(Virtual Showroom)A contract manufacturing organisation (CMO) provides support to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in the manufacturing of medications, formulations, and substances. Services include commercial production, drug development, formal stability studies, formulation development, method development, pre-formulation, and registration batches. CMOs enable pharmaceutical companies to improve operational efficiency and profitability by utilising advanced equipment and employing highly trained staff, which is critical in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. Additionally, CMOs help ensure compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements, minimising challenges during the drug development and manufacturing process. The global market for CMOs was valued at $92.42 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach $188.07 billion by 2026.

VEGA’s measurement solutions offer accuracy and reliability for monitoring levels and pressures during the manufacturing process. Sensors and pressure transmitters offer traceability and validation documentation, simplifying the qualification and validation processes required for regulatory compliance.

Level Measurement for Operational Efficiency

CMOs deal with high-value raw materials, intermediates, and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), where accurate level monitoring is critical for both cost management and product quality. VEGA’s VEGAPULS 6X, a radar-based level sensor operating at 80 GHz, is widely used in pharmaceutical applications due to its precision and versatility. The sensor’s high-frequency radar beam enables precise, non-contact level measurement in storage and process vessels, regardless of the medium’s properties. In pharmaceutical settings, where hygiene and sterility are required, the non-contact design of the VEGAPULS 6X eliminates the risk of contamination.

The 6X outperforms traditional sensors in conditions where foaming, vapour, and condensation are common occurrences during the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. Its narrow beam angle ensures accurate measurements, even in small or complex vessels with internal components like agitators or baffles. The sensor’s materials, including hygienic-grade PTFE and stainless steel, comply with FDA and EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering & Design Group) standards, making it suitable for pharmaceutical processes requiring clean-in-place (CIP) and sterilise-in-place (SIP) protocols.

Measurement is not limited to liquids, contract manufacturers require level measurement of powders and granules stored in silos or hoppers. The VEGAPULS 6X is designed for solid-level measurement applications, featuring advanced signal processing capabilities that allow for accurate measurement of powder levels. This device can effectively measure powders with varying bulk densities, even in dusty or pressurised environments.

Pressure Measurement for Precision and Safety

Filtration, sterilisation, and reaction control during the manufacturing process rely on maintaining precise pressure conditions. The VEGABAR series of pressure transmitters offers exceptional accuracy, reliability, and durability for monitoring pressures in tanks, pipelines, and reactors.

The VEGABAR 83, equipped with ceramic-capacitive sensor technology, is an excellent choice for pharmaceutical applications. Its robust ceramic measuring cell withstands chemical exposure and abrasion, ensuring consistent performance even in aggressive environments. In processes such as API synthesis, where reactors operate under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, the VEGABAR 83 provides highly stable pressure measurements, critical for process control and safety.

For applications requiring differential pressure monitoring, such as in filter systems or closed reactors, the VEGABAR 82 offers a dependable solution. It features a chemical-resistant ceramic sensor, ensuring long-term stability and accuracy, even when measuring minuscule pressure differences. Precision is essential in filtration processes, as pressure changes can indicate reduced filter performance and the need for maintenance.

The integration of pressure measurement with level monitoring systems allows pharmaceutical CMOs to gain a comprehensive view of their processes. Combining VEGABAR pressure transmitters with VEGAPULS radar sensors enables both level and pressure monitoring, ensuring reliable control of liquid volumes and vessel conditions. This dual monitoring capability is predominantly valuable in sterile reactors and storage tanks that require precise pressure control to maintain aseptic conditions.

Point-Level Detection for Safety and Process Control

Point-level detection is an important safety and process control requirement in pharmaceutical manufacturing. High- and low-level alarms prevent overfilling and dry running of equipment, safeguarding processes and minimising product loss.

 The VEGASWING 63 is designed for liquid-level detection in hygienic environments. It is ideal for overfill protection and dry-run prevention in pharmaceutical tanks and reactors, where density, viscosity, or conductivity may vary. The VEGASWING series operates on vibration technology, where a tuning fork vibrates at a specific frequency when not in contact with the medium. If vibration ceases, an alarm or control action will be triggered. This simplicity and reliability render these switches ideal for safety-critical applications where even minor process deviations can jeopardise product quality and compliance.

The VEGA Cure

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturers rely on accurate and dependable instrumentation to maintain product quality, enhance process efficiency, and ensure regulatory compliance. VEGA offers a range of innovative level and pressure measurement solutions—like its VEGAPULS radar sensors, VEGABAR pressure transmitters, and VEGASWING level switches—that provide exceptional performance and versatility for pharmaceutical applications.

With designs that prioritise hygiene, robust materials, and advanced digital integration, VEGA’s instruments empower contract manufacturers to streamline processes, reduce downtime, and adhere to the strict standards of pharmaceutical production. Whether it's monitoring liquid levels in sterile tanks, measuring pressures within reactors, or ensuring safety through point-level detection, VEGA continues to be a reliable partner in the pharmaceutical sector.