Applications
Split butterfly valves are used in:
- The pharmaceutical industry (APIs, HPAPIs, excipients)
- The chemical and fine chemicals industry
- Biotechnology (active and sensitive substances)
- The food industry (high-quality ingredients)
- Powder handling and bulk solids processes
Ideally suited for toxic, potent, and valuable products.
Product overview
Split butterfly valve – closed docking system for containment
A split butterfly valve consists of two parts:
- Active valve (mounted on fixed process equipment)
- Passive valve (on a container such as an IBC, drum, or big bag)
Operating principle:
- Both valves are fully closed independently
- Upon docking, the active and passive sides are mechanically locked together
- The two half-discs form a single complete valve
- Only after docking do both halves open simultaneously
- After the transfer, both sides close again and are safely disconnected
This results in a completely sealed transfer with no emissions or contamination.
Key features
- Fully enclosed system (high containment level)
- Two-part design (active/passive)
- Containment up to OEB5 possible (<1 µg/m³)
- Suitable for toxic and high-potency substances
- Manual or pneumatic operation possible
- Compatible with IBCs, drums, and process equipment
- GMP-compliant and hygienic design
Containment performance
Split butterfly valves are designed for critical containment applications:
- Minimizing dust emissions during transfer
- Protecting operators from exposure
- Preventing cross-contamination
- Maintaining product purity
Depending on the configuration, containment levels as low as <0.1 µg/m³ (OEB5) can be achieved.
Processing options
- Loading and unloading of reactors, dryers, and mixers
- Transfer between IBCs, drums, and process equipment
- Dust-free handling of powders and granules
- Batch and semi-continuous processes
- Integration into fully automated lines
- Application in isolators and containment systems
Technical specifications (approximate)
- Diameter: approx. DN 50 – DN 250
- Containment: up to OEB5 (<0.1 µg/m³)
- Pressure: up to approx. +6 bar
- Vacuum: up to approx. -1 bar
- Material: Stainless steel (316L), Hastelloy, or special alloys
- Seals: EPDM, Kalrez, or other elastomers
Options:
- Pneumatic or automatic operation
- CIP/SIP cleaning
- ATEX-compliant design (Zone 0/20 internal configuration possible)
- Single-use designs
- WIP (wash-in-place) systems
- Integration with lift systems and docking stations
Typical applications
- Transfer of pharmaceutical APIs and HPAPIs
- Dust-free handling of toxic powders
- Loading and unloading of process equipment
- Contained production environments (GMP / cleanroom)
- High-containment production lines
Why choose Hecht Technology?
Hecht Technology specializes in containment and safe product handling and offers:
- Complete containment solutions, including SBV integration
- Engineering and optimization of product flows
- Integration into existing and new installations
- Support for GMP, ATEX, and validation
Would you like more information?
Would you like to know which split butterfly valve solution is right for your process and containment level? Contact our specialists for customized advice.