Axium Process, specialist stainless steel fabricators, was recently commissioned by Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service to manufacture a stainless steel pressure vessel to a very strict specification, including an internal finish polished to 0.5 Ra, which also had to meet the stringent requirements set out by the UK Pressure Equipment Regulations, the EC Pressure Equipment Directive and the design code PD5500.  

The vessel, which had to fit into a specific footprint, as well as be mobile,   was manufactured in 316L stainless steel and fitted with valves, fittings and instruments and a large top-mounted inspection port, all of which had to be capable of being cleaned-in-place and be autoclavable on a routine basis   at 121 ° C .  

The Scottish National Blood Transfusion Centre chose Axium Process due to its experience with the manufacture of hygienic pressure vessels up to and including category 3 which requires Notified Body verification.

As well as the manufacture of pressure vessels for the pharmaceutical industry, Axium Process’ capabilities include mirror polished hoppers, funnels, flow plates, manifolds, pharmaceutical ducting systems, CIP systems, integrated pipework, special component customisation, frames and fully integrated customised manual and automatic hygienic process plant.