Burkert has supplied a Robolux valve system for a machine that fills asthma inhaler cartridges, cutting the valve requirement from eight diaphragm valves down to four. In addition, because Burkert’s integrated design has only one block – compared to the more usual two - there are fewer weld connections for the customer to make, reducing installation time and validation costs. The integrated design also means that internal volumes are smaller, eliminating deadlegs and maximising sterility.
The design specification for the asthma inhaler project called for a valve system that would reduce the internal volume and the number of pipe connections on the filling and cleaning lines of the machine. It projected a total of eight aseptic diaphragm valves per machine to carry out the control of the filling and cleaning lines.
Burkert was in a competitive situation for the project against two other suppliers, both of whom were offering conventional diaphragm valves that were arranged in two blocks, which were then welded together. This meant that there were 12 welds in total on the blocks.
Burkert’s offering differed from competitors, in that it used the company’s unique Type 2034 Robolux diaphragm valves mounted on a single customised stainless steel block; this was the first new application for the product in the UK. In addition, Burkert also offered a Type 5470 manifold block to pilot the valve block – providing a complete system solution from one supplier, something that neither of its competitors could do.
The modular nature of the 2034 Robolux design meant that Burkert was able to present its proposed design to the customer within two weeks; compared to 6 weeks for competitor designs. Moreover, the competitive offerings both required two separate valve blocks, whereas the Burkert solution required only one.
As a result of its innovative design of the Burkert Robolux double weir valve system, and because the design has only one block, the number of valves required on the filling machine has gone from 8 to 4, so there are fewer weld connections for the customer to make.
Moreover, the layout of the 2034 & the valve block, means that internal volumes in the Burkert system are smaller than the competitors offering. As a result, medium losses are reduced, sterility is easier to ensure and maintain and the risk of cross contamination is greatly reduced.