Burkert valves stop deadlegs in drug production

A Burkert Fluid Control Systems product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Oct 6, 2009

Burkert Robolux valves have eliminated deadlegs and reduced the requirement for diaphragm valves from eight to two on sterile filling units used in the production of Pulmicort asthma medicine.

The Robolux valves have simplified the design of the filling units, cutting cycle times and making maintenance and cleaning procedures easier to carry out.

Robolux valves can be supplied with either manual or pneumatic actuators in sizes from 1/4in to 2in

Robolux valves can be supplied with either manual or pneumatic actuators in sizes from 1/4in to 2in

The asthma medicine is produced by Astra Zeneca and its production requires ingredients to be mixed together with water to create a final formulation, which is then packaged in plastic ampoules (Blow Fill Seal) as part of a closed-cycle process.

However, the active ingredient in the medicine is not soluble, so the mixture is a suspension rather than a solution.

To avoid sedimentation occurring, it is imperative that once compounded and mixed the formulation is kept in continuous motion until filled and sealed.

Any deadlegs in the system, where sedimentation might potentially occur, have to be minimised to ensure correct product concentrations are maintained.

The problem with dead legs, inherent in the original systems, was solved by using Burkert Robolux four-connection four-seat valves.

By arranging the required valves and flow paths in single units above and below the holding tank, deadlegs were eliminated.

The Robolux solution simplified the design and installation of the systems; reducing the number of valves from eight to two, as well as reducing the number of T-pieces required and the overall cost of installation and validation.

The neater design also made future maintenance and cleaning procedures easier.

After the success of the first installation, two systems using Robolux valves were added to the facility.

The success of the initial Robolux applications resulted in follow-up applications of the valves when production was increased further at the pharmaceutical plant.

Two installations were commissioned using the valves; one in a class 100 000 sterile clean room.

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