RheaVita

Introduction
RheaVita is originated to provide innovative solutions for the Life Sciences industries. The experience of developing innovative solutions for various industrial needs guarantees a down to earth approach leading to solutions that work. From a background in applied physics most fundamental areas can be convered. To name a few: optics, NMR, aero- and hydrodynamics, statistical data analysis and creative techniques. A network covering universities and research institutes is supportive for bridging the gap between fundamental technology and industrial application.

Approach
RheaVita takes a holistic approach. A problem is never isolated and includes impact and effects. People are an integral aspect of the case. The creative chain of events starts with a thorough analysis of the situation. Stakeholders will be involved to contribute to the creative process which may include FMEA, brainstorming, mindmapping, TRIZ or any combination which might be useful for the case. Commitment in the organisation is a key factor and therefore there will be a focus on internal marketing aspects. Celebration of small victories is one of the stepping stones to eventual success!

RheaVita offers the following services:
• Process related problem solving. This includes logistic and operational challenges.
• Development and implementation of process instrumentation.
• Support for acquisition of capital goods.
• Evaluation and testing of complex equipment

Background

The Name
My technical background started in Aiero- and Hydrodynamics with a special emphasis on rheology. This science of the behavior of changing matter under external force has influenced my view on technology. I always have had a fascination for life and the challenging struggle for deeper knowledge. Therefore the name of my enterprise is a contraction of the Greek word Rheo and the Latin word Vita.

The Logo
Leonardo da Vinci is probably the first true ‘Ingenieur’ (re Ingenuity). As a personification of the ‘Homo Universalis’, his inventiveness was exhibited in arts as well as in science and technology. This ‘idol’ inspires me and therefore I chose to derive my logo from Leonardo’s famous ‘Vitruvius man’. But I decided to take curvy lines to illustrate the flow of evolutionary episodes. Also the little dots outside the curve illustrate my thinking ‘out of the box’.

The motto
My motto is: Panta rhei kai ouden menei, which is ancient Greek for ‘Everything flows and nothing remains the same.’. This is the seed for my innovative mind. I see innovation as necessary to survive in the continuous evolution of the world. But innovation is also fun: it is surfing on the waves of change: adapt and play!

Market
The focus is on specific industrial operations in the life sciences industry. Initially this means a focus on pharmaceutical and veterinary aspects. The essence is the complex operation under governmental regulations and a contribution to a healthier world.

Pharmaceutical market
After a period of commercial success due to so-called block buster medines, the situation is changing. New diseases require new therapies and the development of molecular and nano-technology opens the door to personalized medicine. Although the precise impact on the industry is not yet known, it will change the approach for the manufacturing of drugs. Batches will become smaller and flexibility will be required.

Veterinary market
The veterinary market is approaching the pharmaceutical requirements. Due to the massive animal industry with highly populated areas the economic impact of high-level treatment is understandable. Therefore the manufacturing requirements for veterinary drugs are getting close to the pharmaceutical guidelines.

Technology
We differentiate in primary processes and supportive instrumentation. Freeze Drying, for example, is a primary process, but sensors to determine the water vapor content are considered as instrumentation tools.
Primary processes:
• Freeze Drying
• Filling of liquids
• Filling of solids
• sterilization and sanitization
Fundamental technologies:
• TDLAS
• NMR
• Acousto-optics
• Terahertz
• Rheology
The purpose is to implement fundamental technologies to provide improvements for the primary processes.

Products
Two lines are anticipated: Advisory activities and Instrumentation delivery and support
Advice
• Optimization of Freeze Drying processes
• Analysis of data leading to improvement advice
• Development of concepts for new manufacturing strategies.
Instrumentation:
• Detection of silicone oil leakage
• Monitoring of freezing
• In-line inspection
Fundamentals
• Risk analysis (FMECA)
• Creative techniques (TRIZ, mindmapping, brainstorming)
• Statistical analysis (multiple regression)
In order to supply these products we have established a broad network of specialist companies.