Core Features
Ultra-Hygienic Design for Critical Clean Processes: Functions as a precision pressure sensor engineered for pharmaceutical, biotech, and high-purity food applications, featuring a 316L stainless steel body with electropolished (Ra ≤0.4μm) surfaces. This design eliminates crevices and minimizes particle retention, complying with FDA, EHEDG, and 3-A Sanitary Standard 18-03 for aseptic processing environments.
Low-Pressure Range with Exceptional Accuracy: Operates across a 0–10 bar (0–145 psi) range with ±0.1% full-scale accuracy, ideal for monitoring delicate pressure differentials in cleanrooms, bioreactors, and sterile filtration systems. The sensor’s silicon piezoresistive technology with advanced temperature compensation ensures stability from -10°C to +80°C.
Analog Output for Continuous Process Control: Provides a 4–20mA analog output (2-wire, loop-powered) for real-time pressure data, enabling precise process control in applications like chromatography, vaccine production, and sterile filling. The signal integrates seamlessly with PLCs and SCADA systems (e.g., Siemens S7-1200, Allen-Bradley ControlLogix) used in GMP-compliant facilities.
High-Purity Media Compatibility: The 316L stainless steel wetted parts and EPDM/FKM (USP Class VI) O-rings ensure compatibility with WFI (Water for Injection), sterile gases (O₂, N₂), biological fluids, and cleaning agents (e.g., peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide), making it suitable for direct contact with pharmaceutical products.
SIP/CIP Resistant Construction: Designed to withstand repeated Sterilization-in-Place (SIP) cycles (135°C at 3 bar for 60 minutes) and aggressive Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures, with a flush diaphragm to prevent product entrapment. The sensor achieves IP69K protection (IEC 60529) for resistance to high-pressure, high-temperature washdowns.
Traceability & Compliance: Includes comprehensive documentation for regulatory compliance, such as material certificates (3.1.B), calibration records, and a validation guide to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Flexible Sanitary Connections: Available with Tri-Clamp (1.5"), SMS, or DIN 11851 fittings to integrate with existing hygienic piping systems, ensuring a seamless, crevice-free connection critical for aseptic processes.
Typical Applications
The ALCO Switch PS4-W1 is engineered for high-precision pressure monitoring in sterile and hygienic processes, with core use cases including:
Bioreactor Systems: Installed in single-use or stainless steel bioreactors to monitor gas overlay pressure or liquid head pressure, ensuring optimal cell growth conditions.
Pharmaceutical Filling Lines: Used in vial, syringe, or ampoule filling machines to monitor sterile gas pressure, preventing contamination and ensuring precise fill volumes.
Sterile Filtration: Integrated into membrane filtration systems for WFI or drug product purification, monitoring pressure differentials to detect filter fouling.
Cleanroom HVAC: Deployed in cleanroom pressure control systems to maintain positive pressure differentials, preventing airborne contamination in Class 5–8 environments.
Cosmetic & Personal Care Production: Used in high-purity cosmetic manufacturing (e.g., injectable fillers) to monitor pressure in mixing and filling processes, ensuring product integrity.