I. Product Names
Pharmaceutical factories usually name containers/ stainless tank based on the process functions of the equipment in the system.
(1)Storage
WFI, PW, buffer solutions, medium storage tanks, etc.
(2)Buffering
Achieve certain functions together with other process equipment.
For example, heating or cooling with heat exchangers, concentration and separation with ultrafiltration, and purification and separation with chromatography equipment.
(3)Mixing
Realize solid-liquid and liquid-liquid mixing.
Such as solution preparation tanks, stirring tanks,
which use jackets or coils to achieve heating and cooling functions.
(4)Reaction
Realize biological cell culture or chemical reactions.
Such as bioreactors and synthetic fermenters.
II. Selection of Nozzles
Pharmaceutical and sanitary-grade equipment usually has two types of nozzles: TC and NA, with fittings generally being Ingold.
TC refers to tri-clamp fittings, and NA is commonly known as aseptic flanges.
Whether to use TC or NA interfaces is generally specified by the user.
Entry-level ones use TC, while high-grade ones generally choose NA.
For lower requirements, 3A is used; for higher requirements, ASME BPE is adopted.
III. Layout of Nozzle Positions
Material inlet and outlet pipes: mainly on the upper and lower heads.
CIP fluid supply and return pipes: mainly on the upper and lower heads.
Pure steam/sterile air pipes: mainly on the upper head.
Breathing/venting pipes: mainly on the upper head.
Drain pipes: the lowest point of the main equipment is on the lower head.
There are also some nozzles for auxiliary material addition or additional functions. Except for bioreactors, all others are basically on the upper head of the equipment. Such as sight glass lamps, pressure gauge ports, filter aid feed ports in blood products, and differential pressure level ports (one of which must be designed on the upper head).
On the lower head, there are temperature ports, drain ports, and liquid level ports for differential pressure level gauges.
However, in bioreactor equipment, some nozzles need to be installed on the cylinder due to process requirements. For example, ports for gas, medium, virus inoculation, antifoam agents, nutrients, and sampling.
For some equipment with high material costs, additional weighing devices are installed on the support legs.
The design of all pharmaceutical container nozzles must minimize dead legs; the larger the dead leg, the greater the difficulty in cleaning with spray balls. Moreover, a distance of at least 1 inch (25.4mm) must be reserved between nozzles, and it is better to be as large as possible.
The principle for the height of nozzles is that the shorter the better (normally 28mm)!
But it should not affect the installation of clamps!
When designing and calculating the installation of insertion pipes and spray pipes on sanitary pressure vessels, attention should also be paid to dead legs. A simple rule of thumb here is that L/A < 2; the larger the value, the larger the dead leg, meaning the cleaning by the spray ball will not be effective!
