RapID: A LabVIEW Success Story

In the world of manufacturing, ensuring the quality and integrity of incoming raw materials is a critical task. Pharmaceutical companies, in particular, face the challenge of verifying materials without compromising their packaging.

Opening containers for inspection can be costly, time-consuming, and potentially hazardous. But what if there was a way to swiftly and non-invasively verify materials without ever cracking open the box? Enter the RapID, a groundbreaking solution developed by Cobalt Light Systems Limited (now a part of the UK-based company Agilent) in partnership with NI.

The Challenge: Non-Invasive Material Verification

The challenge was clear: how to accurately and efficiently verify the identity of incoming raw materials, especially when they’re packaged in opaque containers. Regulatory authorities often require 100% inspection of pharmaceutical goods, and traditional methods involve opening containers, which can be a drain on resources. The need for expensive sample handling facilities further complicates matters.

The Solution: RapID and Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS)

Founded in 2006, CLS specialized in non-invasive, subsurface material analysis. They developed RapID, a portable instrument that harnesses the power of Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy (SORS). This technology allows for rapid material identification through common non-transparent containers like plastic and paper sacks or glass and plastic bottles, all without opening them.

How RapID Works

RapID is not just innovative in its technology, but also in its user experience. The hardware platform is powered by LabVIEW, which enables an intuitive user interface (UI) that allows users to configure instrument settings, take measurements, and apply signal processing effortlessly. All data is neatly organized in a local database, ensuring compliance with strict manufacturing regulations like current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and 21 CFR Part 11.

Using RapID is straightforward. The user simply places the probe against the container and triggers the device. The laser activates only when the probe is in contact with the sample, preventing unintended activation. Typical SORS measurements take a mere 5 to 10 seconds to complete, with results displayed on the screen and delivered via audio cues. This streamlined process significantly enhances testing throughput.

Benefits of RapID

RapID offers numerous advantages to manufacturing processes:

Speed: Material verification that once took hours or days can now be done in seconds.

Cost Savings: One customer reported annual savings of $75,000 for a single product.

Efficiency: RapID streamlines production methods, facilitating the quick deployment of new materials.

Compliance: The LabVIEW-based software and database meet stringent manufacturing regulations.

The Power of LabVIEW and NI Support

NI’s LabVIEW Tools Network simplifies code development and saves valuable time, accelerating development of innovations like RapID and empowering engineers and scientists to enhance their LabVIEW capabilities.

To facilitate software development, CLS utilized VI Package Manager (a package management solution supported by NI), ensuring a seamless distribution of code on the LabVIEW Tools Network.

The story of RapID exemplifies how innovation and collaboration can transform an industry. This breakthrough benefitted not only pharmaceutical manufacturers, but a wide range of industries requiring non-invasive material analysis through opaque packaging. As LabVIEW continues to evolve and expand its ecosystem, we can expect more groundbreaking solutions like RapID to emerge, driving progress and efficiency across various fields.

This post is a recap of a case study originally authored by David Crawford and Stuart Bonthron from Cobalt Light Systems Limited (Now Agilent).