Title of Invention	"DOUBLE-CHAMBER MIXING DEVICE FOR VISCOUS PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCES"
Abstract	Double-Chamber Mixing Device for Viscous Pharmaceutical Substances The invention concerns a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising: cylindrical and coaxial first (1) and second (2) communicating vessels each hermetically sealed at one end of mobile position [12, 22] and provided at its second end with a slightly conical bottom end [11, 21], the two vessels [1, 2] being provided, preferably vertically, in mirror symmetry relative to a meridian plane perpendicular to their common axis; a central mixing element [5] connecting the two vessels [1, 2] at the two slightly conical bottom ends [11, 21]; a high-pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the piston in a coordinated reciprocating movement. Figure 1

Title of Invention

"DOUBLE-CHAMBER MIXING DEVICE FOR VISCOUS PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCES"

Abstract

Double-Chamber Mixing Device for Viscous Pharmaceutical Substances The invention concerns a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising: cylindrical and coaxial first (1) and second (2) communicating vessels each hermetically sealed at one end of mobile position [12, 22] and provided at its second end with a slightly conical bottom end [11, 21], the two vessels [1, 2] being provided, preferably vertically, in mirror symmetry relative to a meridian plane perpendicular to their common axis; a central mixing element [5] connecting the two vessels [1, 2] at the two slightly conical bottom ends [11, 21]; a high-pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the piston in a coordinated reciprocating movement. Figure 1

