FABON Pharma

IPC (Intermediate Process Container)

250,000.00

Improve material handling, storage, and transfer efficiency with our GMP-compliant IPCs (Intermediate Process Containers), designed for seamless integration into pharmaceutical manufacturing workflows. These containers are essential for safely transporting powders, granules, and intermediate bulk materials between processing stages such as blending, granulation, compression, and coating.

IPC (Intermediate Process Container)  – Technical Specification & Application in Pharma & Food Industry

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IPC (Intermediate Process Container) Bins are stainless steel transfer and storage containers applied in the pharmaceutical and food industries to handle, store, and transfer powders, granules, and other substances between various stages of processing. They ensure hygienic, contamination-free, and efficient handling of material and meet GMP and FDA regulations.

Technical Specifications of IPC Bins

  1. Construction Material

Material: SS 316L (contact surfaces), SS 304 (non-contact surfaces)

Surface Finish: Mirror/Matte finish (Ra < 0.5 µm) to prevent contamination and easy cleaning

Sealing: Airtight with food-grade Silicone/PTFE gaskets for airtight sealing

Welding: Seamless, argon-welded construction for added strength and hygiene

  1. Capacity & Dimensions

Capacity Range: Between 5 liters and 2000 liters depending on batch volume

Standard Shapes: Square, Rectangular, or Cylindrical to efficiently utilize space

Wall Thickness: 2mm to 5mm to guarantee durability

  1. Design Features

Bottom Discharge Butterfly Valve or Slide Gate Valve for regulated material flow

Lift & Tilt Mechanism (Optional) for automatic material transfer

Stackable & Modular Design to conserve storage space and transport

Trolley Mounted (Optional) for convenient mobility

  1. Cleaning & Safety Features

CIP/SIP (Clean-In-Place / Sterilize-In-Place) System for fast and efficient cleaning

ATEX-Compliant Design (Optional) for explosion-proof operation in hazardous environments

Dust-Free & Contamination-Free Transfer due to airtight sealing

  1. Integration & Compatibility

Compatible with Blenders, RMG, FBD, Compression Machines, Tablet Coaters, etc.

Customizable Discharge Mechanism (Butterfly Valve, Cone Valve, Iris Valve)

Automated Weighing & Dosing System (Optional)

  1. Power Requirement (For Automated IPC Bins)

Motorized Bin Lifter: 1 HP – 5 HP

Power Supply: 220V / 380V, 50/60Hz

7. Applications of IPC Bins in the Pharmaceutical Industry

    • Storage & Transfer of Granules & Powders
    • Guarantees contamination-free storage and transportation of pharmaceutical ingredients.
    • Material Handling Between Process Stages
    • Used in wet & dry granulation, blending, compression, and coating operations.
    • Weighing & Dispensing of Raw Materials
    • Used for accurate formulation and batch control.
    • Closed-Loop Material Transfer
    • Avoids cross-contamination in cleanroom conditions.
    • Integration with Other Equipment
    • Direct interfacing with Fluid Bed Dryer (FBD), Rapid Mixer Granulator (RMG), and tablet presses.
    • Applications of IPC Bins in the Food Industry

8.Storage of Food Ingredients

    • Stores powders, grains, spices, and dairy items in a sanitary way.
    • Ingredient Weighing & Batch Processing
    • Guarantees precise dosing and repeatable quality during food manufacturing.
    • Mixing & Blending of Food Products
    • Applied in dry blending of powder food ingredients prior to packaging.
    • Contamination-Free Transport
    • Aids in secure transportation of material within processing plants.
    • Integration with Food Processing Equipment
    • Integrates with mixers, blenders, and granulators for efficient production.

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FAQs

What is an IPC (Intermediate Process Container)?
An Intermediate Process Container (IPC) is a portable or fixed container used to store, transfer, and handle powders, granules, or intermediates between different stages of the manufacturing process—such as granulation, blending, compression, and coating.
What are IPCs used for in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Material transfer between machines (e.g., FBD to blender, blender to tablet press) Temporary storage of in-process material Batch segregation and traceability Blending (when used with a bin blender or Conta blender) Minimizing cross-contamination and dust exposure
What types of IPCs are available?
Round or square bins (IBCs) Rectangular IPCs Trolley-mounted mobile IPCs Custom-designed IPCs with top/bottom valves Fixed IPCs integrated with material handling systems
What materials are IPCs made from?
Primary construction: SS 316L (for product contact parts) Non-contact parts: SS 304 or powder-coated steel Gaskets/seals: FDA-grade silicone, EPDM, or PTFE Finish: Internal mirror finish (Ra ≤ 0.5 μm), external matte or brushed
What capacities are IPCs available in?
Standard IPC sizes include: Lab scale: 5–25 liters Pilot scale: 50–200 liters Production scale: 300–2000 liters Custom sizes can be built based on process needs and batch sizes.
What are the key components of an IPC?
Body/shell (conical or cylindrical design) Charging port (top cover) Discharge port (butterfly valve, split valve, or iris valve) Lifting or docking lugs Caster wheels or mobile trolleys (for mobile IPCs) Level indicator (optional)
What are the advantages of using IPCs?
Dust-free transfer and closed system design Minimized manual handling Batch identity control and segregation Ease of cleaning and validation Compatible with Conta and bin blender systems
How is material discharged from an IPC?
Discharge can be: Gravity-based, via butterfly or iris valve Assisted discharge, using vibrators or fluidizing nozzles Controlled discharge, using split-valve systems (for high-containment applications)
Are IPCs used for blending as well?
Yes. IPCs (especially square or V-shaped bins) can be used as blending vessels in Conta or Bin blenders, reducing the need for product transfer and increasing batch integrity.
How are IPCs cleaned?
Manual cleaning (via access port or removable lid) COP (Clean Out of Place) or WIP (Wash-In-Place) options available Designed with sloped bottoms and smooth internal surfaces to eliminate product retention CIP-compatible models can be built for high-throughput or sterile applications
What safety and compliance features do IPCs offer?
Earth grounding lugs for static discharge Lockable wheels and lids Pressure and vacuum relief ports (optional) ATEX and flameproof options (for handling flammable materials) Complies with cGMP, FDA, and EU GMP standards
What are common validation steps for IPCs?
Design Qualification (DQ) Installation & Operational Qualification (IQ/OQ) Cleaning Validation (swab/rinse testing) Volume calibration and flowability studies Material compatibility and leak testing
Can IPCs be customized?
Yes, IPCs can be customized with: Different shapes and volumes Custom discharge ports or valves Level sensors or RFID tracking Polished internal welds and drain slopes Integration with automated transfer systems (Lifts, Conveyors, Docking Stations)
What standards and regulations do IPCs comply with?
cGMP (21 CFR Part 210/211) FDA and EU GMP Annex 1 compliance ISPE Baseline Guides ASME BPE (for biopharma) CE and ATEX (optional)
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