Pharmenta SIPTube^® Multipurpose Valve Product Announcement

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INTERPHEX Booth #1370

Pharmenta, Inc. Unveils Multi-Purpose SIPTube^® Valve

Princeton, NJ, February 8, 2003: Today Pharmenta, Inc. announced the availability of its multi-purpose SIPTube® valve, which addresses the chronic problems of dead space, stagnation and residue buildup that typically plague sterile access port assemblies. The SIPTube® can replace five traditional devices found in tanks and process pipelines: (1) dip tube, (2) gas sparger, (3) addition device, (4) headspace feed device and (5) fed-batch withdraw/return device. 

"By designing the SIPTube with a deep U-shaped passage and the valve seal located at the tip, adjacent to the process interface, we have created a device that can be completely cleaned and sterilized anytime you like, not just at the beginning of your process," said Douglas Newberg, President of Pharmenta, Inc. "In contrast, other sterile access port assemblies typically consist of valve seals located outside the tank or pipeline, together with a section of blind tube extending into the process. This creates a deadspace that cannot be cleaned or sterilized once your process begins." 

The SIPTube® valve's deep "U" passage design defines a complete cleaning and sterilizing flow path - from the inlet down to the valve seal tip and back up to the outlet. The passage arrangement also creates a vortex flow pattern that effectively scours the valve chamber, and expels condensate. Optional valve body insulation inhibits heat transfer during steam sterilization, allowing you to safely sterilize-in-place anytime you like, even with the most heat-sensitive processes. The elongated, probe-like body of the SIPTube valve easily retrofits in minutes into standard tank and process line ports. It can reach deep into the process to deliver material or capture truly representative samples. 

In-process clean-thru/steam-thru capability offers numerous advantages:

The Pharmenta SIPTube® valve offers a simple, versatile design that provides for improved reliability and fast, easy maintenance. It fits into existing 1.5 inch (37mm) ferrules and has process insertion lengths available up to 16 inches (400mm.) It can be quickly installed in existing portholes, either on top or on the sides of tanks and process piping. It is designed for operation in vertical to horizontal orientations. The SIPTube® valve is available with a variety of biocompatible diaphragm materials, connections, and actuator styles. It is suitable for pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage and fine chemical applications.

The Pharmenta SIPTube® valve is available immediately from Pharmenta, Inc. (Phone: 888-765-7838 or 609-750-1251.) Additional information on the product and the company can be found at www.pharmenta.com.

Pharmenta's mission is to improve the safety, quality, efficiency and consistency of pharmaceutical products and processes through innovative equipment design. Pharmenta, Inc. is a product division of N. L. Technologies, Ltd. Since 1989, N. L. Technologies has provided regulatory and facility design expertise to pharmaceutical, food and beverage manufacturers around the world.