Low-temperature viscosity measurements: Ensuring consistency and accuracy in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

For the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, precision and reliability are non-negotiable, especially when it comes to viscosity measurements under varying temperature conditions. Low-temperature testing is critical for products that require cold chain transport, such as biologics, injectables, topical creams, or gels. Anton Paar’s ViscoQC rotational viscometer, equipped with the Peltier Temperature Device (PTD 175 or PTD 100 Cone-Plate), offers a revolutionary solution that combines a broad temperature range from -45°C to +175°C (PTD 175) or 0°C to +100°C (PTD 100 Cone-Plate) with unmatched precision and efficiency, for measuring geometries like small sample adapters, DIN adapters, ultra-low viscosity adapters, or cone-and-plate. By simulating real-world storage and transport conditions, it ensures formulations maintain their desired performance, consistency, and quality, throughout the entire temperature range they are exposed to.

Eliminating inconsistencies caused by thermal discrepancies

The PTD’s advanced Peltier technology and direct cooling principle guarantee precise temperature control with exceptional stability (±0.1°C) and accuracy. This ensures reproducible results for viscosity measurements, eliminating inconsistencies caused by thermal discrepancies which are typical for circulating thermostats. One of its standout features is its rapid cooling capability (typically 18 K/min from +25°C to 0°C with PTD 175), efficiently bringing samples to target temperatures and saving valuable time in quality control and research workflows. The unique T-Ready™ feature guarantees that measurements are only conducted when the sample temperature has fully equilibrated, for ultimate precision and reproducibility.

Calibration is key

The Peltier temperature devices for ViscoQC allow multi-point temperature calibration, which conveniently can also be carried out by the user, ensuring a perfectly calibrated system across the entire temperature range. Additionally, with the PTD 175 up to 14 specified temperatures can be adjusted by setting temperature-specific offsets. The calibration and validation of the PTDs with ViscoQC ensure seamless integration into GMP-compliant workflows. The system provides traceable documentation and is fully compatible with industry regulations, giving users confidence in their data’s accuracy and regulatory compliance.

Unlocking 21 CFR Part 11 in stand-alone mode

A key feature that sets ViscoQC apart is its V-Comply software, which unlocks 21 CFR Part 11 compliance directly on ViscoQC as a standalone device. This ensures secure data management with electronic signatures, audit trails, and user access controls, meeting the highest standards for regulatory compliance. By integrating V-Comply, users can streamline documentation processes, enhance data integrity, and eliminate the need for external software or hardware, saving time and resources while ensuring full compliance with regulatory guidelines.

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