Product category:
Valve Hardware (Filters, Flow Controls, Positioners etc)
News Release from: Burkert Fluid Control Systems | Subject: Fluid and pneumatic control systems
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 09 January 2004
Control components help critical medical
tests
When MMM Medical Equipment began developing a new machine to test the integrity of medical ampoules, Burkert was asked to advise on the fluid and pneumatic control systems.
Burkert Fluid Control Systems has been the preferred supplier of angle-seat valves to MMM Medical Equipment since the company was founded in 1997 So when the Bradford-based manufacturer of autoclaves began developing a new machine to test the integrity of medical ampoules, Burkert was asked to provide engineering consultancy on the fluid and pneumatic control systems
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 25 Jun 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Explaining the machine's key control functions, MMM Senior Project Manager Simon Parker says: "Ampoules are placed in batches into the machine's test chamber, which is then filled with water.
A dye is added at a carefully controlled concentration and the ampoules are subjected to a sequence of pressure and vacuum tests designed to detect cracking.
Any that become impregnated with dye are rejected".
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He says the development of a system fundamentally different from that of autoclaves required significant engineering input, and adds that Burkert's experience in customised fluid control systems proved invaluable in areas such as level, flow and pressure control, as well as providing a means of communicating with a central DeviceNet PLC.
Burkert's extensive product range enabled its engineers to combine sensors, valves and process actuation products into an integrated system for the new machine, as Burkert Area Sales Manager Andy Beesting explains: "Helping to control and monitor the critical test procedures required a wide range of Burkert fluid control products including, at the heart of the system, a 10-station Burkert Airline process controller that communicates with the Scada-driven PLC via DeviceNet protocol".
Other key components included: an ultrasonic level transmitter to monitor the water level in the chamber; a level switch for the door interlock; a pressure switch for vacuum control; a pressure transmitter to monitor the pressure in the chamber and flow sensors to provide accurate measurement of the water and dye as they are introduced into the chamber.
A number of angle-seat process valves and general-purpose solenoid valves are also fitted to the machine.
Summing up the co-operation between the two companies, Simon Parker says: "Quality, reliability and repeatability are critical for medical and pharmaceutical equipment.
Because Burkert's components have proved themselves in our autoclaves over many years we had no hesitation in specifying them for the new machines".
He adds that it is also reassuring to know that support from Burkert's engineering and service teams, is only a phone call away. Request a free brochure from Burkert Fluid Control Systems ...
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