Sterile Connection Method Controls Compressibility

Burkert's BBS alliance for process optimisation has produced the Quickconnect, a sterile connection method for biotechnology and pharmaceutical process applications. Designed in accordance with the EHEDG guidelines, the sterile Quickconnect offers a number of key advantages, including no contamination of the medium, short sterilisation times, lower water consumption and higher product yields, leading to improved process returns.

Offering full compatibility with standard clamp sizes used across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical segments, the Quickconnect is the latest product from BBS-Systems following its integration into the Burkert group. In this partnership, Burkert links all parts of the production process via electrical signals while BBS connects all the parts mechanically, with sterile weld unions, quick connectors, flanges, fittings, hoses and pipes. The Quickconnect is designed to overcome the problems associated with traditional methods of connectivity, which employ a flat gasket between two ferrules that are assembled with a standard clamp.

When the clamp is tightened, it is generally without controlled compression of the flat gasket and the result can be a positive or negative intrusion of the gasket within the process pipe work. Burkert claims that, in a plant that has several hundred clamp connections, the resulting effect on process efficiency can be severe with many potential bacteria traps resulting from negative intrusions. In contrast, the design of the BBS Sterile Quickconnect is engineered to control compressibility, eliminating any doubt that the intrusion may not be acceptable.

The BBS Sterile Quickconnect system employs standard dimension norm o-rings that fit neatly into precision-machined grooves on the ferrules and minimise potential bacterial traps. The sealing between components is the same whether it is for clamped, threaded or flanged styles.