Steam-air mixture sterilizers for pharma industry
The AMS Series of Pharmaceutical Grade Steam-Air Mixture sterilizers is a range of autoclaves designed for terminal sterilization using steam air mixture technology. Specially designed for the treatment of pharma grade materials and products that must be dry and arranged for further handling promptly after cooling, this sterilization method avoids any damage to pressure and heat-sensitive materials.
An optimal air ventilation maintains the temperature uniform in the sterilizing chamber during all process phases. These features make it suitable for sterilizing liquids in sealed or heat-sensitive containers, such as bottles, ampoules, vials, semi-open containers, bags, blister packs, prefilled syringes, pouches, contact lenses, and large sizes and small-volume parenteral (LVP and SVP).
Flexibility and versatility characterize the series devices available in different chamber sizes – chamber volume ranging from 830 to 25.000 litres (29 to 883 cu ft). The chamber is equipped with horizontal sliding double doors and the movement is controlled by an electromechanical device. The door tightness is guaranteed by gasket in Silicon FDA compliant swallowtail pneumatically pressurized by compressed air.
The AMS Series of Pharma Grade Steam-Air Mixture Sterilizers is designed, manufactured, validated, and documented according to the latest global practices and standards to facilitate customers’ compliance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs).
Main applications of steam-air mixture sterilizers Steelco AMS series
- Liquids in sealed, semi-open or heat-sensitive containers
- Bottles, ampoules and vials
- Bags, blister packing
- Pre-filled syringes
- Pouches
- Contact lenses and LPV’s
- Pasteurization of blood plasma
Key features of steam-air mixture sterilizers Steelco AMS series
- Load completely dry at the end of the cycle
- Optimal temperature distribution
- Rapid Cooling
- Flexible and versatile loading and unloading solutions
- Easy maintenance
- Non-proprietary parts
- Remote assistance
Reliable and hygienic construction
A high-quality AISI 316 L stainless steel chamber guarantee long-term reliability and steam cleanliness. Chamber is provided with a jacket for fast and uniform heating and cooling of the load or a heat exchanger inside the chamber. The machine body is insulated with ceramic material, and external cladding stainless steel—pipings in compliance with ASME BPE made of AISI 316L stainless steel with tri-clamp fittings. FDA components in contact with the product are of sanitary type - a 3.1 certificate can be provided.
Sterilization process
Pure steam is used in the chamber for heating liquids. Over-pressure filtered air is injected into the chamber to compensate for the rising temperature and pressure inside the products. Internal fans ensure a uniform temperature distribution, between 110°C to 135°C, to avoid cold spots across the chamber. Rapid heating and cooling are standard phases. The treated items are completely dry at the end of the cycle.
Integrated architecture
Steelco has evolved its technologies to integrate its devices among themselves and into existing automation systems and, at the software level, to integrate naturally with the client's software and customer management systems. We can install new equipment into an existing automation system by adopting a simple (HMI) or more sophisticated (SCADA) man-machine interface, with complete customization of access levels available. In compliance with the individual internal policies of each customer, Steelco offers remote service access by using virtual private networks to ensure the confidentiality and safety of all transferred data. Customized automation solutions that are wholly integrated with the client's IS system and comprehensive network services such as integration with MES can be provided.
Quality engineering process and qualification services
Our equipment's technical consulting, design, engineering, project management, and commissioning and qualification services are offered, with customers appreciating the cost-effective, high-performance solutions provided to resolve complex washing and sterilization challenges. Design qualification (DQ), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) are provided in a standard version or customized according to the final scope of supply. In addition, customers are always welcome to visit Steelco factories to see design and manufacturing methods and audit our processes.