Achieving ATEX approval for pharmaceutical manufacture fluid control automation

05 February, 2024

Creating or expanding a production process within a pharmaceutical environment offers a number of challenges.

At the heart of the control system is the pneumatic island. For installations in zones 2/22, the choice is quite extensive, but to satisfy the demands of Zone 1/21, there are fewer options. However, this does not detract from the features that are available, in fact some of the latest offerings provide excellent integration and connectivity with components commonly used in these applications.

Seamless integration

For Zone 1/12 installations for example, Moran highlights Bürkert’s Type 8650 (AirLINE Ex) offers numerous features and benefits, not least the ability to integrate seamlessly with the Siemens ET 200iSP remote I/O system. This enables Bürkert valve control to operate within the Siemens software, which is commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry.

One of the features of the Type 8650 is the ability to hot swap pneumatic valves without interrupting the manufacturing process. In an industry where any unexpected downtime can cause very significant financial losses, the benefits of comprehensive diagnostics and easy parts exchange can be readily appreciated.

Production plants that are operating the Siemens PCS7 distributed control system can now seamlessly integrate Bürkert process control equipment that is tailored to each application. Furthermore, plants that operate in a non-Siemens environment can still take advantage of the Bürkert product lineup including the Type 8650 (AirLINE Ex).

Streamlined delivery

Beyond the actual build of the control panel, in order to meet ATEX certifications, each product must be accompanied by the correct paperwork. For example, Moran explains that every project delivered by his company is accompanied by a comprehensive documentation package that is supported by the company’s accreditations.

According to Moran, the Menden Systemhaus maintains a very high level of expertise in delivering control cabinets for installations in potentially explosive atmospheres. From initial concept to on-site commissioning, a dedicated team is assigned to each project to ensure continuity and that understanding of the specific requirements is maintained.

Moran explains that due to the multiple competencies within each team, it is possible to design compact, integrated solutions that often contain both electrical and pneumatic circuits and even fluidic connections as well. In this way, he says it is possible to deliver a single control cabinet, minimising space requirements as well as all the equipment that will control the process itself, which reduces commissioning time and improves final delivery.

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