Pharmaceutical Company Boosts Bioprocess with a SLA Series Mass Flow Controller Upgrade and Annual Service Agreement

In 2014, a global pharmaceutical manufacturer in Singapore built their install base with 5850E and 5850S Series mass flow controllers. For any service-related issues, the company relied on their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for support. However, by 2023, service delays from the OEM and operational disruptions began to increase process downtime.

The Challenge

As the facility continued production, more issues started to arise:

• Lengthy Instrumentation Service: Turnaround time for servicing mass flow meters via the OEM stretched to 2-3 months, creating significant bioprocess delays.
• Pressure to Purchase New Devices: The OEM pushed them to purchase new devices without offering sustainable solutions for managing existing assets.
• Lack of Inventory Visibility: The company lost track of their MFC inventory, compounding maintenance and calibration challenges.
• Process Downtime: These inefficiencies culminated in repeated downtime, impacting the plant’s ability to meet production targets.

The Brooks Instrument Solution

The end user turned to Brooks Instrument for a more responsive, service-focused partnership. Brooks responded with a multi-pronged support strategy:

1. Inventory Management

The Brooks Instrument Account Manager collaborated with the team to re-establish visibility into their install base—cataloging all existing 5850E and 5850S flow meters to streamline replacement and service planning.

2. Recalibration Service Program

To ensure ongoing performance and compliance, Brooks implemented an annual recalibration service program. This proactive maintenance approach minimized unplanned downtime and optimized equipment reliability.

3. Modernization and Product Transition

The Brooks Instrument Sales Engineer supported them in selecting and configuring new SLA mass flow controllers with the Profibus digital communication protocol to replace a portion of their current install base with instruments more aligned with their current bioprocess needs.

The Results:

• Reduced Service Turnaround: Service response and repair timelines were significantly reduced compared to prior OEM performance.
• Improved Uptime: Proactive recalibration and reliable inventory tracking reduced unplanned equipment failures.
• Stronger Partnership: The company gained a trusted technical advisor in Brooks Instrument, one focused on long-term process performance.
• Scalable Process Reliability: With a modernized flow control strategy, the end user is better positioned to scale production while meeting stringent quality requirements.

Summary:

By partnering with Brooks Instrument, the pharmaceutical company laid the groundwork for sustainable, reliable manufacturing operations. Brooks Instrument is more than an instrument supplier - we partner with our customers to enable precision process performance. We deliver results that create a competitive advantage for our customers.