Hygienic processing places high demands on the reliability and cleanability of production facilities. These requirements are especially high in separation processes or when purity of media has to be ensured by maintaining sterile process conditions. The mixing of different media in the manufacture of nutrient solutions processes like fermentation demands absolute sterility. Common challenges related to tank installations in pharmaceutical and biotech facilities can be reduced by using Robolux multiport valves and complex multiport-based manifolds from Bürkert Fluid Control Systems.
Based on diaphragm valve technology these patented valves combine independent dual process switching functions in a single body with a single diaphragm and single actuator. The compactly designed multiport valve requires about 40 percent less space than traditional valve manifolds and can be sterilized more easily. A low internal volume and elimination of dead space supports faster cleaning and of course means better process efficiency and higher product yield from the process. The compact construction reduces installation and maintenance costs.
As part of a new actuator concept, Robolux valves can now be combined with Bürkert’s ELEMENT control heads. As a new part of the ELEMENT family of products, Robolux becomes an integral part of a complete system approach to provide process solutions. The intelligent combination of Robolux multiport valves with ELEMENT control heads opens up a wealth of new possibilities for the decentralized automation of hygienic processes. The integration of all required automation functions in the control heads themselves allows for the valves to be equipped at field level with all required automation components including pilot valves, electrical feedback units and optical status indicators. By integrating an AS interface as a field bus interface, the entire range of advantages of this approach can be fully utilised. All that is required for power supply, feedback and communication is a two-wire line connecting the PLC with up to 62 valves. Within the framework of a decentralized automation concept the control head, as a central unit for the hygienic process valves, performs all pneumatic actuation, feedback and diagnostic functions, as well as bus communication.
