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Usifroid continues to operate in a difficult economic climate and has recently and successfully
completed a Polaris2 upgrade of the original ORION control system on one of its SMH701 freeze dryers
at an internationally recognised pharmaceutical manufacturer in the UK.
Polaris2 is a proven technology that has been implemented on many freeze dryers both for new machine
applications and many upgrades internationally to comply with the latest industry regulatory requirements.
Polaris2 is based on PC architecture under XP Pro with a recovery system RAID1 and which HMI is developed
under Intouch and the data stored in an SQL data base. The process controller offered is an Allen Bradley
PLC as standard but with options for Siemens S7.
An initial machine audit at the customer’s site was conducted to benchmark current performance and
identify hardware that might also be considered for upgrade and also discuss any particular customer
requirements against which a comprehensive offer could be made. Audits were also successfully completed at
Usifroid’s Maurepas, near Paris, factory during negotiations to the full satisfaction of the customer.
Once the final specification was agreed the Polaris2 “Master” programme (tested and validated in accordance
with GAMP4 ) was customised according to the hardware of the upgraded freeze dryer and any particular customer
requirements.
In close co-operation with the customer installation of the Polaris2 upgrade was completed during the
Christmas shutdown period to minimise disruption to production and was completed on schedule.
The implementation of the Polaris2 control system will ensure the continued use and reliability of this
Usifroid freeze dryer for many years to come and which will also continue to be maintained in close
co-operation with Biopharma.
Usifroid values the support shown by its customer base and continues to offer control system upgrades,
maintenance and new machine designs with the support of Biopharma. We hope to complete further upgrades
later this year.
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