-process particle size during the granulation and particle coating processes. We also integrated this technology into our control systems, as part of a Process Analytical Technology package desired by some of our clients.

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Ed Godek | Process Technology Manager | Glatt Air Techniques, Inc.

While using the Multieye to measure roller compaction ribbons, we observed an excellent correlation between the NIR spectra and off-line density results.

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Abina Crean | Lecturer in Pharmaceutics | University College Cork

Eyecon₂ with its automated high-speed image analysis is implemented to accurately predict the process end-point with fast objective PSD data, supported by particle images, to significantly improve process optimisation and control.

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Thomas Hoffmeir | Head of Business Unit - Process Technology Pharma | Glatt GmbH

Using the Multieye we have the capability to beautifully monitor the moisture trend in real-time, during the liquid addition and drying process in a fluid bed granulation process.

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Denisio Togashi | Post-Doctoral Researcher | Dublin Institute of Technology

More and more high-end Chinese pharmaceutical manufacturers are aware of and actively seeking to implement QbD principals into their manufacturing processes. Implementation of Eyecon₂ optimises FBP design and subsequently enables increased process understanding.

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Arthur Rong | Vice Manager - Oral Solid Dosage | Austar

Before we had any PAT tools, the process was like a black box to us. We put something in and get something out without knowing what happened inside. Now, we have an ‘Eye’ to look inside that black box and see what’s going on in there.

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Deron HE | General Manager - Smart Manufacturing | Chanse Technology (Jiangsu) Inc.

Organisations we have worked with…

Glatt
TU DUBLIN
CHANSE
AUSTAR
purdue 
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY
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