Innovative Valve Interfaces Promote Productivity

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What Riboflavin Tests Reveal

Following rules laid down by the VDMA, the German machinery manufacturers’ association, an atomizer was used to coat the inside surfaces of the valve interfaces with a solution of riboflavin. The component is then flushed for a specified time with WFI (water for injection) or deionized water. After rinsing, UV inspection shows no fluorescence, and hence no trace of riboflavin.

Such stringent testing confirms the complete cleanability of the Robolux valves. It also helps to save money by optimizing the quantities of cleaning chemicals, number of rinses and rinse time needed to achieve thorough cleaning. Bürkert is currently the world’s only manufacturer of fluidic fittings and valve interfaces to own and operate a riboflavin test rig.

Fluidics From One Source

Once the Robolux valve interfaces had convinced the decision-makers at B. Braun, in September 2009 Bürkert won the contract to deliver not only the valve interfaces but all the other fluids handling fittings for the Life Nutrition plant. Among others, the plant uses Bürkert valve types 2031, 2032, 2033 and 2034. “B. Braun is therefore getting all the fluidics technology for the new plant from one source,” Equit explains. “The project is very demanding in terms of fluidics, since the entire plant relies on pressure and gravity to move fluids around — there are no pumps.”

In addition to the engineering, production and delivery of the valve interfaces and fittings, Bürkert will also support B. Braun with the evaluation of all fittings during the commissioning and passivation of the entire plant. This includes on-site training, using a show truck.

* The author is Segment Manager Hygienic Processing at Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, Ingelfingen/Germany.

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