Clean Steam Sterilization For Bioprocess Equipment

By Louis Arcuri, Regional Manager

The bioprocess is very sensitive to contamination from bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Bioreactor and fermenter system design engineers must take every precaution to avoid sources of entry for these contaminants, as well as potential traps within the clean space of the system. Sanitary connections are used everywhere that components must be removed for service, cleaning, or replacement. All other piping connections are orbitally welded and checked for porosity. Any potential for contamination to permeate or reside in the process lines must be avoided at all cost. The entire system of vessel and related piping are subject to steam-in-place (SIP) sterilization, and a flushing process with aggressive chemicals called clean-in-place (CIP) to ensure a sterile environment before a batch is begun.