PDMO relies on Aflex hoses for safer and flexible API manufacturing

A small molecule partnership development and manufacturing organisation (PDMO) uses over 3,000 Aflex hoses to support the safe and efficient production of small molecule APIs (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) at its site in the United Kingdom.
 
From early development phase through to commercial supply, the global API developer and manufacturer operate fully compliant API manufacturing services (1,200 – 13,500 litre scale) specializing in hazardous chemistry at this site in the UK.
 
To meet these demanding requirements, the PDMO uses a variety of Aflex hoses – convoluted Corroflon, smoothbore Corroline+ and Bioflex Ultra – in its production to ensure flexibility, safety, and reliability. These Aflex hoses eliminate the risk of process failure and contamination, while enabling continuous processing and providing a long service life.

Why Aflex hoses matter in API production

Aflex hoses offer a practical, chemical-resistant solution for the API manufacturer’s teams when filling and emptying movable containers with acids, alkalis, solvents, or water. Their PTFE lining makes them ideal for transferring many common acids and solvents used in API manufacturing.

Key operations supported by Aflex hoses include:

• Charging liquid raw materials into vessels
• Discharging final product into containers
• Transferring liquids between vessels via bulk containers
• Emptying waste from processing equipment
• Assisting with clean-in-place (CIP) procedures

Aflex’s capabilities enable a safe, compliant, and cost-effective fluid transfer across the API manufacturer’s complex processes.

Specialist hose applications

The API developer and manufacturer use Aflex hoses throughout one of its UK sites for a wide range of applications:

• Corroline+: PTFE-lined flanges or Hastelloy BSPT threads provide superior chemical resistance and reliability compared to convoluted metal hoses, which can restrict flow and crack at welds and are not chemically resistant to their media.
• Corroflon and Corroline+: Ideal for general chemical transfer and connecting portable skids or filters. Corroflon is preferred where flexibility and kink resistance is key. 
• Bioflex Ultra: Smooth bore enabling high flow and ease of cleanability make it perfect for high-purity applications.
• Pilot plant adaptability: The pilot plant manufactures small-scale new products and relies on hoses to quickly adapt processes and route chemicals to different areas, making flexibility essential. This is why hoses are a better choice than fixed piping. 
• IBC loading and unloading: Corroflon polypropylene braided hoses handle raw material transfer to and from IBCs. De-drumming hoses empty IBCs into production vessels, and similar hoses discharge final product.

Some Aflex hoses have been in use at the API manufacturer for over 30 years, which is significantly longer than competitor hoses and reduces waste and production downtime, while saving on the cost of replacements.

Continuous pharmaceutical production demands flexibility

Flexibility and kink resistance are critical because the API manufacturer’s operational staff handle these Corroflon convoluted hoses daily. 
Other applications which Aflex hoses are used for include:

• Tanker offloading
• Bromine transfer
• Jacket services
• Skid cleaning units

Elliott Glover, Senior International Sales Engineer at Aflex Hose Ltd, said: “The customer is a multipurpose pharmaceutical plant that manufactures many pharmaceutical ingredients, so hose quality and performance are absolutely essential. Aflex delivers kink resistant and highly flexible PTFE hoses enhancing reliability and handling and providing a long service life.”

Learn more about Aflex Hose