Vent valve rather than vent hole: With this particular option, the model PG43SA-S hygienic diaphragm pressure gauge is even ideal for pharmaceutical cleaning from the outside with particularly aggressive agents. The closed valve seals the within of the pressure gauge in accordance with IP68 ingress protection. In this way, it prevents the penetration of cleaning media.
In the pharmaceutical industry, protecting substances and medicines from contamination is really a top priority. Therefore, thorough cleaning of the equipment after every batch is indispensable. However, its effectiveness depends critically on the concentration of the substances used and the amount of the temperatures.
Hygienic diaphragm pressure gauges including the WIKA model PG43SA-S are suitable for monitoring the pressure of mobile tanks in the pharmaceutical industry.
Placid : Caustic soda and nitric acid
In various cases, the equipment not merely undergoes cleaning on the procedure side (CIP, SIP), but also cleaning from the outside. This also pertains to a pharmaceutical company that uses the WIKA model PG43SA-S for pressure monitoring in mobile tanks. Here, the cleaning process is carried out from the outside at high temperatures and with chemicals that have a significantly higher concentration. The media include, for instance, 30 %30 % caustic soda and 60 percent60 % nitric acid ? both in diluted form. With these substances, the measuring instrument is cleaned from all sides in a cleaning system using nozzles.
During this operation, chemicals can enter the case of the pressure gauge through the vent hole. The materials of the measuring instrument can withstand the normal soap concentrations and temperatures. However, extremely aggressive substances, as in the application form described, and/or very high temperatures attack the within of the pressure gauge over time. The consequence: The measuring instrument should be replaced.
WIKA diaphragm pressure gauge model PG43SA-S in the brand new version with vent valve: The sectional view shows the valve in open position. The safety ring is marked in red.
Pressure measurement with open valve
WIKA therefore addressed the question: How do the service life of the PG43SA-S be extended, even though cleaned from the exterior under extreme conditions? The answer: by using a version with a vent valve. The closed valve (IP68) seals off the within of the instrument from cleaning substances. However, during its actual function, pressure monitoring, it must be open. Otherwise, correct measurement of the gauge pressure is impossible. This is because internal pressure accumulates in a closed case, which leads to a falsified measurement result.
Easy operability
The brand new vent valve is clearly visible and mounted on the surface of the case for easy access. It usually is opened or closed without tools via a wing nut. The direction of rotation, together with open and closed positions, are clearly marked on the case. The nut and the valve seal come in hygienic design. A safety ring prevents the valve from being unscrewed.
Sterilisation within an autoclave
Before each external cleaning, the vent valve is closed. The pressure gauge then has an ingress protection of IP68. If the cleaning process is accompanied by sterilisation in an autoclave, the valve must be opened again. Because of the saturated steam conditions that occur there, internal pressure would otherwise also build up ? with negative consequences for the measuring instrument.
Conclusion
The model PG43SA-S diaphragm pressure gauge has been specifically made for a wide selection of sanitary applications. The new variant with vent valve and IP68 ingress protection has further extended the number of applications for the pressure gauge.
Note
More info on the model PG43SA-S hygienic pressure gauge along with other types of the PG43SA series can be found on the WIKA website. Do you want to buy hygienic pressure gauges? In our WIKA online-shop you will find some o our standard designs. For those who have any questions on pressure gauges with the IP68 ingress protection option, your contact will gladly help you.
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Pressure gauges for pharmaceutical processes: Flush-mounted ?dry measurement?