Pharmaceutical Hygienic Valve for Tablets

An original equipment manufacturer have included a hygienic Pinch Valve from AKO UK in one of their machine builds for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in Britain.

Selecting the Right Valve for Tablet Application

The media passing through the valve at the end of a small hopper is tablets at ambient temperature, which are gravity fed. The valve is normally closed, and performs approx 80-100 cycles per day.

The valve is used to control the flow of the tablets into small kegs to be weighed, having the facility to stop and start the flow.

The OEM decided to use a Pinch Valve for this build as it was a variation of an example on an old machine on site. This is the first time that the OEM have used AKO UK’s Pinch Valve on this particular design, but since it is performing well for the job, there are more orders lined up ready for the next machine builds.

Unfortunately no photos are allowed to be taken due to company confidentiality with the end user.

The VMCE Pinch Valves are characterised by an easy-to-clean (CIP), sterilizable (SIP-capable), and bacteria-tight design in accordance with EHEDG certification type EL Class I and Type EL ASEPTIC Class I. Furthermore, the VMCE pinch valves are piggable (RIP).

Benefits of using a Pinch Valve for Conveying Tablets

As the Pinch Valve forms a seal around the tablets when it closes, they do not become crushed or damaged. Unlike with other valve types where the tablets can get cut up with the action of a closing gate on a valve, or crushed from the action of a swivelling ball or disc.

The aseptic Pinch Valve type VMCE from AKO UK stands out due to its hygienic design.
This valve has excellent cleanability in an installed state, a flexible modular system and durable pinch valve sleeves, to name just some of the advantages..