In the life science area, processing is increasingly done with fluids in the supercritical aggregate condition.
The advantage of these processes is in the use of solvents that are environmentally friendly and non-damaging to the product, mainly carbon dioxide. The requirements of the pharma & biotech markets are met by working at low temperatures and moderate pressures (gentle handling of the product).
The requirements for the metering and process diaphragm pumps are very specific in these applications.
LEWA metering pumps and process diaphragm pumps are very well suited for supercritical processes, since they meet all the relevant requirements.
Advantages of LEWA pumps:
It must be noted that carbon dioxide must be in the liquid state to be pumped. This is not practical in the gaseous state due to its compressibility.
LEWA metering pumps and process diaphragm pumps have been successfully used in the following processes:
Principle of the PGSS process:
A supercritical fluid is a substance whose temperature and pressure are both over their critical point simultaneously (see diagram for CO2).
The critical temperature is the temperature over which the substance can no longer remain liquid, regardless of the pressure level.
Critical pressure is the pressure over which the substance can no longer form gas, regardless of the temperature.
Supercritical fluids have the density and good dissolving properties of fluids, as well as the viscosity, good compressibility, and diffusability of gases.
Due to their good mixing and mass transfer properties, they are classed as a fluid.
Important advantages of supercritical fluids:
Selection criteria for the right supercritical fluid:
The most frequently used supercritical fluid is CO2.
Properties of carbon dioxide:
Processes with strict quality and hygiene requirements, such as GMP or the need to avoid preservatives, require the right equipment. We support you in the selection and the design of hygienic components and systems for producing personal care products. Contact our experts and let us advise you – we will work with you to develop customized metering solutions for your process, such as for manufacturing personal care products.
More DetailsAs the leading manufacturer of pumps and pump systems for the pharmaceutical, life sciences, and biotechnology industries, LEWA supports you during the development of complete solutions, which meet your process requirements exactly. Special expertise is required in the production of pharmaceuticals in order to ensure that legal requirements are met. Reliability when it comes to production, documentation, and validation are our top priorities.
More DetailsLEWA supports producers and plant construction companies in the food and beverage industries with pumps and systems for homogenization and dispersion, as well as for other processing operations in the food industry. We work with you to plan all the important process-related operations, such as conveying, metering, mixing, heating, and cooling so that you can process your raw product cost-effectively.
More DetailsLEWA ecoflow is the innovative and universal metering pump with DPS diaphragm protection system in a tried-and-tested modular system. Suitable for numerous applications, the ecoflow is our real all-around talent, relied on by customers from all industries.
More DetailsLEWA ecoflow is also available in sanitary/hygienic. The metering pump for hygienic applications has the same all-around capabilities and fulfills all specifications for pharmaceutical and food production.
More DetailsLEWA ecodos is an absolutely reliable, economical and highly adaptable metering pump, especially where diaphragm actuation is not wanted. Here, we also rely on our tried-and-tested modular system in designing the perfect pump for you.
More DetailsMetering pumps for very small flow rates. The FC micro-metering pumps for pressures up to 400 bar were developed specifically for laboratories and test centers.
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More DetailsCustomer-specific batch/continuous systems for your production process. Metering, mixing, filling, separating, controlling temperature: We work with you to develop the ideal process-related sequence and produce the system that fits your production process – right up to the end product.
More DetailsTurnkey metering system in closed loop control with monitoring and plausibility testing equipment. Your individually configured metering system with an optimally designed pump for fluid metering in automated processes.
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