February 2011 Editor's Picks: Products from Alfa Laval and GE Healthcare

Alfa Laval
Diaphragm valve provides long service life
Alfa Laval’s Unique Diaphragm Valve is designed for aseptic, ultrahygienic, and sterile processes. The valve’s actuator can be fitted with various automation and control units that feature a compact design and facilitate conversion of the control function. The actuator also permits users to adjust the spring pressure to protect the diaphragm against excessive stress. In addition, the manual valves incorporate adjustable overclosure protection. These features help to prolong the life of the diaphragm and increase uptime.

The T- and tank-outlet valves are available in block and forged versions. The forged version weighs approximately 60% less than conventional T- and tank-outlet valve bodies, according to the company. The valves’ light weight makes them quick to heat up during heat sterilization and minimizes the need for piping support of the system. Alfa Laval manufactures the valve with high-quality components, including valve bodies with low delta-ferrite content and diaphragms for continuous-steam applications.

GE Healthcare
Chromatography media enable high throughput
GE Healthcare’s Capto SP ImpRes cation exchangers and Capto Q ImpRes anion exchangers are designed for final biopharmaceutical purification processes. The products are based on a rigid agarose matrix that enables high flow rates, thus increasing volume throughput and reducing processing times. The rigid matrix also allows personnel to use high bed heights and small column diameters that can reduce the equipment’s footprint. The products’ ability to run at high flow rates and high bed heights gives users flexibility in process design.

The media’s small bead size (~40 µm) helps users achieve high resolution. The SP and Q ligands are intended to ensure predictable performance and robust processing. The ligands also are compatible with common downstream-purification buffers and are identical to those in GE Healthcare’s other ion-exchange media. The high resolution is intended to provide high purity and high yields.