How to Choose the Right Pump for Biopharma Manufacture

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Glatt Ingenieurtechnik GmbH

Maag Pump Systems AG

Italvacuum, Srl

Quattroflow Fluid Systems

Four Pistons for Smoother Pumping

About ten years ago, when he was working for another company, Laukel came into contact with a pump technology that did not have any of the operational shortcomings that apply to tube pumps in some applications. It was called the quaternary (four-piston) diaphragm pump, and was being produced by Quattroflow Fluid Systems. This company was founded in 2000 and in 2012 became a member of the Dover Corporation’s Pump Solutions Group (PSG), Oakbrook Terrace, IL/USA.

Diaphragm Pumps

The Right Pump Helps to Optimize Radial Flow Chromatography

Laukel admired the features of the four smooth-operating diaphragms and the design that is based on the operation of the human heart. He decided to incorporate Quattroflow pumps into the new disposable downstream process system constructed in 2011.

“When you use other pumps you probably have strong pulsation, but the Quattroflow pumps have low pulsation, which is really good, especially for filtration applications where process parameters like pressure levels are critical and need to be controlled accurately,” says Laukel. “This is the best thing about Quattroflow pumps; if you have a few liters to transfer to other vessels, you can use other pumps, but for special and demanding filtration processes, the Quattroflow pumps provide the best advantages.”

Specifically, most of the systems used in Laukel’s department feature Quattroflow QF1200 single-use pumps, which can deliver flowrates up to 1,200 l/h (317 gph). Rentschler also uses some QF150 models with lower flowrates (150 l/h; 40 gph). The QF1200 single-use pump chambers are autoclavable and can produce discharge pressures up to 4 bar (58 psi).

Single-Use Technology Aids Manufacturing

An added benefit of the QF1200 pumps, and one that savvy pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly taking advantage of, is their availability in single-use configurations. Single-use pumps feature replaceable pump chambers, which eliminate the need for time-consuming cleaning of the pumps between batches. This increases the product’s speed-to-market, which is a crucial consideration when attempting to maximize the product’s market availability within its patent window. Another big advantage for a CMO like Rentschler, which has a large client base, is that single-use pumps eliminates the risk of cross-contamination, which is always a concern for a contract manufacturer.

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