The Bio aseptic transfer valve is said to set new standards for the safe and clean transfer of sensitive product from process to process. The Bio overcomes issues with traditional methods of transfer where there is a brief time period prior to docking the device during which the mating faces — or in worst case, product itself — are exposed to the production environment. The two-stage operation of the Bio involves steam cleaning in place (SIP) of the active half, including assurance that the ring of concern is clean. Then, the VHP is introduced into a sealed chamber formed between the discs of the two halves of the valve to ensure the critical sealing faces are decontaminated before the transfer. This new split-valve technology helps to limit manual handling and intervention. It is also possible to perform multiple, repeat transfers without the need for continuous SIP steps or re-validation. — ChargePoint Technology, Liverpool, U.K.