Services
SmartFlow Technologies has been providing its services to the industrial filtration markets since the 1990’s. In that time SmartFlow has developed the philosophy of solving customer problems, providing solutions, and not just selling a product. SmartFlow works with customers to understand their problems and provide thorough applications development and optimization services. These programs provide experienced and dedicated application specialists, process engineers, and support engineers to assist customers with process development and process optimization programs. From filter selection through complete system design and commissioning, SmartFlow works with customers so that they can quickly realize the benefits provided by SmartFlow® TFF.
SmartFlow has introduced its' 365 AMS program to offer key services to our customers. Components of the 365 AMS program include scheduled preventative maintenance for the systems, module management in plant to maximize filter life, periodic performance reviews, and Emergency Replacement Module Inventories to enable rapid response to unexpected filter failure that could halt production. Customers can take advantage of any or all of these 365 AMS components.
Applications Development - SmartFlow's application development laboratory works with customers to develop an optimum combination of filter module requirements and processing conditions. Starting with membrane trials under standard conditions, the laboratory identifies the correct membrane to use from the portfolio of membranes available to us. Once the membrane is selected, the group identifies the correct channel height to allow for the preferred shear development at the membrane surface while minimizing the cost of oversizing pumps and motors for the system. Next the group performs a matrix of processing conditions to determine the combination of recirculating flow rate, pressure, and temperature that delivers the best performance. Once the module configuration and processing characteristics are determined, the group performs run on run testing to verify efficient cleaning protocols and estimate the life of the filter module in use.
Demonstration Systems - SmartFlow maintains a fleet of demonstration systems for our customers to verify the separation performance at the pilot scale. The fleet ranges from laboratory scale research systems to large scale pilot systems to meet their needs for process development or verification under actual plant conditions. Many customers choose to lease the systems for extended periods to maintain the benefits of the SmartFlow technology while the production systems are being built.
Systems Engineering - SmartFlow Technologies has over 25 years of systems design and construction experience. Whether starting with the data from the applications laboratory or data provided by the customer, SmartFlow can design, build, and commission the system required. From simple manual control systems to fully automated controls with CIP, SIP, and recipe based operations, SmartFlow can transform the customer's process development data into the system to match their needs.
Automation - SmartFlow Technologies offers a variety of automation alternatives for both filtration and chromatography operations. Entry level automation filtration packages include PLC/HMI process control to a set point, either pressure or flow rate, data collection, process condition alarms with warn or stop functions, and data collection from the system sensors. Data export or report options are available. Fully automated systems feature validated PLC/HMI systems from Allen Bradley or Siemens, full system control, recipe driven operations, user programmable operations, and secure data export.
Chromatography systems offer isocratic or gradient elution operations.
Inventory Management - SmartFlow Technologies can provide applications support within the customer's plant to manage the filter module performance in an on-going basis. Filters lose flux rate over time and this is more pronounced in the higher concentration stages of a multistage process. SmartFlow applications technicians can monitor the performance of filter modules in each stage. When the final stage modules reach the point where the flux rates are below the targeted levels, SmartFlow can rotate modules from less concentrated steps to the most concentrated steps and install new modules into the first stage. This creates a steady state production rate over time and eliminates the need to replace all of the filters in a multistage system all at once.
Emergency Replacement Module Inventory - SmartFlow Technologies has developed a rapid response program to assure customers minimal process downtime should there be an unexpected event which causes the filters to need to be replaced. With standard lead times of 4-6 weeks, many customers cannot afford their filtration systems to be off line for this length of time. SmartFlow has developed the Build and Hold program for these customers. The customer purchases a set of filters to be held at the final manufacturing step. When needed, SmartFlow can complete the manufacturing process, integrity test the filters, and ship the needed set within 24-48 hours. This process provides an added level of assurance to customers while minimizing their on-site inventory.