APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC INSERTION, DEBUBBLING, CLEANING AND CALIBRATION OF A SPECTRAL PROBE DURING DISSOLUTION TESTING.

摘要

A dissolution test apparatus includes an optical probe, an automated actuator. The probe takes an optics-based measurement in dissolution media contained in a test vessel and transmits the measurement to an analytical instrument situated remotely from the vessel. The optical probe is movable by the actuator into and out from the vessel. The dissolution test apparatus may include a bubble removal apparatus that communicates with the optical probe and is configured for transmitting a variable vibrating force to the probe, wherein bubbles are removed from a light path gap of the probe. In another dissolution test apparatus, the bubble removal apparatus rotates the probe to remove bubbles. Another dissolution test apparatus includes a movable cleaning mechanism, a movable calibration mechanism, or both mechanisms.