Is stainless steel the bioprocessing technology of the past?
Fluids Handling

Is stainless steel the bioprocessing technology of the past?

Photo of Watson Marlow Watson Marlow Send an email 18/09/2020
328 1 minute read
Listen to this article

Single-use technology has been touted as the latest and most promising development in bioprocessing technology, fast replacing stainless steel as the material of choice for many bioprocessing engineers. 

Marc Pelletier, Director of CRB, and Mark Embury from ASEPCO, part of Watson Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) which has recently launched the ASPECO inline valve, discuss whether stainless steel is a technology of the past in a new article, published today.

Single-use technologies have their advantages, especially when it comes to avoiding contamination, as they eliminate the need for cleaning. This is particularly important when it comes to satisfying regulatory requirements, an essential consideration for biopharmaceutical processing engineers. 

Up-front costs are also significantly lower than stainless steel components, leading to lower redesign process costs. In Western Europe, over half of bioprocessing experts surveyed said they expect to see a fully single use facility in operation within five years and the single-use bioprocessing market in Europe is predicted to be worth USD 2.09 billion by 2024.

Single-use does not come without its own challenges, however. Whilst upfront costs are lower, ongoing supply of components can generate significant expenses. In the same survey, the top reasons for not using single-use consumables in Europe included cost as well as concerns over leachables and extractables. Scalability is also an issue, with stainless steel still offering the best option for larger scale bioprocessing.

Could a reliance on one system limit the potential for development in bioprocessing? In this article, Marc Pelletier and Mark Embury share their combined experience working in bioprocessing to discuss the advantages and limitations of both stainless steel and single-use technologies. 

Download the article for the latest insights from our industry experts.

Learn more at www.wmftg.com or @WMFTG_news.

Watson Marlow
Premium Package

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Solutions

About us

Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) peristaltic tube and hose pumps meet requirements including: value for money; low cost of ownership; reliability and ease of maintenance to the food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, mining and many other industries.

We demonstrate how pumps deliver significant process efficiencies over the lifetime of the equipment. Whether performing flavouring addition in food processing, chemical metering in water treatment or mineral recovery, we have a solution which can cut pump downtime and reduce costs through higher accuracy metering and transfer. WMFTG has dedicated application engineers available to help customers make the right pump and tubing choice from a range providing microlitres per minute to 80 cubic metres per hour flow rates.

The only part of the pump to come into contact with the product is the tube or hose. This means there are no seals or valves that can wear or fail. Replacing the tube or hose can be performed quickly and safely. Peristaltic pump benefits include:

Total fluid containment with no seals No ancillaries Handle viscous and abrasive slurries and sludge Self-priming capability Dry running without damage to the pump In addition to their range of positive displacement pumps, Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group has added PTFE-lined chemical and industrial hoses to their range. Aflex hoses are reinforced to withstand the most severe conditions and use.

Where we supply to

Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

Industries we supply to

Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater

  • Flexicon PF7 tabletop peristaltic liquid filling machine

  • Sterile ReNu SU Technology cartridge

  • Quantum and ReNu SU Technology cartridge - Make sterile connections in non-sterile environments

Photo of Watson Marlow Watson Marlow Send an email 18/09/2020
328 1 minute read
Show More

    Would you like further information about this article?

    Add your details below and we'll be in touch ASAP!


    Input this code: captcha

    Back to top button
    PII logo

    Read our latest issue here

    Join 25,000 process industry specialists and subscribe to:

    • Process Industry Informer bi-monthly magazine
    • Process Industry Update weekly E-newsletter
    • And our regular Podcast and Webinars
    Yes, Sign Me Up!

    PII has a global network of suppliers ready to help...