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Liquid Solutions – Flow Meters for the Pharmaceutical Industry

In an industry where sterilisation is crucial and flow meters need to be contactless and sanitary, clamp-on ultrasonic flow meters are ideal for the pharmaceutical industry.

The pharmaceutical industry use flow meters to measure the flow of two different types of pharmaceutical water – sterile purified water (PW) and water for injection (WFI) – where the water has been purified to be used for the preparation of products for parenteral, or intravenous, use. Flow meters also play a key role in producing liquid medicines, solutions, syrups, mixtures and various cosmetics. Flow meters are also used to improve the manufacturing of tablets e.g. during a process called wet granulation – when liquid binders are added to the mixture of active ingredients.

Pipes have to remain sterile at all times, therefore contact with them and opening of the pipes has to be avoided as much as possible. Traditional flow meters are not ideal for this reason, as they have to be installed inside the pipe and microbiological growth can occur.

However ultrasonic clamp-on flow meters employ the latest flow meter technology and are a great choice of flow meter for pharmaceutical needs because:

  • They are sterile as they are installed on the outside of the pipes meaning the pipes don’t have to be cut out or be compromised.
  • They use ultrasound and can accurately measure the flow velocity and volume of ultra pure liquids.
  • They have a high IP (international protection) rating, high protection against intrusion, and a stainless steel head, making them perfect for clean-room installation.

Top companies such as GlaxoSmithKline and Bayer are using flow meters to make their manufacturing techniques streamlined and enhance profitability.

Other uses of ultrasonic flow meters:

Marine Industry