March 22, 2022 – Framatome recently completed a modernization project for the BBF Sterilisationsservice GmbH sterilization facility in Kernen, Germany, to improve the plant’s conveyer system. As a direct result of Framatome’s applied expertise during the project, BBF awarded Framatome a long-term service contract for the supply of spare parts and services at the facility. The contract builds on Framatome’s commitment to extend the company’s nuclear expertise to the healthcare sector.
“Through Framatome Healthcare, we are helping major sterilization, pharmaceutical and medical companies create products that maintain the highest level of quality,” said Francois Gauché, director of Framatome Healthcare. “I offer my congratulations to the teams from BBF and Framatome for their outstanding performance and excellent cooperation.”
Framatome installed a new advanced transport system at the facility based on walking-beam technology. This is the first time this technology has been used in the process of sterilizing medical products and pharmaceuticals. Unlike existing systems, the new walking beam technology operates on two levels and can convey mixed loads, recirculate containers within the irradiation room, perform empty runs and ensure that the products to be irradiated are moved carefully in the containers. Framatome developed the innovative technology to address the specific requirements of sterilization facilities worldwide.
"By modernizing our transport system with an experienced partner like Framatome, we ensure the safe and economic operation of our facility in the future,” said Johannes Jandl, head of Gamma Irradiation Services at BBF Sterilisationsservice GmbH. “The innovative system opens up a previously unattained level of flexibility to answer the growing demand for sterile medical products and pharmaceuticals. We are looking forward to our long-term cooperation with Framatome."
In preparation for the modernization project, Framatome worked with BBF to empty the complete irradiation hot cell, secure the source and implement authority-required measures. This process was followed by the installation of Framatome’s unique walking-beam and entire conveyor system, including automation, integration of ventilation, water treatment, fire protection and access control. Framatome and BBF also performed the final irradiation operational qualification of the new system.
BBF specializes in the sterilization of medical products and
pharmaceuticals using a cobalt (Co60) source and builds on decades of
experience in the European sterilization market.
Framatome Healthcare, the new member of the Framatome brand family, is committed to developing products and services for the healthcare industry. Its team supports the value chain for the radioisotopes used in radiopharmaceuticals for diagnostic imaging and therapeutic purposes, supplies special alloys for the development of surgical implants and prostheses, and provides advanced solutions for complex sterilization facilities essential for the use of medical materials. Framatome Healthcare’s experts advance cancer-fighting treatments and medical applications of nuclear technology.
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Video: Framatome Solutions for Sterilization Facilities