New Diaphragm Valves Boost Performance

Alfa Laval’s range of components and solutions for the biotech and pharmaceutical industries now includes a comprehensive selection of the Alfa Laval Unique diaphragm valves. They are configurable to meet most requirements, including aseptic conditions as well as sterile and ultra-hygienic processes. The unique design of the valves offers multiple benefits: longer diaphragm lifetime, increased uptime and lower installation and operating costs.

Reliability is essential in these industries, and the Unique Diaphragm Valve UltraPure continually delivers optimal performance. The modular design makes these valves perfect for a wide range of applications, and they can be combined in many configurations with different accessories and diaphragms. All valves in the range come with Alfa Laval’s comprehensive documentation package.

The valve offers the highest possible quality throughout every component, including high-quality valve bodies with low delta-ferrite content and specified sulphur content as standard. Several valves are available in both block and forged versions; the latter provides a lightweight, cost-effective solution that is quick to heat up during heat sterilisation.

The Unique Diaphragm Valve UltraPure can be operated manually using a handle or automatically using a pneumatic actuator. Lightweight and compact, the actuator can be fitted with an extensive range of control and indication equipment. The actuator has a unique design that provides adjustments of spring pressure and makes it possible to alternate between different control functions. Adjustable spring pressure on the actuator and over-closure protection on the handle prolongs the lifetime of the diaphragm and increases uptime.

Horst Neuland, Chief Plant Engineer at Bayer HealthCare in Wuppertal, Germany, is positive to the Unique Diaphragm Valve UltraPure. The adjustable springs protect the diaphragms against overstress. “We don’t have to stop fermentation processes as often to change the diaphragms on these valves, and the valves themselves last longer,” explained Neuland. “This translates into minimal downtime, lower overall costs, increased productivity and higher profitability.”