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Process Analytics in the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries

Biopharmaceutical manufacturing is characterized by the use of modern technologies and scientific progress, as well as highly complex research and development work

For decades, Knick has consulted and supported companies in process analytics worldwide. The company’s key competencies include measuring the pH value, ORP, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen – with process reliability. Alongside sensors, Knick supplies innovative industrial transmitters, high-quality process connections and fittings, and unique cleaning and calibration systems.

Progressive Technologies Driven by Highly Complex Research and Development

As a rule, developing an innovative active pharmaceutical ingredient requires a huge amount of time and capital in order to convert scientific discoveries into new medication and set up specialized production systems with the right equipment. Initial investigational medicinal products must be manufactured for clinical trials and then the ingredient must receive FDA approval before full production can begin.

Today it is virtually impossible to treat rare or complex diseases without treatments developed by the biopharmaceutical industry. Animal and insect cells, bacteria, and yeast are genetically modified in order to produce target molecules like recombinant proteins, vaccines, and much more. Due to the heterogeneity of the living organisms, production in this field is a complex process. The heterogeneity of the upstream process is also transferred downstream to the subsequent product cleaning steps.

The automation of all upstream, downstream, and supporting processes contributes to reducing the risk of human error, increasing operational efficiency, and in turn, increasing the safety and quality of the end product.

Downstream

Water for Injection WFI

ChemPharma

Upstream

Why Knick?
As a specialist for measuring and control technology, Knick offers a high level of competency and application know-how in the area of liquid analysis in demanding applications. Knick’s production depth ensures product quality and flexibility when it comes to customer-specific requirements. A customer focus and reliability characterize the company, as do innovative products and technologies that are used worldwide by renowned manufacturers in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.

Biopharmaceutical Process: Solutions for Every Process Step

In the biopharmaceutical industry, every process step is important and requires its own measuring technology in order to control critical parameters for maximum yield and as few deviations as possible.

Knick offers complete measuring loops from sensors to fully automated sensor maintenance systems. Automated processes contribute to raising standardization, avoiding transcription errors, and improving compliance.

With the cCare system from Knick, key goals of the FDA’s PAT initiative can be met:

  • Standardization of calibration and cleaning processes to reduce fluctuations and deviations
  • Elimination of transcript errors and therefore, fewer defective batches
  • Thanks to Audit Trail, compliance with the applicable regulations
Biopharmaceutical Industry Brochure


Overview of specific applications and product solutions in various areas of the biopharmaceutical industry.

Related Applications

Monitoring CIP/SIP Processes
Reliable conductivity measurement for extreme temperature differences in CIP/SIP processes
Utilities: Optimization of Liquid Analysis
pH, conductivity, and oxygen measurement for monitoring and optimizing processes in utilities
Reverse Osmosis Systems
Reverse osmosis systems are used for water treatment in a wide range of industrial applications. The main application is industrial saltwater desalination.

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Matching Products

Protos II 4400 S Modular Multiparameter-Transmitter | Wide Sensor Selection | Hygienic Surface | 4-Wire | Broad-Range Power Supply
Protos II 4400 S Modular Multiparameter-Transmitter | Wide Sensor Selection | Hygienic Surface | 4-Wire | Broad-Range Power Supply
Product number:

4400 S

SE547N pH Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | CIP/SIP capable and autoclavable
SE547N pH Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | CIP/SIP capable and autoclavable
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SE547N/1-NMSN-A2

SE554 pH/ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For very high ionic strength media
SE554 pH/ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For very high ionic strength media
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SE554X/1-AMSN

SE555 pH/ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | CIP/SIP capable | Sterilizable | For aggressive media
SE555 pH/ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | CIP/SIP capable | Sterilizable | For aggressive media
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SE555X/1-AMSN

SE565 ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For hygienic processes and sterile applications
SE565 ORP Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | For hygienic processes and sterile applications
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SE565X/1-NMSN

SE571 pH Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | PWIS-free | Ex | For demanding applications in the chemical industry
SE571 pH Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | PWIS-free | Ex | For demanding applications in the chemical industry
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SE571X/1-NMSN-LABS

SE620 2-Electrode Conductivity Sensor | VP | Pharma compliant hygienic design
SE620 2-Electrode Conductivity Sensor | VP | Pharma compliant hygienic design
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SE620/1

SE740 Optical Oxygen Sensor | M12 (8 pins) | 325 mm | For demanding hygienic environments
SE740 Optical Oxygen Sensor | M12 (8 pins) | 325 mm | For demanding hygienic environments
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SE740/3

Unical 9000 Electro-pneumatic controller | For automatic cleaning and calibration | Hygienic Surface
Unical 9000 Electro-pneumatic controller | For automatic cleaning and calibration | Hygienic Surface
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Uniclean 900 Electro-pneumatic controller | For automatic cleaning | Hygienic Surface
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Current Blog Post on Process Analytics

Feb 2024

Process Analytics

Uniclean700, Launch

Uniclean 700 Series - Modular control system for automated sensor cleaning
With the Uniclean 700 series, Knick is introducing a modular control system, that can be installed very quickly and cost-effectively as a flexible entry-level solution for automated sensor cleaning.

