Feb 2, 2012
In a world where international trade is routine, American dairy processors are not allowed the same economic advantages as their sister plants in Europe. Factories producing identical products on two continents find that American dairy plants are required to operate with CIP devices that consume twice the amount of water to operate, and often take much longer to complete a CIP cycle. This creates a financial disadvantage for US dairy processors. American dairy processors adhere...
Dec 11, 2011
Is electropolishing actually necessary given that a 1.0 or greater Cr/Fe ratio can be achieved by passivation alone? The short answer? If a 1.0 Cr/Fe ratio is all you are trying to achieve, no it is not. Now for the long answer. First, the 1.0 or greater Cr/Fe ratio indicated in the ASME BPE standard is a minimal requirement. The best passive and corrosion-resistant surfaces will have a Cr/Fe ratio in excess of 1.5/1, again achievable by passivation alone. The pharmaceutical industry, in most cases, requires a 15-25Ra value typically achieved through a mechanical polishing procedure. It is this procedure that, in my opinion, causes many of the problems experienced today with the formation of the “gray residue” and Class 1 rouge that has plagued end users for years.
Jul 5, 2011
Whether for a gasket, valve seat, or O-ring, the choice of elastomer might seem like a minor decision, but it can have a major impact. If a seal material is a poor fit for the application, you could run into any number of problems, from swelling, to peeling or cracking. Needless to say, these could be a big deal in a sanitary process. But how do you decide what elastomer to use?
May 24, 2011
If you go to almost any forum, conference or trade show relating to our industry, you will find an overwhelming amount of conjecture and pontification about one—or all—of these subjects:
May 18, 2011
For years, I have seen air blow check valves used on sanitary process lines, across many applications. They provide a very useful and sometimes necessary service: allowing a gas purge of process lines. However, they are also one of the most unsanitary devices allowed on a sanitary process line.
Apr 21, 2011
With competent suppliers for media and process gases and given all the documentation/certifications that come with them, should biotech companies be concerned about virus contamination of these raw materials?
