March 2009 Editor's Picks: Products from Portafab and Sterling

PortaFab
Cleanroom wall system accommodates wiring
The PharmaSystem cleanroom walls from PortaFab (Chesterfield, MO) have a cavity to accommodate wires, process pipes, air ducts, and chemical lines. The system also accepts structural loads for a walkable or load-bearing deck. The walls can be configured into a full enclosure with a roof. Equipment can be installed on top of the walkable ceiling if the roof of the building itself cannot support it, according to Wayne McGee, president of PortaFab.

Horizontal Z clips let clients hang the panels onto standard 3.625-in. metal-stud framework. The panels can be configured for rooms of any size or shape or used as a liner-wall system to cover existing walls. The panels have formed and cut edges to connect directly to each other and are sealed with a caulk joint, gel coat, or chemical weld. The walls are designed to provide a flush surface, inhibit bacterial growth, and control noise.

Sterling
Temperature-control units enhance water flow
The 2012 Series temperature-control units (TCUs) from Sterling (New Berlin, WI) are constructed entirely of stainless steel for washdown in pharmaceutical applications. The units’ pumps are designed according to customers’ specifications and provide high flow rates at low pressures. The products are intended to enhance water flow and temperature control.

The 2012 Series devices have an operating leaving-water temperature range of 32–250 °F. The machines are designed to hold temperatures within ±1 °F and are appropriate for gelcaps and other aqueous solutions that require tight temperature control, according to Jim Walsh, the company’s industrial products manager.

An optional cast-and-flange design reduces the product’s number of connection points and enables operators to plumb directly into the heaters. The machines feature half- and full-heat capacity and forward-facing liquid-filled “To” and “From Process” pressure gauges.