Does anyone have experience with steam blocks on process piping, specifically on diaphragm valves? I've been told it is standard practice in industrial fermentation, but it is also my understanding that it was used for ball valves as they cannot be fully sterilized. I am concerned about the effect of this constant steam exposure on diaphragm valves. We use valves with a PTFE diaphragm and EPDM backer material. The advice I've gotten from our vendor is that I should be checking these valves every six months or so because of the steam exposure.
------------------------------
Brian Sinclair
Sanford NC
------------------------------