Steriline is a well-established European manufacturer, highly specialised in the production of complete lines for the aseptic processing of injectable products, supplying pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Steriline was founded in 1989 in the Lake Como area (Italy), where its headquarters and manufacturing facilities are still based. With operations in over 50 countries around the world, Steriline has a network of over 400 people, including direct employees and external partners, in addition to 40 local sales representatives. Exports represent more than 90% of Steriline’s turnover, with over 2,000 machines installed throughout Asia, Europe and the U.S.A.

Steriline develops, manufactures and supplies a comprehensive range of solutions, including both mechanical and robotic applications for aseptic processing. These applications are consistent with vials, ampoules, cartridges and syringes and can handle toxic or non-toxic products in both liquid and powder form. Steriline’s complete lines include equipment ranging from washing machines, depyrogenation tunnels, filling and capping machines, to external decontamination machines and barrier systems such as LAF, oRABS, cRABS and isolators.

Innovative products support safe plant operation

"Our customers appreciate our tailor-made solutions, which prove to be particularly reliable in operation," explains Matteo Tagliabue, who is Products Processes Manager at Steriline. He explains that the demand for reliability in this industry is very high due to strict legal requirements and is closely linked to machine and operator safety. This is one way to meet the growing demand and ensure efficient and high-quality operations. For about a year now, Steriline has been installing REDisc overpressure valves from Rico Sicherheitstechnik in Herisau, Switzerland, in its isolators. This innovative product ensures pressure equalization in the event of increased overpressure and effectively prevents the isolator or other system components from bursting. Thanks to its 100% gas tightness, the solution offers maximum reliability during processes carried out inside the machine.

Focus on customer requirements

"Unlike other overpressure valves, the REDisc's connecting flanges are a special feature: Rico offers a tri-clamp version, which in turn fully meets our requirements as a manufacturer of isolators in the pharmaceutical sector. This enables a quick, hygienic and uncomplicated installation," says Matteo Tagliabue. The function of the pressure relief valve is based on a mechanical principle: in normal operation, the valve's closing body is in the closed and sealed position. If there is a high overpressure, the closing body is moved to an open position by the pressure, allowing it to escape. When the pressure drops, the valve automatically closes. "This solution is essential for our systems because otherwise there are risks in the form of danger to the people working here, destruction of the isolator and the surrounding environment, and serious contamination of the pharmaceutical products. The use of the pressure relief valve is the optimal safety-choice for us," explains Matteo Tagliabue, adding: "We discussed what was important to us prior to selecting a product and concluded that the overpressure valve should be made of stainless steel, be chemically resistant and be able to meet and withstand the working pressure. Rico also met the requirements for the tolerance range of the REDisc, which deviated from the standard, and offered a customer-oriented solution. The valve is also made of stainless steel and anodized aluminum, providing the chemical resistance required for use in the pharmaceutical industry. There is also the option of vertical or horizontal installation. "In our isolators, the valves are integrated at the top - this option for flexible installation also scored points with us," says Matteo.

In-house maintenance

Steriline offers its customers a comprehensive service provided by technical support and qualified engineers. The installation of REDisc overpressure valves is also carried out by their own teams as part of the implementation of the complete system. Subsequent maintenance is also carried out on behalf of the end customer in accordance with the relevant agreements.

"All processes related to the integration are running smoothly, not least due to the nature of the overpressure valves and the consideration of user requirements," says Matteo Tagliabue, explaining that they have found a particularly reliable supplier in Rico, whose products will continue to be used in the future to equip the Steriline systems with the necessary safety precautions.

Certified Safety

Rico Sicherheitstechnik, based in Herisau, Switzerland, has been developing and selling various components for explosion isolation since 1988. With the help of high-quality products such as explosion protection valves (Ventex), explosion protection slides (RSV, Redex Slide) and explosion flaps (Redex Flap), the company secures operations and protects industrial plants from the propagation of explosions. The solutions are mainly used in the pharmaceutical industry, chemical/petrochemical industry, in laboratories, silos, mills, dryers and separators as well as extraction systems. The specialists' portfolio also includes butterfly valves, which can shut off ventilation ducts 100% gas-tight and offer the advantage of easily checking for leaks when installed. Possible areas of application include the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. isolators), nuclear power plants, military/civil defense, chemicals/petrochemicals, research laboratories and hospitals.

Safety always comes first. Reliability, experience, innovation and flexibility are characteristics that distinguish Rico Sicherheitstechnik, as well as the consideration of individual wishes or the development of special designs. A team of experts is also on hand to advise and support customers in choosing the right components. Rico Sicherheitstechnik is certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU. In the field of explosion protection, a type test is carried out for each component under a wide variety of conditions, and for the gas-tight butterfly valves, the company meets the highest requirements for tightness, which are used in the respective disciplines. At Rico Sicherheitstechnik AG, every single product undergoes final testing. This principle has guaranteed the highest quality for maximum safety requirements for more than 30 years.

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