It may take up to 3 years to turn bacteria, viruses or cell cultures into a vaccine. Since vaccines are injected straight into the body, safety and purity have the best priority in production. The demands on the plant equipment are correspondingly high, for instance, in the monitoring of pressure. The PG43SA series of diaphragm pressure gauges from WIKA are tailored to this.
Designed completely in hygienic design: the diaphragm pressure gauges of the PG43SA series
Three instrument models to pick from
The hygienic instruments with flush, welded diaphragm elements are suitable for pressure monitoring in every regions of vaccine production. This applies, not only to the ?upstream? and ?downstream? stations, but additionally to the support processes.
You can find three 3A and EHEDG-certified models from which to choose:
PG43SA-S
PG43SA-D with integrated diaphragm element monitoring
PG43SA-C particularly compact with back mount process connection
Which variant a user chooses, and of which point along the way, depends on their safety requirements and the installation conditions ? even though model PG43SA-S already meets a large area of the requirements for pressure monitoring.
Critical situation at a glance
The further the vaccine production progresses, the more valuable the merchandise becomes. Through the ?downstream? filtration processes, the future active component is increasingly purified. Here, pressure monitoring provides the decisive information concerning whether the filters are still working correctly or are clogging up and have to be replaced. The model PG43SA-S with red limit value marking, for example, enables a critical situation to be detected, unmistakably, at a glance.
In filtration plant, pressure monitoring is used, among other things, to check the filter status also to draw focus on any clogging of the filter in good time.
Problem-free installation
That the compact nature of the instruments can also be important in this task is illustrated by a filtering at a vaccine manufacturer in China: in cases like this, a peristaltic pump conveys the active component to the capsule filter via a hose. The challenge of the very cramped available space meant a small measuring instrument was required, and the model PG43SA-C met this.
The instrument could be easily mounted on the hose before and following the filter due to its process connection being built-into the case ? Astonishing patented design. This measuring solution shows the operator if the pump and filter will work normally. The PC43SA-C supplies a good plan view because of this. It is therefore also ideal for pressure monitoring in vertical pipelines.
The models in the PG43SA series, like all diaphragm pressure gauges, as a result of their mechanical principle, always reliably indicate the process pressure. They measure with high overload safety and independently of electrical energy. This meets the safety requirements, particularly when transporting the intermediate products and the finished vaccine. These are transported in mobile tanks from the bioreactor via chromatograph and filtration systems to filling into ampoules.
Vaccine transport in mobile tanks is considered a particularly sensitive process step. The hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges of the PG43SA series provide all the necessary pressure information anytime, independent of electrical energy.
Multiple tasks in a single application
When monitoring the pressure at the tanks, the PG43SA instruments fulfil several tasks: During transport, it is very important check if the pressure remains constant. This is also a leak test: a falling pressure may be due to a leaking valve or perhaps a damaged seal. After emptying the tank at the transfer point, one look at the display can determine whether there is still pressure in the tank or whether it can be opened without danger. The same applies to pressure monitoring during tank cleaning and the pressure test before refilling.
In tank applications, as well as the measurement quality described, another benefit of diaphragm pressure gauges involves the fore: the instruments work with a ?dry? measuring cell. This eliminates the risk of product contamination by way of a system fill fluid, as is the case with conventional diaphragm seal systems. In this way, they prevent potential damage that could amount to millions.
Further risk minimisation
In these and similar sensitive processes, the model PG43SA-D really helps to further minimise risks to the vaccine. The instrument comes with an integrated diaphragm element monitor with red/white indicator. In Dangerous that the very robust measuring element should break due to extreme process conditions or rough mechanical influences, the patented monitoring function immediately reports the damage with a ?red? indicator. A second barrier in the instrument maintains the separation of process and environment.
Ideal for CIP/SIP and autoclavable
Process reliability in vaccine production includes residue-free cleaning of the gear after each batch. Due to their hygienic design, the PG43SA diaphragm pressure gauges are ideal for CIP/SIP cleaning processes and so are all autoclavable.
Note
You can find a synopsis and technical information on the PG43SA series hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges on the WIKA website or in our flyer: ?Safe and reliable: Pressure displays in hygienic design?. You would like to buy hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges? In our WIKA online-shop you will discover some of our standard designs. When you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
Also read our articles
Pressure gauges for pharmaceutical processes: Flush-mounted dry measurement
Hygienic pressure gauge: IP68 with cleaning from the exterior
The next video also informs you concerning the PG43SA instruments: