Sterile sampling system

GEMÜ has developed the BioStar automatic system for the aseptic sampling of liquids such as WFI or AP water and pure steam in the pharmaceutical industry. With this device, samples can be taken for both pure steam and liquids with the same unit. The system consists of a multi-port sampling valve with pneumatic actuators, a sampling bottle as well as a compact control unit. The control unit is a Siemens PLC with a touch screen panel. The control system is compact and provides improved menu guidance as well as easier operation. It is optionally supplied mounted on a mobile stand ready-to-connect or in two parts for fixed installation in a plant. After starting the program, the parameterised control process runs fully automatically. In the first program step, the system is sterilised or rinsed. Afterwards, the sampling process starts automatically until the set amount of steam condensate or liquid is reached. The system switches off at the end of the program. The sample extraction process for liquids takes approx. 30s for 250 ml. The parameters such as sterilisation time and condensate/liquid volume can be set individually between 15 (50) ml to 900 ml via the control panel. Once the parameters have been set, they are saved and enable direct reproducibility of the process. The risk of scalding for operating personnel is significantly reduced. The system can be easily connected to the line for sampling via a clamp connection. The sampling bottle is connected to the multi-port valve via a sterile quick-action coupling. The quick-action coupling has the major advantage that it closes the system after disconnecting the sampling bottle so that no steam or medium can escape in the event of an operating error. At the same time, contamination of the system from outside is thus prevented. Only power (85-240 V 50/60 Hz) and a compressed air connection with max.6-8 bar are required to supply the system.