Product category:
Pharmaceutical Processing News
News Release from: Crane Process Flow Technologies | Subject: HC4 Diaphragm Valve guide
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 06 April 2006
Guide to diaphragm valves in
pharmaceuticals
Crane Process Flow Technologies has introduced a customer solutions guide providing essential input to choosing the most appropriate diaphragm valve design in pharmaceutical process applications
Crane Process Flow Technologies (CPFT) has introduced a customer solutions guide providing essential input to choosing the most appropriate diaphragm valve design in pharmaceutical process applications A typical solution supplied to the pharmaceutical processing environment is the 'Steam Cross' diaphragm valve
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 22 Apr 2004 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
New type of standard and custom diaphragm valve
HC4 gives Saunders standard two-way diaphragm valves and machine block and custom fabrication options as well as the HC4 Bio-Block custom design valves with single block construction
Saunders HC4 Opti-SET diaphragm valve switchbox
Designed to provide users with a simple to install, easy to monitor and reliable unit, the HC4 Opti-SET automatically sets against the stroke of the actuator, significantly reducing installation cost
This provides a sterile barrier between two critical points in the process system - whether process, utility or other, and is achieved by virtue of two offset mainline valves and a cleanable connecting chamber.
To maximise client efficiency, the Saunders HC4 offers up to three alternative routes to processing diaphragm valve design and outlines the choices available.
Advances in block machining and design technology mean it is now possible to supply the user with alternative solutions, providing definitive process advantages.
Further reading
Saunders Bio-Block valve manufacturing process
Crane Process Flow Technologies has developed software allowing biopharmaceutical processors to specify custom bio-block valves without the usual time-consuming exchange of 2D drawings
New bonnets for aseptic and sanitary valves
Crane Process Flow Technologies (CPFT) has launched an engineered polymer bonnet assembly which is compatible with the full range of CPFT Saunders HC4 aseptic and sanitary diaphragm valves
Different design variations carry various implications for the user in terms of cost, deadleg area, space envelope and overall process suitability.
This lack of clarity can lead to the belief that competing designs offer the same level of process solution.
The Solutions guide provides details of the implications of using the alternative valve designs and their optimum uses.
Solution 1 - "Four Valve" fabrication.
Provides the lowest price solution but has some important disadvantages.
The number of individual components and welds is at its highest.
The space envelope, often a concern for the system designer, is significantly larger with the internal wetted area (and deadleg) typically 30-35% larger than a comparative 'block' machined solution.
Solution 2 - Mainline valves machined "back to back" from block.
Purge valves fabricated.
A superior solution in terms of reduced deadleg between mainline valves, smaller space envelope, reduced number of welds and level of documentation.
Because of the need to fabricate the purge and condensate valves top and bottom there is still an area of deadleg, which may prove difficult to clean.
Solution 3 - All 4 weirs machined integrally from the same block.
The highest level of product solution has all 4 weirs machined integrally from the same-machined block.
The reduction in the number of welds optimises installation and validation.
Deadleg is reduced to an absolute minimum, enhancing cleanability and optimising process security for critical applications.
Space envelope is reduced to the minimum level possible to provide the designer with increased flexibility.
The guide explains the implications of choosing the correct solution in relation to the product design and ensures that comparisons across supply options are made on a like for like basis.
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