Technical Specifications

The Vertus III and Vertus III+ are single-station automated shake, fire, and flow control systems from Copley Scientific, designed for Delivered Dose Uniformity (DDU) testing and Aerodynamic Particle Size Distribution (APSD) measurement of metered dose inhalers (MDIs), nasal sprays, and nasal aerosols. The systems automate every aspect of the actuation sequence, from pre-fire shaking through firing force and airflow, eliminating the operator variability that manual actuation introduces. The Vertus III+ adds integrated shot weight measurement via an analytical balance. The specifications below cover the Vertus III range; interface plates, qualification kits, and extended warranty are ordered separately.

Model/Part Number: Vertus III (catalog number 9770); Vertus III+ (catalog number 9790)

Automation Capabilities

• Device compatibility: MDIs, nasal sprays, nasal aerosols

• Collection device compatibility: over 40 different combinations, including DUSA, NGI, ACI, Alberta Idealised Throat, Alberta Idealised Nasal Inlet, Spray Force Tester, and TLC plates

• Shaking parameter control: starting angle, speed, angle, duration

• Firing parameter control: force, rise time, hold time, release time

• Air flow control: flow rate and measurement, integrated

• Time between shake and fire: programmable

• Priming & Waste Module: integrates firing-to-waste into automated methods; switches automatically between priming and test levels without operator intervention

Shot Weight Measurement (Vertus III+ only)

• Integrated analytical balance: weight range 0.01 mg to 200 g, resolution 0.01 mg

Control and Data

• User interface: 10.1-inch colour touchscreen on adjustable arm

• Method storage: stores and recalls methods

• Reporting: run report, audit report, method report

• Compliance: 21 CFR Part 11 compliant

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 1020 x 510 x 920 mm

• Connectivity: Ethernet x4, USB x3, Run Out digital output, Run In digital input, RS-232, balance connection, temperature & humidity probe, label printer

• Exhaust port: for extraction of flammable propellants or high-potency drugs

Standards Referenced

• Ph. Eur., EMA, USP, FDA, ChP, NMPA compliant

Standard Accessories Included:

• Vertus III or Vertus III+ base unit

• Priming & Waste Module (included as standard)

• 10.1-inch colour touchscreen control

• Power cable

• Operating manual

Items Excluded:

• Interface plates for specific collection devices (DUSA, NGI, ACI, AIT, AINI, SFT, TLC, etc.) — ordered separately per application

• Anti-Static option for Vertus III (catalog number 9772)

• Qualification kit (catalog number 9798)

• IQ/OQ documentation for Vertus III/III+

• Extended warranty (catalog number 1078 for 1 year, 1079 for 2 years)

• Label printer (catalog number 9765)

Pre-installation Requirement:
Place the system on a rigid, level bench capable of supporting the unit and the selected collection device, with clearance for the touchscreen arm and access to the interface plate mounting area. Connect to a grounded power supply matching the nameplate. If the exhaust port is used, connect to an appropriate extraction system. Install the interface plate appropriate to the collection device before loading the inhaler. Allow the system to reach ambient temperature before first use if stored in a different environment. Confirm the Priming & Waste Module is seated correctly before the first run.

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Why This System Belongs in an Inhaler Testing Lab

Manual actuation is the most persistent source of variability in MDI and nasal spray testing. The analyst shakes the device, primes it, fires it into the collection apparatus, and repeats. Every hand movement introduces a variable: shake angle, shake duration, firing force, the delay between shaking and firing. The Vertus III automated shake and fire system for inhaler testing exists to remove those variables. Shaking profile, firing profile, airflow, and the time between shake and fire are all set as parameters and executed identically on every actuation .

The compatibility with over 40 collection device combinations is what makes the system practical for a multi-product laboratory. The same Vertus III that runs DDU testing with a DUSA stack can run APSD testing with an NGI and induction port, or nasal spray testing with an Alberta Idealised Nasal Inlet. The interface plates are interchangeable, and switching between them takes seconds rather than a reconfiguration .

