Process equipment filters

Adsorption of t-PA to process equipment surfaces consisting of either stainless steel or glass was minimized by adding the detergent polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (Tween 80) to the semm-free culture conditioned media at 0.01% (vol/vol). The equipment was also rinsed, before use, with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) containing 0.01% Tween 80. Hydrophilic, plastic equipment was used whenever possible. AH buffers were sterile filtered. Sterile filtration of Hquids and gases is usually carried out using 0.2 or 0.45 p.m filters. 

FIG. 18-114 Section detail of a caiilked-gasketed-recessed filter plate a) cake recess (h) filter cloth (c) drainage surface of plate (d) caulking strip (e) plate joint (f ) sealing gasket. (ElMCO Process Equipment Co.)... 

FIG. 18-121 Component arrangement of a continiTons-filter valve. (EIMCO Process Equipment Co.)... 

Belt Presses Belt presses were fiiUy described in the section on filtration. The description here is intended to cover only the parts and designs that apply expression pressure by a mechanism in adchtion to the normal compression obtained from tensioning the belts and pulling them over rollers of smaller and smaller diameters. The tension on the belt produces a squeezing pressure on the filter cake proportional to the diameter of the rollers. Normally, that static pressure is calculated as P = 2T/D, where P is the pressure (psi), T is the tension on the belts (Ib/hnear in), and D is the roller diameter. This calculation results in values about one-half as great as the measured values because it ignores pressure created by drive torque and some other forces [Laros, Advances in Filtration and Separation Technology, 7 (System Approach to Separation and Filtration Process Equipment), pp. 505-510 (1993)]. 

During the hfetime of a physical asset, continuation of its use may make it a candidate for replacement. In this type of analysis, a replacement is intended to snpplant a similar item performing the same service withont plant or equipment expansion. In a chemical plant, replacement nsnally refers to a small part of the processing equipment such as a heat exchanger, filter, or compressor. If the replacement is required due to physical deterioration, there is no question of whether to replace the item, but the entire plant may be shut down if it is not replaced. The problem then becomes whether the equipment... 

Various forms of ancillary equipment are required, in particular to ensure consistent addition of feedstock streams to the process equipment, to undertake melt cooHng and pelletisation, and, in some instances, to filter out extraneous contaminants. 

The qualification of the sterilizing (aseptic processing) filter is another example of the requirements that are applicable for process equipment used in... 

Additional needed process equipment was evaluated, selected, purchased, and set up. Automation opportunities were defined, and process control instruments were tested, purchased, and installed. An existing clean (HEPA-filtered) area was upgraded for the final isolation of the dilevalol hydrochloride made in New lersey—this was needed to serve the requirements for the parenteral dosage form. 

In some technological and medical applications protein adsorption and/or cell adhesion is advantageous, but in others it is detrimental. In bioreactors it is stimulated to obtain favourable production conditions. In contrast, biofilm formation may cause contamination problems in water purification systems, in food processing equipment and on kitchen tools. Similarly, bacterial adhesion on synthetic materials used for e.g. artificial organs and prostheses, catheters, blood bags, etc., may cause severe infections. Furthermore, biofilms on heat exchangers, filters, separation membranes, and also on ship hulls oppose heat and mass transfer and increase frictional resistance. These consequences clearly result in decreased production rates and increased costs. 

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