In addition to manufacturing high-quality BSA and other novel proteins, Bovogen has grown to become a major supplier of sterile-filtered specialty animal serums.
The acquisition by ANZCO Foods (New Zealand) in 2016 created new opportunities for Bovogen. It enabled them access to large volumes and consistent supply of high-quality controlled and tested raw materials (serum and plasma), coupled with vertically integrated real-time traceability of materials.
Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) is the major protein species found in bovine blood plasma and has applications in life science disciplines such as cell culture, in-vitro diagnostics, human and veterinary pharmaceutical manufacture, vaccine development, viral transfer medium, molecular biology, serology and general research. The largest selling protein manufactured by Bovogen is their Premium BSA; Bovostar, which is used worldwide for these areas of science.
Centrifuges a central part of BSA extraction
Central to the production of BSA is the separation of the blood plasma using centrifuges. Centrifugation is a process used to separate the particles or the concentrated material, such as the cell, subcellular organelle, viruses, and large molecules (including proteins and nucleic acids), to obtain pure samples of the entire particle or material.
Bovogen uses two centrifuges to separate the plasma, with one fraction then processed further to purify the protein.
Automated flow control improves production rate
In 2018, Bürkert supplied and commissioned a control system with PID loop control to manage the inlet flow to the centrifuges. The application included a standalone PLC/HMI control system for two centrifuges including hygienic modulating Bürkert Type 2380 bellow control valves with ELEMENT Type 8693 process controllers in conjunction with Type 8056 sanitary magnetic flowmeters for closed-loop process control.
The 2/2-way Type 2380 bellow control valve is a pneumatically operated process valve with a single-acting diaphragm actuator. A PTFE bellow ensures the separation between medium and actuator, and the design of the media space allows the valve to be used under hygienic or aggressive conditions. The compact, lightweight and CIP/SIP-capable valve is ideal for demanding control tasks with low-flow rates, for which diaphragm valves are not suitable.
This initial control system was built to improve the monitoring and control over process flow rates and speed of production in support of Bovogen seeking improvements in yield.
“There has been an ever-increasing demand for high quality proteins to support the sciences they are used for,” said Matthew Bartlett, General Manager at Bovogen. “Bürkert’s support and devices were key to improving the Bovogen centrifuge application process – with the right equipment and smart automation controls – enabling ongoing production while ensuring a consistently high quality of product.”
Avoiding product loss by preventing leakage
At the output of the centrifuges, a needle valve was being used to match the output flow rate to the input flow rate, to manage any backpressure that may occur. Fluctuations in the inlet flow rate can lead to changes in backpressure resulting in unwanted bubbles, and sometimes leakage from the centrifuge.
In order to limit the likelihood of backpressure leaks, Bovogen operators had to continually monitor the pressure and adjust the outlet valve. Leakage has been known to cause product loss of around 6-8%.
Closing the loop with PID control
In 2021, Bürkert was engaged to provide automation of the outlet flow rate, so that the manual intervention of operators would not be necessary to prevent product leakage. Adding control of the outlet pressure and flow, synchronised with inlet flow variations, allows the overall pressure of the system to be regulated, eliminating leaks.
The backpressure system provided by Bürkert again utilised closed-loop process control with the Type 2380 hygienic bellow valves with ELEMENT Type 8693 process controllers in conjunction with and 8325 sanitary pressure sensors.
The application of automated control over both inlet and outlet flow rate has successfully achieved Bovogen’s objective of reducing protein loss and increasing batch yield of their BSA.
“The backpressure system is working flawlessly and my team is very pleased with the result,” said Rowan Whittaker, Production Manager.
As a result of the new closed loop centrifuge flow control, Bovogen is now successfully reducing waste, while improving production efficiency and yield.
Hygienic 2-way bellows control valve
- Media separation through PTFE bellows
- Hygienic and compact design
- Ideal for demanding control tasks at smaller flows
- All common port connections up to DN25 / NPS 1
Digital electropneumatic process controller for integrated mounting on process control valves
- Compact and robust stainless steel design
- Easy start-up via Tune function for position and process controller
- Contact-free position sensor
- Integrated pilot air duct with spring chamber aeration
- PROFIBUS DP-V1, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus TCP or büS (Bürkert system bus)
Pressure transmitter for general applications, 0…25 bar
- Available with hygienic flush-mounted diaphragm
- Housing and wetted parts in corrosion-resistant stainless steel
- Standard signal 4…20 mA for connection to automation systems
- Plug for quick installation and service
- Many pressure ranges available
Electro-magnetic flowmeter, hygienic process connections
- Combination of sensor Type S056 and transmitter Type SE56
- Continuous measurement or dosing
- Hygienic variant, 3A certificate
- For food, beverage or pharmaceutical applications
- Flow measurement for DN 03…DN 100