IS STAINLESS STEEL WORTH THE RISK IN FILTRATION?
In the biopharmaceutical manufacturing process, system leakage is critical because of the high value placed on drug products. The fear behind leakage has led some manufacturers to stick to traditional stainless steel systems instead of shifting over to single-use technology.
Contrary to what some may believe, there are many ways in which stainless steel could be more prone to leakage. Constant cleaning and placing thermal stress on components will eventually lead to weakening. Because single-use systems do not require these steps, there is little risk for wearing them out.
In a recent blog post, Parker discusses how developers have refined single-use system technology, making them a hard competitor to stainless steel systems. Some of the methods they use to ensure quality systems include:
- Carefully selecting raw material that meets current biopharmaceutical regulations
- Rigorously testing physical properties
- Minimizing manufacturing risks by building in certified cleanrooms
- Performing low-pressure decay tests before packaging to ensure there is no leakage
While traditional methods of manufacturing have worked well in the past, advancements in technology and equipment offer many efficient and productive alternatives. Though stainless steel has been a durable and reliable filtration option, alternative systems and materials may have more to offer in the long run.
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