Batch dosing rethought for pure water circulation systems

Fully automatic batch dosing solution for precise, loss-free pharmaceutical filling processes. (Source: Bürkert Fluid Control Systems)

Bürkert has developed a fully automatic batch dosing solution for precise, loss-free pharmaceutical filling processes. The system ensures a consistent flow rate and prevents biofilm deposits, significantly reducing cleaning effort and operational costs.

To prevent biofilm formation in ultrapure water loops, pipes are often rinsed frequently, and powerful pumps ensure high flow rates that are not necessary for the actual process. The sampling points must also be designed so that the water remains in flow at all times, avoiding contamination. The flow velocity should be at least 2 m/s. As a practical alternative, Bürkert Fluid Control Systems has developed a novel, fully automatic batch dosing solution for precise, loss-free pharmaceutical filling processes (Image 1): The system consists of a FLOWave flow meter, which operates based on the patented SAW method, a multiport valve, and a batch controller. It ensures that the ultrapure water always maintains the desired flow rate. This eliminates the risk of contamination; the filling volume is dosed precisely and reproducibly, and documented.

No dead zones in batch operation

The batch dosing system meets the highest hygiene standards (Hygienic Design). There are no fittings or constrictions in the measuring tube, so there are no dead zones where deposits could form, and nothing can settle. Additionally, measurement occurs without any contact between the sensor elements and the medium. Therefore, there are no fluid effects on the sensor elements, nor can the medium be contaminated by them. In circulation operation, the multiport valve ensures that both the ultrapure water loop and the auxiliary loop with the sampling point are evenly circulated by the position of the valve outlets. During operation, outlet 1 of the valve is open, and outlet 2 to the sampling point is closed. During filling, the opposite is true. In both cases, all areas are always circulated. There are no branch lines where contamination-prone medium remains. Considering the use of the new batch dosing system is therefore worthwhile for plant builders and operators, as the reduced cleaning effort and media consumption lower operating costs, increase plant availability, and often allow for smaller pipe diameters from the outset.