Hot water cascade system for sterilization of liquids
A new hot water cascade system enables liquids in closed receptacles made of glass or other temperature-resistant materials (such as ampoules) to be sterilized quickly, reliably and gently.
Developed by MMM Münchener Medizin Mechanik GmbH, the new system plays a major role in pharmaceutical/biotechnology production.
GEMÜ valves are used to regulate the filling of the sterilization chamber during the process. This is first filled up to a defined level with deionised sterilization water.
This water then circulates through a steam-heated heat exchanger and cascades over the item being sterilized at a continuously rising temperature of up to 121°C.
In the subsequent cooling phase, the sterilization water flows through the now water-cooled heat exchanger and cools the item being sterilized down to a specific temperature.
Pneumatically actuated GEMÜ 554 globe valves control the filling of the sterilization chamber with water and the way in which the heat exchanger is heated by steam and cooled using water.
By contrast, GEMÜ 490 butterfly valves are used in the circulation line, as these have significantly more compact installation dimensions yet very high flow rates in comparison with pneumatically operated angle seat globe valves of the same nominal diameter.
Further, to meet these stringent requirements, they are fitted with highly resistant TFM plastic and FDA-approved silicone as a sealing material.
