Lenterra Inc (Newark, NJ), developer of in-line sensors for powder or multiphase flow characterization has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Freeman Technology Ltd (Tewkesbury, England), a global provider of powder flow testing technology. Lenterra delegates Freeman exclusive right to distribute Lenterra Flow Force Sensor (LFS) and Lenterra Shear Stress Sensor (LSH) systems worldwide. The Lenterra’s in-line real time flow characterization systems, in combination with off-line Freeman Technology FT4 Powder Rheometer offers unique opportunities for comprehensive characterization of the process flow.This partnership has emerged from collaboration between the two companies and pharmaceutical company Bristol-Myers Squibb Co (New Brunswick, NJ), which resulted in two publications in the Journal for Pharmaceutical Sciences over the last two years.
“Lenterra’s focus on Process Analytical Technology for the powder processing industries and the strength of their engineering expertise makes them an excellent partner,” said Tim Freeman, managing director of Freeman Technology. “Understanding the evolution of granules during a wet granulation process or blend homogeneity during mixing, in real time offers new opportunities for process control and optimization. We’re delighted to be able to offer those benefits to our customers through the introduction of this new technology.”
“With Lenterra’s flow measurement technology we can employ similar measurements [to Freeman Technology’s FT4 Powder Rheometer] inline in order to continuously monitor material properties in process. The potential benefits include improved compliance, enhanced quality assurance, reduced cycle times and costs, faster scale up and improved equipment utilization. These can add up to a considerable economic gain,” noted Dr. Valery Sheverev, founder, president and CEO of Lenterra.
Lenterra’s portfolio include the Drag Force Flow (DFF) sensor and the Real Shear™ wall shear sensor, both based on micro-optical technology and are either immersed in the flow or mounted flush to the vessel wall, respectively. The DFF sensor – that is a core element of LFS – gives real-time measurements of flow rate, viscosity or granularity of the flow, while simultaneously determining other characteristics, depending on the application. Introduced in 2012, the RealShear™ sensor – the key element of LSH – observes fluid viscosity changes in mixing processes without interrupting flow.