Pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry with a universal instrument

McNeil Agerskov — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 12:49:17 +0000

Pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry is a demanding task with a wide variety of requirements. However, a corresponding diversification in instrumentation does not have to be an inevitable consequence. เกจวัดแรงดันไนโตรเจนราคา is demonstrated by the use of a universal process transmitter from WIKA in the production of API (“active pharmaceutical ingredients”).
Such active pharmaceutical ingredients form the core of many medical products. Companies’ efforts in the field of process safety are correspondingly great. A producer of API for antibiotics was therefore looking for instrumentation for the API synthesis process that was both accurate and reliable in the long term. Different measuring locations had to be equipped: on reactors, storage tanks, steam and cooling lines.
High-end solution sought for pressure monitoring
The UPT-20 process transmitter enables multi-layered pressure monitoring with only one model of instrument. The illustration shows the adaptations for an API synthesis process.
The challenge here was that different catalysts and chemicals flow into the synthesis. This resulted in two decisive conditions for the measurement technology that would be used: On the one hand, the instruments intended for hydrogenation must not become embrittled due to continuous contact with hydrogen. On the other hand, corrosion must be prevented in the corresponding critical process steps. Furthermore, the API manufacturer wanted a high-end solution for their process. In addition to the technical requirements, a comparatively short delivery time was also needed.
WIKA designed a package of solutions for the manufacturer based around only one model of measuring instrument, which met all the requirements of the synthesis process via specific adaptations. The company thus received an extremely efficient instrumentation system – and one that was also “on time”, as required.
Diaphragm with gold coating prevents hydrogen diffusion
The selected measuring instrument was the UPT-20 universal process transmitter. Its performance, with an accuracy of 0.1 % of span is designed, among other things, for pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry. In the case of API synthesis, the instruments were specified with the respective connections and pressure ranges depending on the nature of measuring location. The process transmitters intended for hydrogenation consequently received a diaphragm seal (model 990.10), which shields the sensor from the aggressive hydrogen. Its diaphragm was also coated with gold to protect the diaphragm seal system with an additional barrier against hydrogen diffusion. Embrittlement of the diaphragm is thus avoided and, as a result, unhindered pressure transmission is permanently guaranteed.
For process steps involving chemicals and steam, on the other hand, WIKA combined the UPT-20 with the model 990.27 diaphragm seal. This has a flange connection with a flush diaphragm, which enables residue-free cleaning. The standard version of the process transmitter was sufficient for pressure monitoring in the cooling processes – for the supply of nitrogen and cooling liquids.
Wide spectrum for use in the pharmaceutical industry
The example of API synthesis shows that the universal process transmitter can cover a wide range of pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to high accuracy, the model UPT-20 offers a wide selection of measuring ranges, between 0 … 400 mbar and 0 … 1,000 bar. Furthermore, instrument versions with HART® protocol and ATEX approval increase the flexibility in application. Thanks to its compact form and the rotatable display head with adjustable display, the UPT-20 can be installed in almost any environment.
Note
Additional information on the UPT-20, on the subject of hydrogen and also on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries can be found on the WIKA website. You would like to buy process transmitter? In our WIKA online-shop you will find some of our standard designs. Further solutions for pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry are contained in the “Sanitary applications” brochure. If you have any questions, your contact will gladly help you.
Also read our posts
Diaphragm seal system with diaphragm monitoring – also digital
Pressure gauges for pharmaceutical processes: Flush-mounted “dry measurement”
Diaphragm seal systems with TRI-CLAMP® connection are NovAseptic® compatible-kompatibel
You can also find out more about the turndown function of WIKA process transmitters in the following video:

Level sensors ? the agony of choice?

McNeil Agerskov — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:08:31 +0000

If one is searching for a level sensor, one can be quickly overwhelmed by the huge selection. A level sensor for limit level detection or continuous measurement can be ordered in a variety of technologies and design variants. But how do you find the right level sensor for my application?
If one wants to decide on a level sensor, the main selection criterion may be the electrical output function. If one really wants to monitor a limit in a tank, e.g. dry running (empty) or overfilled (full), then your level sensor should actually be considered a level switch. However, if it is important to monitor the contents of a tank in detail (e.g. 0 ? https://planetpanty3.bloggersdelight.dk/2023/10/31/netzsch-releases-open-hopper-pump/ fill level), then one needs continuous measurement (= level sensor).
The distinction between level sensor and level switch automatically results in the exclusion of several technologies, if one wants probably the most economical solution. Although a level sensor with combined electronics can communicate both an analogue signal and switching signals, a pure level switch is definitely the cheaper solution, if the application form is limit level measurement only.
The selection of the most suitable measurement technology
Continuous measurement with float
Level sensors typically feature continuous analogue output signals, such as for example 4 ? 20 mA or 0 ? 10 V, which let the accurate measurement of level and its own variation. The sensors could be based on many different measurement technologies such as magnetostriction, reed-chain technology, hydrostatic, ultrasound, radar and many more ? the choice of which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
Point measurement with optoelectronic level switch
Level switches in a normal float switch design offer a mechanical switch contact or, in electronic version, generally a PNP or NPN transistor output. In neuro-scientific switches, there are also a variety of measurement technologies such as reed contact technology, optoelectronics, conductivity, vibronic and many more.
Each of these technologies has benefits and drawbacks, together with complex, application-specific limiting factors such as for example conductivity, dielectricity, density, contamination, colour, pressure strength, etc. A trusted statement as to which technology is most suitable or may be used in a specific application environment can only just be produced after thorough assessment and often also a final test in the plant itself under real application parameters.
Note
WIKA offers you an extremely wide range of level measuring instruments. More info on optoelectronic level switches, hydrostatic level sensors, float switches and further instruments are available on the WIKA website. You will find videos on the functionality of the individual measuring principles on our YouTube channel. Your contact person will be pleased to advise you on the selection of the most likely product solution.

0xbt: November 2023

Pressure monitoring in the pharmaceutical industry with a universal instrument

Level sensors ? the agony of choice?