Heat Exchanger World Magazine March 2025 | Page 31

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Materials

Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient ( API ) industries require multi-purpose plants capable of handling highly corrosive fluids . This need is even more critical for Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations

( CDMOs ), which frequently change production processes , necessitating flawless equipment cleanliness and reliability .

Text & images by Italprotec Industries

The shift from graphite to silicon carbide heat exchangers Historically , impregnated graphite heat exchangers were widely used due to a lack of viable alternatives . However , graphite presents several issues : it is porous , prone to degradation , and can release dust contaminants — posing a significant risk to the purity of pharmaceutical substances . Given that APIs are often delicate and expensive , contamination can lead to severe financial and regulatory consequences . To address these challenges , heat exchangers with Silicon Carbide ( SiC ) tubes have been developed . Silicon Carbide , being a ceramic material with excellent thermal conductivity , eliminates contamination risks and reduces equipment size due to its high heat exchange coefficient . A prominent Italian API company has already implemented FLOWSiC ® exchangers with SiC tubes , replacing traditional graphite exchangers for enhanced efficiency and safety .

Advanced features of FLOWSiC ® heat exchangers FLOWSiC ® exchangers are designed with PFAlined steel tube plates , ensuring robust construction and simple PED qualification . The process fluid is typically directed through the tubes , with PFA- or enamel-lined heads providing full resistance against corrosive substances . Additionally , sealing O-rings made of FFKM perfluoroelastomer further enhance durability . In cases where the process fluid is placed on the shell side , a PFA- or enamel-lined shell is also available for superior corrosion protection .

Two exchangers ( condensers ) with Silicon Carbide ( SiC ) tubes have replaced graphite exchangers at an Italian API company .

Standard design parameters include operational temperatures ranging from -25 ° C to + 200 ° C and pressure tolerances from full vacuum to 6 bar . Custom configurations are available to meet specialized industrial requirements . With heat exchange surfaces exceeding 20 square meters , FLOWSiC ® heat exchangers offer long-term reliability , safety , and absolute contamination-free performance .

Conclusion The transition to Silicon Carbide heat exchangers marks a significant advancement in API manufacturing . By eliminating contamination risks , enhancing thermal efficiency , and providing a durable solution for corrosive applications , FLOWSiC ® exchangers set a new standard for safety and performance in pharmaceutical production .

Table 1 . Thermal conductivity of various materials .

MATERIAL

THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY W /( m K )

IMPREGNATED GRAPHITE

129

Heat exchanger with SiC tubes .

PTFE 0,25 www . heat-exchanger-world . com Heat Exchanger World March 2025

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