Glaxo keeps it pure
28 Jan 2008
Glaxo Smith-Kline's manufacturing plant in Harlow keeps ultra pure water circulating in the ring main pipe work at a constant 85°C - 90°C to eliminate the potential for purification faults caused by bacteria and foreign bodies.
When the laboratories have a requirement for water, it is fed through a chiller and then delivered to the lab at a constant 15°C. However, the turbine meters originally installed as part of the water monitoring system caused problems as a result of bearing failure.
The problem is that the turbines need the fluid being measured to be reasonably lubricating to operate effectively and ultrapure water is extremely 'dry'.
To resolve the problem, GSK installed non-contact, clamp-on ultrasonic meters —from Flowline Manufacturing of Borehamwood — which could be installed without the need for any process shut-down.
The Minisonic devices also overcame problems with measurement errors from another clamp-on flowmeter, caused by the water being chilled prior to being delivered to the point of use. The replacement units proved capable of handling the fluctuating temperatures, without inducing errors on the measurement.
When the laboratories have a requirement for water, it is fed through a chiller and then delivered to the lab at a constant 15°C. However, the turbine meters originally installed as part of the water monitoring system caused problems as a result of bearing failure.
The problem is that the turbines need the fluid being measured to be reasonably lubricating to operate effectively and ultrapure water is extremely 'dry'.
To resolve the problem, GSK installed non-contact, clamp-on ultrasonic meters —from Flowline Manufacturing of Borehamwood — which could be installed without the need for any process shut-down.
The Minisonic devices also overcame problems with measurement errors from another clamp-on flowmeter, caused by the water being chilled prior to being delivered to the point of use. The replacement units proved capable of handling the fluctuating temperatures, without inducing errors on the measurement.
