November 2024 | VOL. 4 | ISSUE 4
DUO-PRO / DOUBLE CONTAINMENT FOR DRAINAGE APPLICATIONS IN PHARMACEUTICAL INSTALLATIONS​​​
In 1988, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) directed that underground transport of hazardous materials be protected from release into the environment in its Standard 40 CFR, Part 280 & 281. To comply, transport systems must:
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Have manual leak detection, at the very least, for drainage systems;
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Have automated leak detection for pressurized systems;
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Be double contained;
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Have outer containment that can retain media transport for a minimum of 30 days.
EPA Regulation 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 280 lists more than 800 hazardous chemicals that must be double contained. According to the EPA, chemicals used in pharmaceutical manufacturing that are considered hazardous include arsenic, barium, cadmium, chloroform, chromium, lindane, mercury, and selenium, among others. Double contained piping systems protect the environment and prevent the need for costly cleanup and project delays should there be a leak in the inner/carrier pipe.
HOW ASAHI/AMERICA FITS INTO THE BUY AMERICAN ACT (BAA) AND THE BUILD AMERICA, BUY AMERICA ACT (BABAA)​​
Are you one of many who are confused by the "Buy American" acts? Asahi/America, Inc. continues to receive requests whether our products can be used on projects with these requirements. The following is information explaining the government programs along with details on how you can continue to use Asahi/America's products on these government-funded projects:
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What's the difference between the Buy American Act (BAA) and the Build America, Buy American Act (BABAA)?
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The Buy American Act (BAA) generally applies to direct federal procurement, which means purchases made by the U.S. federal government. The Build America, Buy America Act (BABAA) focuses on federal financial assistance programs, including grants, loans, and infrastructure projects. BABAA can have specific differences in its application depending on the federal agency (like the Department of Energy or Department of Transportation), as agencies may interpret or implement BABAA requirements uniquely. For more information, reference the Brief History appendix at the end of this article.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES & INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS WITH THERMOPLASTIC VALVES
Thermoplastic valves are increasingly being utilized in various industrial applications due to their lightweight nature, excellent chemical resistance, and corrosion resistance. However, the installation and maintenance of these valves require specific approaches and techniques that differ from traditional metal valve systems. This article outlines best practices for the installation and maintenance of thermoplastic valves.​
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Specification and Preparation
Thermoplastic materials are widely used in various applications due to their inherent flexibility, ease of processing, and favorable mechanical properties. However, the chemical resistance of these materials can vary significantly based on their composition and the specific chemicals they are exposed to.
Prior to installation, verify the compatibility of the thermoplastic materials (such as PVC, CPVC, PVDF, and GFPP) with the fluids being transported—reference chemical resistance charts (example below) to ensure adequacy under operating conditions.
BONUS ARTICLE! - THERMOPLASTICS IN SILICON CARBIDE WAFER FABS
Silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as a pivotal material in the semiconductor industry due to its unique electrical properties compared to traditional silicon. SiC devices enable higher efficiency, lower losses, and enhanced performance, making them indispensable for modern power electronics and electric vehicle technologies.
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One of the distinguishing features of SiC wafer processing is the significantly higher process temperatures required compared to silicon wafers. SiC wafer processing fabs may generate 1.5 times more heat compared to similarly-sized silicon wafer fabs. In addition to upsizing process cooling water lines, the thermal output necessitates robust thermal management strategies to maintain optimal operating conditions and equipment reliability.
