Single-use technology is the new trend in the pharmaceutical industry, where an entire component or any part is designed to be used for a single time. After their single use, they are discarded and are not used again.
For another process, another single-use component is used to execute the next process, which is again discarded upon completion of the existing process. Single-use technology is implemented for several machine components, and one of them is a connector.
Connectors in pharma processing are used to connect different fluid paths spread across various parts in a machine or the undergoing process. Sterile connectors are just like a normal connectors, and serve the same purpose, but the difference is that they are build and guarantee sterility level, no matter what class the
external working environment is. They can be used for several equipment, such as Vessels and valves, in which the fluid flow is involved.
What are Sterile Connectors?
Sterile connectors are ordinary type, except they connect different single-use components during pharma. It maintains and ensures sterility of the fluid, even if the processing environment is not classified.
The primary function of sterile connectors is maintaining sterility, made possible by their unique construction and design by replacing conventional seal methods, and using latest & innovative methods to prevent contamination.
An example of such components is a membrane with the latest solid plugs(not present in traditional connectors) that protect the fluid when exposed to non-sterile environments in bioprocess applications.
Recent developments have enabled single-use connector applications in both upstream and downstream processes, equally matching both process requirements. They can provide efficient flow without any obstruction, with the desired purification level.
Various variants of sterile connectors allow selecting a particular type for a specific application.
Physical Characteristics of Sterile Connectors
Single-use connectors have dedicated and unique physical characteristics that separate them from ordinary connectors, which depend on the application type and the output capacity of the underlying process.
Let's discuss what a typical single-use connector includes in itself.
• The single-use connectors come in various connection types and diameters to enable their application in multiple process requirements. The most common shape is a circle with a specific diameter, allowing a particular amount of fluid to flow through it.
• They are provided with a mechanical lock to fix the connection and prevent it from being accidentally opened during or before the process. It locks the two heads of connectors and can be unlocked when required.
• They are designed and manufactured to cater high-pressure applications, with high sealing capacity and prevent leakage during operation.
• Single-use connectors come in two configurations- Gendered and Genderless.
The gendered configuration is divided into male-female configurations, provided with male and female coupling sets, and adjusted with each other. In genderless configuration, the connector halves are divided into equal shapes that can fit with each other without any special design requirement.
• Single-use connectors are also provided with an O-ring to seal the connection point and prevent fluid leakage from the side of joints. The construction material for O -the O-ring is usually Silicon due to its non-destructive and non-reactive nature with the pharma product. Additionally, some other materials can also be used for constructing the O-ring, which is also safe for the product
Depending on various design factors, some manufacturers may use gaskets for containment purposes.
How would you choose single-use connectors for your applications?
It has been a while since single-use technology has gained acknowledgment and traction in the pharma industry, and ...
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