Full Text	Field of the invention The present invention relates to a double-chamber mixing device allowing to achieve very good homogeneity in the case of a mixture of viscous substances, in particular in the pharmaceutical field. The invention also relates to the method for implementing the device. State of the art The incorporation of pharmaceutical substances in mixtures of high viscosity requiring perfect homogeneity is generally problematic with traditional mixing devices such as blade mixers, screw mixers, kneaders, planetary mixers and mixers with rotors/stators, etc. Indeed, the following problems are most often encountered: - losses and under-dosages of the products incorporated; - lack of motion in the mixer because the products to be mixed stick to the mixing tools and to the tank wall; - harmful increase of the temperature of the mixture causing degradation of the products mixed; - losses upon draining of the mixing tank or impossibility of automatic draining. All these problems cause a lack of homogeneity of the mixture obtained that is not compatible with the strict quality requirements of a pharmaceutical finished product or may even cause the impossibility of producing the desired mixture. Document US 2004/0120217 A discloses a method and apparatus for mixing a polymer with an agglomerate of one or several compounds in a pair of opposed pressure cylinders connected by a nozzle block between both cylinders and using the corresponding two pistons to force the transfer of the polymer and agglomerate from one cylinder towards the other and vice versa, in order to divide and disperse the agglomerate in the mixture with the polymer. Document US 3,353,918 A discloses an apparatus for mixing the manufacturing ingredients of polyurethane foam comprising a mixing device with two chambers having adjacent ends connected by a wall with passage apertures and two pistons, each piston being mounted and sliding in one of the two respective chambers, means for causing the oscillation of both pistons inside the chambers in order to force the ingredients in the mixing device according to a to-and-fro motion through the apertures and to mix them, said wall comprising an outlet passage provided with a control valve and communicating with the apertures, the mixed ingredients being dischargeable, once the pistons converge towards the wall and as long as the valve is open. The wall also comprises means provided with valves and communicating with the apertures for loading the ingredients in the mixing device. Document US 3,035,820 A discloses an apparatus for the emulsification and homogenization in a liquid of a solid or liquid viscous suspension (ex. water/oil), in which the suspension or mixture is forced to pass through a high-speed and/or high pressure restrictor. The apparatus comprises a pair of opposed cylindrical syringes, each having a piston mounted and sliding in its cylinder that can be actuated in order to repetitively transfer the fluid reciprocally from one syringe to the other through the restrictor connecting both cylinders. Document US 6,602,722 A discloses a method for mixing a fluid according to which one or two separated fluid reservoirs, communicating with a static helix blender, are used as a mixing apparatus. The fluid is forced to pass through the reservoir towards the static blender and vice versa. Aims of the invention The present invention aims to provide a solution that allows to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a mixing device and method that allow to obtain a perfectly homogeneous mixture of viscous pharmaceutical substances. The invention also aims to provide a mixing device and method that can be completely automated. The invention additionally aims to provide a mixing method with a satisfactory result in less than 10 to 15 minutes. The invention also aims to allow the mixing of thermosensitive pharmaceutical substances. Lastly, the invention aims to create a mixing device allowing the complete draining of the tanks used. Main characteristic elements of the invention A first aim of the present invention mentioned in Claim 1 is to propose a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising: a first tank and a second tank, that are coaxial and cylindrical, each sealingly closed at a first end by a moving piston and provided at its second end with a slightly tapered bottom, both tanks being positioned, preferably vertically, in mirror-image symmetry relative to a plane that is perpendicular to their common axis; a central static mixing element connecting both tanks at the level of their slightly tapered bottoms; a high-pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons according to a coordinated reciprocal motion. A second aim of the present invention mentioned in Claim 11 is to propose a method for mixing at least two viscous substances, preferably pharmaceutical, by means of the above-mentioned device, characterised by the following stages: the substances to be mixed are injected into the first tank by withdrawing the piston or with a worm screw injection; a specified number of successive mixing cycles are achieved by pumping from the first tank to the second tank through the central static mixer, and vice versa; the final mixture is transferred to one of both tanks, which is then emptied. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in Claims 2 to 10, 12 and 13, respectively. Brief description of the accompanying figures Figure 1 represents a cross-section view of the mixing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 diagrammatically represents the various stages for implementing the device as in Fig.1. Figure 3 diagrammatically represents the stage of draining the mixing device of the invention, which occurs once the desired homogeneity is achieved. Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention The present invention relates to a mixing unit that allows the incorporation and automatic mixing of pharmaceutical products in a closed circuit with a view to obtain a final mixture of high viscosity. The invented mixing unit comprises in the main two communicating, vertical and cylindrical tanks that are on the same axis and symmetrical relative to a median horizontal plane (both tanks being the mirror image of the other). These tanks are provided with sealed pistons which, when activated by a hydraulic system, allow the compounds to be mixed to pass in successive cycles through a mixing device with baffles. The assembly is totally automated by means of a programmable machine and may be thermostatically controlled for mixing thermosensitive substances requiring it. