Benefits of Single-Use Transfer Lines in Biopharmaceutical Applications

To meet existing and future demand and maintain a competitive advantage, many biopharmaceutical manufacturers are striving to develop increased efficiencies within manufacturing processes. This is where single-use systems, particularly single-use transfer lines, can deliver significant value, including added flexibility, improved production yields and increased cost savings.

One application for single-use transfer lines is in the aseptic transfer of inoculums through a seed train of stainless steel bioreactors. A traditional facility will feature a series of bioreactors that increase sequentially in capacity and are connected by CIP/SIP piping. Replacing the fixed piping with single-use transfer lines eliminates the need for CIP validation and reduces maintenance and capital expense by eliminating expensive valve and sanitary piping assemblies. Using Colder Products Corporation Steam-Thru® Connections allow operators to independently steam-on both ends of the transfer lines when sterilizing each bioreactor. Transitioning the SIP valves to the open position allows aseptic transfer of inoculums.

The benefits of single-use transfer lines also apply to suite-to-suite transfers. Most bioprocessing facilities have separate suites dedicated for distinct processes e.g. fermentation, harvest clarification, chromatography or formulation. Traditionally the processes have been linked together via stainless steel piping; now manufacturers can simply run a single-use transfer line through a transport door to quickly and easily link one suite to another. In the final fill process a single-use transfer line can deliver sterile drug liquid from a stainless steel holding tank to a filling machine. In these installations, the transfer line incorporate Steam-Thru connection attached to the sterile holding tank, a “through-the-wall” fluid transfer system to bring a portion of the transfer line into an isolator where filling occurs.

The benefits of single-use transfer lines aren’t limited to upstream or downstream processes, large or small operations, or new or retrofit facilities. Whether it’s connecting within a process or across different processes, this is a technology with bottom line advantages throughout the manufacturing operation.

Call 1.800.848-1141 for more information or to schedule a visit with a local RHFS field salesman.

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