Key points
Precision control of fluids and gases is a task that requires technical knowledge and experience. Within this area, hygienic applications, such as those in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries, place even higher demands on the control components and the surrounding infrastructure. So, when embarking on a hygienic process control project, finding the most qualified partner is essential to success.
Ian Webster, Hygienic Processing Field Segment Manager from Bürkert UK, looks at the essential attributes that are required from an engineering supply partner to deliver a successful installation.
Control technology and component designs are constantly changing, introducing new features and benefits, so keeping up with the latest innovations can be a challenge in itself.
At the same time, applications in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries often require an investment in reliability and safety as much as cutting-edge technology.
Design resources
Designing, specifying and building hygienic process control projects requires very specific expertise and resources; bringing them together at the earliest opportunity will pay significant dividends in the long term.
For example, many process control projects require a combination of ‘off-the-shelf’ components and bespoke valves or valve blocks to minimise connections and dead volumes.
All processes will require cleaning or sterilising procedures that need to be as efficient as possible to maximise the productivity of the line.
Using steam or hot wash processes requires considerable amounts of energy, so innovative manufacturers have created products to minimise energy requirements. By reducing weight and making components smaller, less energy is needed to achieve the required temperatures and energy usage is optimised.
Once the scope and specification of a project have been finalised, getting into the detail of how the project will be delivered is where expertise really pays off.
While it might appear straightforward to just order all the valves, control heads, sensors and controllers from the incumbent suppliers, it is often worthwhile to challenge this status quo.
Reducing leadtime
One of the sticking points for these projects is the lead-time for the more complex or larger valves. In some cases, this factor alone can determine the duration of the project, or at least the earliest start time.
By working more closely with the manufacturer, it is possible to establish these milestones earlier and work to minimise their impact.
The next aspect to look at is the dispersal of the purchase orders and what resources are required to design, manufacture, install and commission the project. This applies not only to the external suppliers but also to the amount of in-house support that is required to administrate and manage the project.
By reducing the number of external suppliers, the level of internal resources required can also be minimised. By working with a manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of products as well as the engineering expertise to develop bespoke products quickly, it is possible to install a fully integrated project in a shorter lead time.
This approach also delivers additional benefits, in that all the products work together seamlessly, use the same communications protocols and should be delivered in a coordinated manner.
Optimised productivity
Looking at alternative configurations will often bring new insights to design and the layout of process control systems. For example, depending on the application, changing from a centralised control infrastructure using valve islands to a decentralised system, can reduce installation time and offer more flexibility in the design.
Furthermore, new partnerships can reveal innovative products and technologies that improve efficiency or increase productivity. Without exploring the alternatives, businesses risk closing themselves off from exciting new developments. The alternative simply trusting in the ‘tried-and-tested’ process can lead to a stagnation of ideas.
At Bürkert, specialist designers and engineers continually strive to meet the challenges of hygienic process automation, using the latest technology to deliver state-of-the-art solutions that work in harmony with existing facilities. Extensive industry knowledge and the ability to deliver bespoke components for any scale of project, sets the standard for the industry.
Kirsty Anderson
Burkert Fluid Control Systems
Fluid Control Centre, 1 Bridge End, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, GL7 1QY, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1285 648761 Fax: +44 (0)1285 648721
Web: www.burkert.co.uk
Email: kirsty.anderson@burkert.com
Burkert Fluid Control Systems
- 01285648720
- sales.uk@burkert.com
- http://www.burkert.com/
- Fluid Control Centre 1 Bridge End Gloucestershire Cirencester GL7 1QY GB
About us
Bürkert is present in thirtyfive countries around the world. We also work with a large network of distributors and partners, which means we are as close as possible to our customers. This global presence ensures full service and support to all of our customers in every country around the world. Research is the lifeblood of our company.
At Bürkert, we are never satisfied with the status quo and are continually seeking new technologies and solutions for our customers. Every year, our people develop new and highly advanced products and solutions, ranging from integrated process measurement and control units to the most sophisticated systems used in pharmaceutical research. To be a market leader, we are also an R&D leader.
Therefore, our investment in research & development is one of the highest in our industry. In our research centres in Germany and France, 150 people are committed to working for a common future for our company and our customers. We are committed to offering our expertise wherever it is needed, anywhere in the world. This global presence ensures that our advances in fluid control technology are also global.
What we do in a nutshell
Manufacture of process equipment. One of the few manufacturers to provide solutions for the complete control loop.
Where we supply to
UK Ireland, Europe
Industries we supply to
Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Water and Wastewater
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