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Fig.l, the mixing unit comprises the following elements: 1) a first upper tank 1, cylindrical with a vertical axis and made of stainless steel, and provided with: a double casing 3 in which a cooling or heating fluid may circulate; a slightly tapered bottom 11; a stainless steel cover 12 acting as a piston whose shape, adapted to the tapered bottom of the tank, and seal allow the tank to be completely drained; a high-pressure hydraulic device that allows the automatic activation of the cover/piston (not shown); various connections 4, possibly provided with valves, that allow to measure the temperature, to create vacuum or to introduce an inert gas, to take samples during mixing, to inject or remove substances, etc.; 2) a second lower tank 2, cylindrical and vertical and made of stainless steel, that is coaxial with and identical to the first tank and positioned in mirror symmetry relative to the latter; 3) a mixing element 5 also made of stainless steel connecting both tanks 1,2 and provided with: a double casing 3 in which a cooling or heating fluid may circulate; a stainless steel element provided with baffles (static mixer) allowing to create a turbulent mixing flow at the level of the compounds to be mixed; various connections 4 allowing to measure the temperature, to create vacuum or to introduce an inert gas, to take samples during mixing, etc.; 4) a control device (not shown) allowing to control and synchronize the various motions of the pistons, the mixing cycles or even to inject the compounds for example by means of a worm screw. The mixing and draining methods as in the invention are carried out as described below. The mixing method whose stages (a) to (e) are shown in Fig. 2 is carried out by pumping the compounds to be mixed in successive cycles from the upper tank 1 to the lower tank 2 through the static mixer 5, and vice versa. The number of cycles required is determined by the type and viscosity of the compounds to be mixed. With viscous pharmaceutical substances, between 5 and 10 cycles of about 30 seconds are typically carried out according to this method, which corresponds to a total process time between 2 mins 30 and 5 mins. In the state of the art, a typical mixing time is 60 minutes. The compounds of the mixture are introduced into the upper tank 1 before the mixing process is started by withdrawing the cover 12 or they are injected into the system during the mixing process by means of a sealed worm screw device (not shown in the figures) that may equally be positioned on the upper tank 1 or on the central mixing element 5. When the mixing process is completed, the system allows its complete draining as shown in Fig.3. To this end, all the mixture is transferred in the upper I or lower 2 tank and then emptied out outwards. WE CLAIM : 1. Automated method for mixing at least two viscous substances, preferably pharmaceutical, by means of a double-chamber mixing device comprising: a first tank (1) and a second tank (2), that are cylindrical, coaxial and communicating, each sealingly closed at a first end with a moving piston (12,22) and provided at its second end with a slightly tapered bottom (11,21), both tanks (1,2) being positioned in mirror-image symmetry relative to a median plane that is perpendicular to their common axis; a central static mixing element (5) connecting both tanks (1,2) at the level of their slightly tapered bottoms (11,21); a hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons (12,22) according to a coordinated reciprocal motion, characterised by the following stages: the substances to be mixed are injected into the first tank (1) by sealed a worm screw injection or into the central static mixing element (5) ; a specified number of successive mixing cycles are achieved by pumping, said number being between 5 and 10 and the duration of each cycle being about 30 seconds, from the first tank (1) towards the second tank (2) through the central static mixer (5), and vice versa; the final mixture is transferred to one of both tanks (1,2), which is then emptied. 2. Double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances comprising: a first tank (1) and a second tank (2), that are cylindrical, coaxial and communicating, each sealingly closed at a first end with a moving piston (12,22) and provided at its second end with a slightly tapered bottom (11,21), both tanks (1,2) being positioned in mirror-image symmetry relative to a median plane that is perpendicular to their common axis; a central static mixing element (5) connecting both tanks (1,2) at the level of their slightly tapered bottoms (11,21); a hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons (12,22) according to a coordinated reciprocal motion and for controlling and synchronising the motions of the pistons according to mixing cycles and the injection of the substances to be mixed characterised in that it also comprises a sealed injector in the form of a worm screw device connected at the level of one of the tanks (1,2) or of the central static mixing element (5) . 3. Device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the static mixing element (5) comprises a series of baffles or a labyrinth. 4. Device as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein the shape of each piston (12,22) is also slightly tapered and adapted to the shape of the corresponding tank so as to allow the complete draining of said tank. 5. Device as claimed in Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein both tanks (1,2), the two corresponding pistons (12,22) and the static mixing element (5) are made of stainless steel. 6. Device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein both tanks (1,2) and the static mixing element (5) are thermostatically controlled by a double external casing (3) in which a cooling or heating fluid may circulate. 7. Device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 6, wherein the tapered shape of the bottom (11,21) of each tank (1,2) and of each respective piston (12,22) is between 5 and 15°. 8. Device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 7, wherein at least one of both tanks (1,2) and the static mixing element (5) are provided with a means (4) for injecting or removing the substances to be mixed, measuring the temperature, creating a vacuum or introducing an inert gas or taking samples during mixing. 9. Device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said means (4) comprises an injection or removal system of a luer-lock type and valves. 10. Automated method for mixing at least two viscous substances substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures. 11. Double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying figures.

