Valves utilising Process Analytical Technology

Valves utilising Process Analytical Technology

SchuF has developed a patented, innovative, cost-effective solution to allow innovative PAT technology to be introduced to existing process infrastructure via the SchuF MultiProbe™ Valve.

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the use of Process Analytical Technology to optimise pharmaceutical and fine chemical manufacturing processes. A major challenge in the use of PAT is finding suitable entry points into reactors for the measuring technology. The modification of existing vessels is prohibitively expensive, requires revalidation and is sometimes not even permitted. Entry from the reactor top can also be a problem for low volume batches. The SchuF solution for introducing PAT is the MultiProbe™ Reactor Bottom Outlet Valve (Patented). SchuF has long lead the way in the pharmaceutical process industry with dead-space-free, GMP-compatible designs, bellows-sealing to atmosphere and fire-safe certified valves, and now SchuF enables customers to incorporate PAT technology into a reactor bottom outlet valve with built-in PAT probe monitoring capabilities.

The PAT probe is installed through the valve actuator, stem and disc, and is directly exposed to the medium in the reactor. The medium in the reactor does not leak through the valve stem. The PAT probe can be removed quickly between batches without the need to remove the valve from the vessel. As the PAT probe is located in the bottom part of the vessel, even low volume batches can be monitored in real-time. Single or dual probes can be used (e.g. a PAT probe and a standard temperature sensor probe), either of which can be installed or removed independently of the other. Integrating PAT technology with the SchuF valve eliminates the need to modify existing reactor vessels. It is a low-cost solution, allowing the implementation of modern PAT technology in both existing and new reactors. A wide range of materials are available, including Stainless Steel, Hastelloy, Glass-Lined, PTFE-Lined and Tantalum-clad valves.

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