The Priming & Waste Module addresses the part of the test that consumes the most time with the least value. Firing to waste is integrated into the automated method, and the system switches between priming and test levels without operator intervention. For through-life testing requirements, the waste shots that prepare the device for dose collection no longer require an analyst standing at the bench .

For buyers sourcing through OS4U, the configuration questions are the interface plates needed for your product portfolio, whether the Vertus III+ shot weight measurement belongs in your workflow, and whether the anti-static option is required for dry powder or low-dose formulations. The Copley Vertus III page lists the full specifications and compatible interface plates.

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Key Benefits

Complete parameter control on every actuation

The Vertus III automated shake and fire system controls shaking speed, angle, and duration; firing force, rise time, hold time, and release time; airflow rate and measurement; and the time between shake and fire. Every parameter that manual actuation leaves to technique is set and repeated .

Over 40 collection device combinations

The Vertus III is compatible with DUSA, NGI, ACI, Alberta Idealised Throat, Alberta Idealised Nasal Inlet, Spray Force Tester, TLC plates, and more. One system covers DDU, APSD, nasal spray, and nasal aerosol testing without a second actuation platform .

Priming and waste integrated into the method

The Priming & Waste Module is included as standard. Firing-to-waste is integrated into the automated method, and the system switches between priming and test levels without operator intervention. Through-life testing no longer requires manual waste shots .

Shot weight measurement without a separate balance (Vertus III+)

The Vertus III+ includes an integrated analytical balance with a range of 0.01 mg to 200 g and 0.01 mg resolution. Shot weight is captured as part of the automated run, supporting uniformity of delivered mass testing for nasal sprays .

21 CFR Part 11 compliance

The system is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, with run reports, audit reports, and method reports generated as standard. Methods are stored and recalled, supporting method transfer and audit review .

Method transfer to DecaVertus III

The Vertus III range is fully compatible with the DecaVertus III high-throughput system. Methods transfer directly between the two, so the shake and fire parameters used for dose collection on a Vertus III apply unchanged to through-life wasting on a DecaVertus III .

Touchscreen control on an adjustable arm

The 10.1-inch colour touchscreen mounts on an adjustable arm for accessibility. The interface is designed for efficient operation with minimal training, supporting both R&D and QC environments .

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Solving the Problems That Slow Inhaler Testing Down

Struggling with actuation variability between analysts? The Vertus III controls every actuation parameter. Shake profile, firing profile, and airflow are set and repeated, removing operator technique from the result .

Needing to switch between DDU and APSD testing on one system? Over 40 collection device combinations are supported through interchangeable interface plates. The same system runs both tests with a plate change .

Losing analyst time to manual waste shots? The Priming & Waste Module integrates firing-to-waste into the automated method. The system switches between priming and test levels without intervention .

Needing shot weight data without a separate balance? The Vertus III+ includes an integrated analytical balance. Shot weight is captured during the automated run .

Worried about method transfer between R&D and production? Methods transfer directly between Vertus III and DecaVertus III. The same parameters apply to dose collection and through-life wasting .

Facing audit requirements for electronic records? 21 CFR Part 11 compliance with run, audit, and method reports. Methods are stored and recalled for review .

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Budgetary Price and Final Price Calculation

Copley Scientific does not publish a budgetary price for the Vertus III or Vertus III+ on its website, brochures, or distributor listings. The product is quotation-based, which is standard for capital equipment in pharmaceutical testing. No price figure is stated here because a published figure does not exist.

To obtain the budgetary price and complete the requested calculation:

• Contact Copley Scientific directly (sales@copleyscientific.co.uk) or their regional distributor for Bangladesh (Apex Chromatography) .

• Request a budgetary quotation for the Vertus III (Cat. No. 9770) or Vertus III+ (Cat. No. 9790), specifying the interface plates needed for your applications .

• Once the budgetary price is received, multiply it by 300 to obtain the final price.

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Warranty & Support

We provide a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty covering parts and labor. Technical support, installation assistance, and operational training are also available. Replacement parts and consumables are available throughout the product’s service life. Extended warranty options (1-year and 2-year) are available directly from Copley .

Request a Quotation or Technical Datasheet

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