FEATURE u Medical Equipment & Devices


Specialist project partner enables efficient pharma


application delivery


Damien Moran, Bürkert’s Field Segment Manager for the hygienic and pharmaceutical sector, discusses the benefits of a combined project


fluid control systems is integral to performance. Separate procurement, delivery and commissioning suppliers can lead to a complex approach to project management. Alternatively, a specialist project partner, such


W


as Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, can help resolve inefficiencies and provide the necessary expertise across mechanical, electrical and control automation aspects. A pharmaceutical manufacturing system


project, typically managed by an engineering design consultant, often has to specify, procure, commission and support automation, valve and instrumentation packages, as well as systems that span a variety of expertise. This ranges from control panels and pneumatic


valve islands to electrical and instrumentation components, such as flow meters, sensors and electro-pneumatically actuated valves, to mechanical components, including manually operated valves. The end user might specify from an authorised supplier list, while the system integrator may suggest preferred brands. However, the design consultant has the


responsibility to select fluid control components that integrate effectively to ensure an optimised process as well as efficient commissioning and reliability of operation in the field. From fieldbus communications to certification


approvals, the design consultant needs to handle the challenges associated with the integration of diverse brands for the automation, electrical and mechanical areas of a pharma project. Alternatively, the design consultant can work


26 July/August 2022 Irish Manufacturing


hen installing a new pharmaceutical manufacturing process, the design and implementation of hygienic


with a valve and instrumentation partner that assures effective integration of components across all areas. Such a partner can also provide project management and support from start to finish, including ongoing field support.


FLUIDIC DESIGN EXPERTISE This starts with a design consultation and is potentially the area of greatest benefit to the overall effectiveness of a project as it provides the opportunity to check and optimise the system design using input from specialists in hygienic fluid control solutions. In Bürkert’s case, typical examples of providing design consultation and designing customised solutions include combining individual valves into a single, multi-port block valve solution to reduce the overall footprint, maintenance requirements and costs. System performance can be improved


by minimising areas of dead volume with a manipulated drainable design alternative. In terms of automation, design advice can be provided on automation concepts such as centralised and decentralised control through to integration of digital communication protocols and the information/diagnostics which can be communicated.


Crucial to the design phase is the integration of


valve and instrumentation models, into the piping and instrumentation diagram (P&ID) in order to create a full 3D model of the plant. A project partner – like Bürkert – will make these models available for simple and free access, downloadable from a website or even provided directly. Useful input to design plans can also include a virtual fluidic simulator model that demonstrates a proof of concept.


GLOBAL EXPERTISE & COLLABORATION Implementing the design requires careful and effective project management based on technical competence as well as commitment in support throughout, particularly to overcome the challenges presented in the real world. Bürkert’s model includes a local account manager plus the support of a dedicated pharmaceutical sector specialist, with direct access to a central Hygienic Competence team that coordinates global expertise. A key to design and project management includes ensuring that all required documentation, including certificates and approvals, is available. Due to the critical nature of approvals for the pharmaceutical sector, it’s vital that a project partner has the knowledge and experience to advise on the requirements of individual products, as well as if and how those approvals are met.


SUPPORT IN COMMISSIONING While the engineering consultant tends to rely on an installer, technical support in set up may also be required, usually for electrical or automated aspects, such as a valve island or control valve commissioning. Providing this assurance alongside the handover of the project to the end user, as well as offering additional field support, is not only of practical value but also provides peace of mind. Delivering the successful integration of mechanical, electrical and automation packages is essential, and the support of a pharmaceutical specialist project partner throughout a project will ensure a more efficient process delivery as well as an optimised outcome for the end user.


Bürkert www.burkert.com/en www.irish-manufacturing.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40