Dec 2023

Company

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Interface Technology

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Process Analytics

Knick Austria - direct customer contact in Austria from 2024
Reorganization of sales in Austria and new contacts in the field of process analytics and interface technology

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, WA111

Robust WA111 Retractable Fitting Made of Plastic for Highly Corrosive Operating Conditions
The plastic WA111 retractable fitting is a robust and cost-effective solution for corrosive processes and environments. It is equipped with a secure lock function and multiple nozzles for thorough sensor cleaning.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, WA155

Successful joint project : Knick developed the special Ceramat WA 155 retractable fitting for optical probes from SOPAT
In cooperation with SOPAT, Knick developed a special Ceramat fitting for optical probes for automatic cleaning in fouling processes.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Phamacy, pH

pH and conductivity measurement in vaccine production
Pharmaceutical contract manufacturer relies on Knick's transmitters for modular production plants for Covid-19 vaccines.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Sensor, SE625

Sturdy 2-Electrodes Conductivity Sensor SE625 with Coaxial Electrodes made of Titanium
The SE625 ensures reliable and accurate determination of the conductivity of ultrapure water in the semiconductor industry.

Jan 2023

Process Analytics

ARD75

Sensor Adapter with Lock Function Enables Safe and Thorough Cleaning
Sensor adapter with locking gate for safety and thorough cleaning of sensors in the immersion fitting ARD75 without the need

Nov 2022

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Module

Up to six Sensors on one Transmitter Protos II 4400 via Modul MSU4400-180
Users can now connect up to six Memosens sensors simultaneously.

Aug 2022

Process Analytics

Achema, Exhibition

ACHEMA 2022 - Knick at the world forum for the process industry
In August 2022, the international process industry met at the ACHEMA. Knick presented the cCare system and industrial applications in a new concept.

Jun 2022

Process Analytics

pH, Sensor, SE555, ORP

Combined pH- and ORP-Sensor SE555X/*-AMSN
Combined pH and ORP measurement in one sensor SE555 saves place and equipment costs for demanding requirements in the chemical industry, the food sector and for hygienic applications.

Apr 2022

Process Analytics

MemoTrans

Ultra Compact Transmitter for Memosens Sensors
The new ultra compact MemoTrans MT201 transmitter plugs directly onto the Memosens sensor in the fitting and communicates via 4-20 mA HART protocol.

Feb 2022

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Stratos Multi, Software, ProgaLog

Conveniently configure transmitters offline on a PC - ProgaLog 4000
Conveniently configure all flexibly configurable Stratos Multi and Protos II 4400 transmitters offline, save settings, duplicate for further transmitters, and create documentation for audits.

Feb 2022

Process Analytics

Stratos Multi, Transmitter

New Stratos Multi E461N transmitter with Profinet
The interface enables continuous communication of process variables and predictive maintenance from the field level to all common process control systems.

Jan 2022

Process Analytics

Memosens

Memosens 2.0: Evolution of digital data transfer
As one of the two initiators of Memosens, Knick is constantly developing the technology.

Nov 2021

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Sensor, Ex, SE656, SE655

SE655X Digital and SE656X Digital - Digital Conductivity Sensors with Ex Certification
The SE655X digital and SE656X digital conductivity sensors with Memosens protocol are now also available with Ex certification.

Nov 2021

Process Analytics

Exhibition, Switzerland, Ilmac

ILMAC 2021 in Basel - Trade Show Review by Knick Schweiz AG
Knick Schweiz AG exhibited at ILMAC in Basel and gives a brief review of what it's like to have finally met customers at the show again.

Oct 2021

Process Analytics

Stratos Multi, Transmitter, Ex

Stratos Multi E401X- Multiparameter Transmitter for Hazardous Locations
The new Multiparameter Transmitter Stratos Multi E401X can now also be used in hazardous locations, installed in Ex Zone 2.

May 2021

Process Analytics

Transmitters, Stratos Multi

Stratos Multi E471 with EtherNet/IP for process optimization
EtherNet/IP communication protocol allows the transmitter to be easily integrated into Industrial Ethernet networks as PCS.

May 2021

Process Analytics

Launch, Conductivity, Sensor, SE656

New SE656N digital conductivity sensor
New toroidal Digital Conductivity Sensor with a large measuring range and consisting of PFA for using in aggressive media

Mar 2021

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Profinet

Transmitter for the process industry with PROFINET module
The PROFINET industrial Ethernet standard is becoming an increasingly important aspect of process engineering in the “Industry 4.0” environment.

Jul 2020

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, ARD170

High-quality immersion fitting for mobile applications
ARD 170 enables measurements even in deep water

Jul 2020

Process Analytics

Fitting, ARD50, ARD75

Modular immersion fitting as an electrically conductive variant
Knick is expanding its portfolio of fittings for liquid analysis with additional electrically conductive (EL) variants.

Apr 2020

Process Analytics

Launch, Transmitters, Stratos Multi

New multiparameter transmitter Stratos Multi
Knick is launching the the next generation in its Stratos analyzer product line.

Feb 2018

Process Analytics

Fitting, Sensor

How to get the sensor into the process
Sensors as the direct interface to the process must be exactly matched to the chemistry of the measured medium and to the prevailing pressure and temperature conditions.

Apr 2017

Process Analytics

MemoRail Modbus

Powerful compact analyzer boosts performance while reducing costs
It has long been common practice when taking pH/ORP, conductivity, and oxygen measurements that a fixed analyzer be mounted near the sensor. The analyzer serves several purposes.

Feb 2017

Process Analytics

Conductivity

High-Precision Conductivity Measurement at Extreme Temperature Differences
Pharmaceutical manufacturer, EVER Pharma Jena uses the extremely robust conductivity sensors SE605(H) and SE680 with Memosens technology from Knick.

Nov 2016

Process Analytics

Transmitter, FF, Profibus, HART

The Big Three of the Process Industry: HART, FF, Profibus
Our Knick multi-parameter analyzers are now available with Profibus and FF interfaces. Even for hazardous areas.