In modern biopharma manufacturing, water-for-injection (WFI) point-of-use (POU) control systems provide sterile, temperature-controlled water to be dispensed at a variety of locations throughout a plant. Many POU methods rely on level and mass measurements, which typically require operator oversight during dispensing.
A newer option relies on flow measurement, which can streamline cleanroom processes and simplify operator involvement. Equilibar’s single use SDO valve is uniquely well suited to deliver accurate flow control for these WFI POU systems.
Equilibar® SDO is the original single use valve for biopharmaceutical manufacturing
In 2018, Equilibar introduced the SDO valve, which was the first single use valve in the biopharmaceutical manufacturing space. SDO valves feature Equilibar’s dome-loaded multi-orifice technology that instantly responds to system changes, capably handles wide flow rate ranges, and offers ease of automation. These revolutionary valves include a disposable polymer body that is inserted into a stainless steel support. The polymer body can be sterilized through irradiation and discarded after use while the stainless-steel housing can be reused.
Advantages of the SDO for WFI POU
Due to space concerns, biopharma continuous manufacturing operations often require optimization of cleanroom areas. There is also an effort to make WFI accessible on-demand to accommodate changing system needs. As a result, WFI delivery methods that are compact and flexible are needed more and more.
Equilibar’s single use flow control solution for WFI point-of-use offers a compact footprint, portability and flexibility as well as unmatched precision and responsiveness. The Equilibar setup can also be pre-set to automate the desired dispensed amount, reducing labor costs.
In addition to WFI POU applications, the SDO is a good match for many other biopharma applications where pressure and/or flow control are critical factors, including tangential flow filtration, disc stack centrifuge, and chromatography.
The rapid pace of pharmaceutical innovation promises to continue in 2025 and beyond, bringing improved medical options to people around the world. Equilibar is happy to play a role in these life-saving developments. To learn more about the suitability of the SDO for WFI POU systems, please visit our new application page here. We also invite you to contact one of our experienced application engineers to discuss your specific fluid control challenge.