Full Text

Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a double-chamber mixing device allowing to achieve very good homogeneity in the case of a mixture of viscous substances, in particular in the pharmaceutical field.
The invention also relates to the method for implementing the device.
State of the art
The incorporation of pharmaceutical substances in mixtures of high viscosity requiring perfect homogeneity is generally problematic with traditional mixing devices such as blade mixers, screw mixers, kneaders, planetary mixers and mixers with rotors/stators, etc.
Indeed, the following problems are most often encountered:
- losses and under-dosages of the products incorporated;
- lack of motion in the mixer because the products to be
mixed stick to the mixing tools and to the tank wall;
- harmful increase of the temperature of the mixture
causing degradation of the products mixed;
- losses upon draining of the mixing tank or
impossibility of automatic draining.
All these problems cause a lack of homogeneity of the mixture obtained that is not compatible with the strict quality requirements of a pharmaceutical finished product or may even cause the impossibility of producing the desired mixture.
Document US 2004/0120217 A discloses a method and apparatus for mixing a polymer with an agglomerate of
one or several compounds in a pair of opposed pressure cylinders connected by a nozzle block between both cylinders and using the corresponding two pistons to force the transfer of the polymer and agglomerate from one cylinder towards the other and vice versa, in order to divide and disperse the agglomerate in the mixture with the polymer.
Document US 3,353,918 A discloses an apparatus for mixing the manufacturing ingredients of polyurethane foam comprising a mixing device with two chambers having adjacent ends connected by a wall with passage apertures and two pistons, each piston being mounted and sliding in one of the two respective chambers, means for causing the oscillation of both pistons inside the chambers in order to force the ingredients in the mixing device according to a to-and-fro motion through the apertures and to mix them, said wall comprising an outlet passage provided with a control valve and communicating with the apertures, the mixed ingredients being dischargeable, once the pistons converge towards the wall and as long as the valve is open. The wall also comprises means provided with valves and communicating with the apertures for loading the ingredients in the mixing device.
Document US 3,035,820 A discloses an apparatus for the emulsification and homogenization in a liquid of a solid or liquid viscous suspension (ex. water/oil), in which the suspension or mixture is forced to pass through a high-speed and/or high pressure restrictor. The apparatus comprises a pair of opposed cylindrical syringes, each having a piston mounted and sliding in its cylinder that can be actuated in order to repetitively transfer the fluid reciprocally from one syringe to the other through the restrictor connecting both cylinders.
Document US 6,602,722 A discloses a method for mixing a fluid according to which one or two separated fluid reservoirs, communicating with a static helix blender, are used as a mixing apparatus. The fluid is forced to pass through the reservoir towards the static blender and vice versa.
Aims of the invention
The present invention aims to provide a solution that allows to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art.
In particular, the present invention aims to provide a mixing device and method that allow to obtain a perfectly homogeneous mixture of viscous pharmaceutical substances.
The invention also aims to provide a mixing device and method that can be completely automated.
The invention additionally aims to provide a mixing method with a satisfactory result in less than 10 to 15 minutes.
The invention also aims to allow the mixing of thermosensitive pharmaceutical substances.
Lastly, the invention aims to create a mixing device allowing the complete draining of the tanks used.
Main characteristic elements of the invention
A first aim of the present invention mentioned in Claim 1 is to propose a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising:
a first tank and a second tank, that are coaxial and cylindrical, each sealingly closed at a first end by a moving piston and provided at its second end with a slightly tapered bottom, both tanks being positioned,
preferably vertically, in mirror-image symmetry relative to a plane that is perpendicular to their common axis; a central static mixing element connecting both tanks at the level of their slightly tapered bottoms; a high-pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons according to a coordinated reciprocal motion.
A second aim of the present invention mentioned in Claim 11 is to propose a method for mixing at least two viscous substances, preferably pharmaceutical, by means of the above-mentioned device, characterised by the following stages:
the substances to be mixed are injected into the first tank by withdrawing the piston or with a worm screw injection;
a specified number of successive mixing cycles are achieved by pumping from the first tank to the second tank through the central static mixer, and vice versa; the final mixture is transferred to one of both tanks, which is then emptied.
Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in Claims 2 to 10, 12 and 13, respectively.
Brief description of the accompanying figures
Figure 1 represents a cross-section view of the mixing device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 diagrammatically represents the various stages for implementing the device as in Fig.1.
Figure 3 diagrammatically represents the stage of draining the mixing device of the invention, which occurs once the desired homogeneity is achieved.
Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention
The present invention relates to a mixing unit that allows the incorporation and automatic mixing of pharmaceutical products in a closed circuit with a view to obtain a final mixture of high viscosity.
The invented mixing unit comprises in the main two communicating, vertical and cylindrical tanks that are on the same axis and symmetrical relative to a median horizontal plane (both tanks being the mirror image of the other). These tanks are provided with sealed pistons which, when activated by a hydraulic system, allow the compounds to be mixed to pass in successive cycles through a mixing device with baffles. The assembly is totally automated by means of a programmable machine and may be thermostatically controlled for mixing thermosensitive substances requiring it.
According to a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Fig.l, the mixing unit comprises the following elements:
1) a first upper tank 1, cylindrical with a vertical axis and made of stainless steel, and provided with:
a double casing 3 in which a cooling or heating fluid
may circulate;
a slightly tapered bottom 11;
a stainless steel cover 12 acting as a piston whose
shape, adapted to the tapered bottom of the tank, and
seal allow the tank to be completely drained;
a high-pressure hydraulic device that allows the
automatic activation of the cover/piston (not shown);
various connections 4, possibly provided with valves,
that allow to measure the temperature, to create
vacuum or to introduce an inert gas, to take samples
during mixing, to inject or remove substances, etc.;
2) a second lower tank 2, cylindrical and vertical and made
of stainless steel, that is coaxial with and identical
to the first tank and positioned in mirror symmetry
relative to the latter;
3) a mixing element 5 also made of stainless steel
connecting both tanks 1,2 and provided with:
a double casing 3 in which a cooling or heating fluid may circulate;
a stainless steel element provided with baffles (static mixer) allowing to create a turbulent mixing flow at the level of the compounds to be mixed; various connections 4 allowing to measure the temperature, to create vacuum or to introduce an inert gas, to take samples during mixing, etc.;
4) a control device (not shown) allowing to control and
synchronize the various motions of the pistons, the
mixing cycles or even to inject the compounds for
example by means of a worm screw.
The mixing and draining methods as in the invention are carried out as described below.
The mixing method whose stages (a) to (e) are shown in Fig. 2 is carried out by pumping the compounds to be mixed in successive cycles from the upper tank 1 to the lower tank 2 through the static mixer 5, and vice versa. The number of cycles required is determined by the type and viscosity of the compounds to be mixed.
With viscous pharmaceutical substances, between 5 and 10 cycles of about 30 seconds are typically carried out according to this method, which corresponds to a total process time between 2 mins 30 and 5 mins. In the state of the art, a typical mixing time is 60 minutes.
The compounds of the mixture are introduced into the upper tank 1 before the mixing process is started by withdrawing the cover 12 or they are injected into the
system during the mixing process by means of a sealed worm screw device (not shown in the figures) that may equally be positioned on the upper tank 1 or on the central mixing element 5.
When the mixing process is completed, the system allows its complete draining as shown in Fig.3. To this end, all the mixture is transferred in the upper I or lower 2 tank and then emptied out outwards.

