About Bürkert
Bürkert Fluid Control Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of control and measuring systems for fluids and gases . The products have a wide variety of applications and are used by breweries and laboratories as well as in medical engineering and space technology . The company employs over 2,200 people and has a comprehensive network of branches in 35 countries world-wide .
travel through the fluid . Calculating time differences of the waves proportional to the flow , FLOWave can determine real time flow rates , total flow and flow velocity . The technique also enables FLOWave to measure irrespective of fluid conductivity .
Compact dimensions were very important for the new API production equipment
compact dimensions were even more important . This ruled out Coriolis meters , even though Veranova often uses them within its processes , because of their comparatively large size , as well as the extended pipework they need . Since the requirement was flow measurement rather than mass flow , an alternative solution would also be more cost effective .
The flow meter also had to be capable of measuring various fluids , including waterbased solvents , and acids , that would flow down the same line following a flush . As some of the solvents involved have low conductivity , this would also rule out certain flow measurement technologies . Following detailed research and testing , Veranova determined that Bürkert ’ s FLOWave flowmeter closely achieved its key requirements .
“ FLOWave is really compact , and a key benefit is that it ’ s hygienic and easy to clean , giving confidence that no residue is left behind . This enables us to use multiple fluids down the same line , and FLOWave can be calibrated specifically for each type of liquid , providing the accuracy we need ,” explains Richard Bell , Veranova . “ It ’ s a multi-purpose plant , and we can manufacture multiple products within the suite . Even within a single API product , multiple materials are used , and FLOWave will help us to achieve that .”
FLOWave has a smooth bore that is completely free of mechanical obstructions , preventing retention of any residue from media or the CIP process , ensuring optimum hygiene . The device is also constructed from 316L stainless steel , which
compared to standard 316 has a lower carbon content , increasing its resistance to corrosion and improving hygiene . This was an important factor for Veranova that uses dilute acids within its process .
The device achieves hygienic flow measurement thanks to SAW technology , generating surface acoustic waves that
While surface acoustic wave technology isn ’ t new , some pharmaceutical manufacturers can be hesitant in deviating from the mainstream type of flowmeter , so why did Veranova make the selection ?
“ It was easily the best fit ,” says Richard . “ We looked at various alternative brands and technologies , but none of them could achieve a compact design to hygienically measure the flow of multiple liquid types , including low conductivity media , as effectively as FLOWave .”
With the suite now installed and commissioning almost complete , Richard says that set-up of FLOWave was simple and straightforward , and Veranova is looking to make the first batch from its new system very soon . The flowmeter also gives a flexibility to change production if needed .
“ FLOWave has a wide flow range that can be easily adjusted depending on your application and media requirements . If we introduced a new API product , for example , we could easily re-range the device for a higher flow ,” says Richard .
www . burkert . com / en
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