Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry Overview
The pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are important components of a healthy and secure society. They transform raw materials into drugs and vaccines that treat and prevent illnesses in both humans and animals. These industries also convert microorganisms, nucleic acids, and other genetic materials into innovative products for medical care, agriculture, industrial processes, and environmental products, such as enzymes that break down solids during wastewater treatment.
A major concern of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry is contamination. Tainted batches are expensive in terms of lost products and possibly regulatory fines. Manufacturing facilities also lose time when they have to stop production, sanitize the process, and restart.
One of the best ways to prevent contamination is to use measurement products that meet or exceed standards for hygiene and cleanability.
Instrumentation in the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Industry
By monitoring pharmaceutical and biotechnology processes, measuring instruments help ensure quality and safety. Common applications include:
- Temperature sensors and switches in manufacturing and storage facilities, cell growth units, bioreactors, and cleaning processes.
- Pressure sensors, switches, and transmitters in filters, SIP steam boilers, and compressors and hydraulic systems.
- Level indicators and optoelectronic/float switches in mixing vessels, fermenters, storage tanks, and capsule filling machines.
- Compression force transducers and load cells in tablet pressing machines, mixers, materials dispensers, and filling/packaging equipment.
Hygienic Instruments for the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology Industry
Any industry that manufactures products intended for human consumption is required to follow rigorous standards and mandates. Noncompliance can result in fines and forced shutdowns. If consumers’ health and safety are endangered, the cost becomes even higher.
Measuring instruments help ensure the highest levels of safety and compliance in sanitary processes. The instruments themselves, especially components in direct contact with the product, must also be hygienic; otherwise, they risk contaminating the media.
WIKA’s gauges, sensors, and switches for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries feature the following hygienic designs:
- Corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the chemicals and high temperatures used in CIP (clean in place) and SIP (sanitize in place) processes.
- No dead spaces or cavities where bacteria can settle and grow.
- Diaphragm seals to isolate the pressure sensor from the media.
- All-welded construction to avoid elastomers that can degrade with time and permit leaks.
- Redundancies and continuous monitoring to warn of possible problems.
WIKA’s Hygienic Measuring Solutions
WIKA has a comprehensive line of pressure, temperature, level, and force instruments for sanitary applications. These products are made following good manufacturing practice (GMP) guidelines and comply with the following regulations and standards:
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
- ASME BPE (American Society of Mechanical Engineers Bioprocessing Equipment)
- EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group)
- 3-A SSI (3-A Sanitary Standards)
- ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU
Mounting is a key part of sanitary instruments. We offer the leading hygienic fittings for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry:
- Clamp and tri-clamp DIN 32676, ISO 2852, ASME BPE
- Aseptic connections DIN 11864
- NEUMO BioConnect® and BioControl® CS bolt-down process connections
- VARIVENT® flush flange connectionsnb
For toxic, bioactive, or very sensitive substances, we have special instrumentation options for integrating measuring instruments without using elastomers.
WIKA also has an extensive program for proof of conformity within the scope of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), an internationally recognized method for identifying and managing food safety risks. In addition, our calibration equipment and calibration services make sure your measuring instruments are accurate and well maintained.
WIKA USA is your trusted partner for high-quality, reliable hygienic measurement solutions. Click on the Products tab for a list of our pharmaceuticals and biotechnology instrumentation, then contact us for more information and expert advice.
WIKA has worked with licensing and EPC companies for more than 30 years on major projects all over the world. We partner with you from the planning stages through to completion, and we provide post-project support. In addition to supplying high-quality process measurement instruments for temperature, pressure, level and flow applications, we can also work with you to develop solutions that meet your exact requirements.
WIKA also offers on-site expertise and technical support services to help ensure the success of your project. For more information, contact us at 1-888-945-2872 or [email protected].
WIKA USA, part of your pharmaceuticals and biotechnology business
Our success and reputation are built on three factors: a wide and innovative product range, comprehensive services, and a global presence with employees committed to your success. Make WIKA USA part of your pharmaceuticals and biotechnology business.