WE CLAIM :
1. Automated method for mixing at least two
viscous substances, preferably pharmaceutical, by means of
a double-chamber mixing device comprising:
a first tank (1) and a second tank (2), that are cylindrical, coaxial and communicating, each sealingly closed at a first end with a moving piston (12,22) and provided at its second end with a slightly tapered bottom (11,21), both tanks (1,2) being positioned in mirror-image symmetry relative to a median plane that is perpendicular to their common axis;
a central static mixing element (5) connecting both tanks (1,2) at the level of their slightly tapered bottoms (11,21);
a hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons (12,22) according to a coordinated reciprocal motion, characterised by the following stages:
the substances to be mixed are injected into the first tank (1) by sealed a worm screw injection or into the central static mixing element (5) ;
a specified number of successive mixing cycles are achieved by pumping, said number being between 5 and 10 and the duration of each cycle being about 30 seconds, from the first tank (1) towards the second tank (2) through the central static mixer (5), and vice versa; the final mixture is transferred to one of both tanks (1,2), which is then emptied.
2. Double-chamber device for mixing at least two
viscous substances comprising:
a first tank (1) and a second tank (2), that are cylindrical, coaxial and communicating, each sealingly closed at a first end with a moving piston (12,22) and provided at its second end with a slightly tapered

bottom (11,21), both tanks (1,2) being positioned in mirror-image symmetry relative to a median plane that is perpendicular to their common axis;
a central static mixing element (5) connecting both tanks (1,2) at the level of their slightly tapered bottoms (11,21);
a hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons (12,22) according to a coordinated reciprocal motion and for controlling and synchronising the motions of the pistons according to mixing cycles and the injection of the substances to be mixed
characterised in that it also comprises a sealed injector in the form of a worm screw device connected at the level of one of the tanks (1,2) or of the central static mixing element (5) .
3. Device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the
static mixing element (5) comprises a series of baffles or
a labyrinth.
4. Device as claimed in Claim 2 or 3, wherein
the shape of each piston (12,22) is also slightly tapered
and adapted to the shape of the corresponding tank so as to
allow the complete draining of said tank.
5. Device as claimed in Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein
both tanks (1,2), the two corresponding pistons (12,22) and
the static mixing element (5) are made of stainless steel.
6. Device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 5,
wherein both tanks (1,2) and the static mixing element (5)
are thermostatically controlled by a double external casing
(3) in which a cooling or heating fluid may circulate.
7. Device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 6,
wherein the tapered shape of the bottom (11,21) of each
tank (1,2) and of each respective piston (12,22) is between
5 and 15°.
8. Device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 7,
wherein at least one of both tanks (1,2) and the static
mixing element (5) are provided with a means (4) for
injecting or removing the substances to be mixed, measuring
the temperature, creating a vacuum or introducing an inert
gas or taking samples during mixing.
9. Device as claimed in Claim 8, wherein said
means (4) comprises an injection or removal system of a
luer-lock type and valves.
10. Automated method for mixing at least two
viscous substances substantially as herein described with
reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying
figures.
11. Double-chamber device for mixing at least two
viscous substances substantially as herein described with
reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying
figures.

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Patent Number

272670

Indian Patent Application Number

8849/DELNP/2007

PG Journal Number

17/2016

Publication Date

22-Apr-2016

Grant Date

19-Apr-2016

Date of Filing

16-Nov-2007

Name of Patentee

ODYSSEA PHARMA S.A.

Applicant Address

RUE DU TRAVIL 16, 4460 GRACE-HOLLOGNE, BELGIUM

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	BONNARD ERIC	RUE BELVAUX 105, B-4030 LIEGE, BELGIUM.

PCT International Classification Number

B01F 5/06

PCT International Application Number

PCT/BE2006/000058

PCT International Filing date

2006-05-23

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/684,338	2005-05-24	U.S.A.