Preparing the spray
This involves:
.
Priming the device, in some instances.
.
Positioning the spray, taking into account the distance to the measurement
zone, the working range and the risk of contaminating the optics.
.
Considering whether extraction is needed to draw the spray through the
measurement zone.
.
For sprays like nasal sprays, setting actuation parameters to control the
atomisation process.
.
Taking account of ambient conditions, for example direct sunlight.
Designing an SOP
There are two ways to make a measurement; manually or using a Standard
Operating Procedure (SOP). An SOP is like a template that defines a set of
measurement parameters and settings. Advantages of using SOPs are:
.
It ensures that measurements made on similar sprays are made in a consis-
tent way, essential in quality control environments. SOPs can be created or
modified as required.
.
SOPs are ideal for measuring the same spray in slightly different ways. In-
stead of setting up sets of largely identical parameters each time, the user
copies an existing SOP and just changes the required parameters. This re-
duces the risk of making errors in the settings.
.
An SOP can be created centrally and then distributed to all Spraytec users
within an organisation. Anyone can create an SOP but typically it is the re
-
sponsibility of the system administrator.
Default SOP templates are provided for continuous sprays, rapid mode
measurements and nasal sprays. Initially it may be best to use one of these, then
refine it later as experience grows. The user can design more templates to extend
the set of defaults.
The software can be used to create an SOP without an instrument connected.
The software can be installed on a remote computer and SOPs created and edited
before they are tested on an instrument.
CHAPTER 2
Spraytec
Page 2.2 MAN 0368
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