IMI PBM Clean Steam Ball Valve
Sanitary clean steam ball valve, IMI PBM Igenix® Clean Steam range
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – Ball valves for clean steam, SIP and repeated thermal cycles
The IMI PBM Clean Steam range is designed for processes subject to aggressive, repeated thermal cycles: SIP sterilisation with clean steam, pharma steam distribution networks, high-temperature WFI loops, cold depressurisation.
The design incorporates the specific constraints of clean steam: differential steel/PTFE expansion, condensation in dead zones, seat degradation from cycling, corrosion accelerated by acidic condensates.
Used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, vaccines, cell therapies and aseptic manufacturing, where sterilisation in place must be repeated daily without loss of sealing performance.
Two main series
| Series | Body type | Standard ID Ra | Target applications |
| Forged Series 8 | Forged low-ferrite 316L body | ≤ 0.51 µm (20 µin) | High-purity SIP, WFI 80 °C, pharma clean steam |
| Cast Series 9 | Cast low-ferrite 316L body | ≤ 0.76 µm (30 µin) | Food-grade clean steam, standard biotech |
Mechanical finishes and electropolishing available for both series.
Surface treatments without animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free), compliant with current pharma requirements.
Body and wetted-part materials
Low-ferrite 316L stainless steel as standard, forged (Series 8) or cast (Series 9).
Alternatives available in AL-6XN® (UNS N08367) for chloride-bearing condensates and in Hastelloy® C-22 (UNS N06022) for extremely corrosive media.
Composition and traceability compliant with ASME BPE. 3.1 material certificate supplied for all wetted parts.
Seats, seals and steam sealing
Standard white V-TEF™ (modified PTFE) seats, formulated for dimensional stability under repeated thermal cycling.
Alternatives available in FKM or EPR O-rings depending on the chemical compatibility of the condensate.
Bidirectional bubble-tight sealing upstream and downstream, maintained after several thousand sterilisation cycles.
Live-loaded stem packing that continuously compensates for packing settlement under thermal variations and maintains stem sealing without periodic re-tightening.
Full vacuum rated as standard, a critical condition for post-SIP cooling phases.
Adjust-O-Seal® technology
Progressive tightening of the seats against the ball by adjusting the body bolts, in-line, without dismantling or process interruption.
On a steam valve cycled daily, settlement of V-TEF™ seats is the leading cause of end-of-life leakage. Adjust-O-Seal® compensates for this settlement without removal or circuit requalification, extending the valve’s service life by several years on daily SIP.
Three-piece swing-out design
Three-piece swing-out body, allowing visual inspection of the ball and seats, replacement of consumables and cleaning without dismantling the pipework or requalifying orbital welds.
A critical configuration for SIP valves subject to planned preventive maintenance.
Clean Steam Trap configuration available with purge ports integrated into the body, to drain condensate and avoid cold spots that compromise sterility.
Process options
Purge holes in the ball for in-line SIP. Milled flats for condensate drainage. Body cavity fillers to eliminate dead volumes where condensate could stagnate and form cold spots.
Vented ball available to prevent cavity overpressure during thermal shocks.
Dimensions and connections
Sizes available from 1/4″ to 6″ (DN 8 to DN 150).
Optional True-Bore® design, with a bore diameter equal to the inside diameter of the connected tube or pipe, eliminating steam flow restrictions and premature condensation points.
Available connections: hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp), extended tube ends for orbital welding, sanitary thread, flanges to specification.
Compatible with Imperial, DIN 11864 and SMS dimensional standards.
Operating range
Operating pressure up to 62.1 bar (900 psig) depending on series and seat material.
Temperature up to 232 °C with V-TEF™ seats, well above typical clean steam conditions (121 °C at 2 bar, 135 °C at 3 bar).
Reduced ranges with FKM or EPR seals depending on compatibility.
Proven resistance to several thousand SIP cycles without measurable sealing drift, provided cycling follows the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Actuation
Manual operation by standard handle or patented lockable handle.
Integrated Direct Mount Actuation interface on the stem axis, ensuring precise alignment with the pneumatic or electric actuator and extending cycle life.
On automated SIP valves, direct alignment eliminates mechanical play that drifts with thermal cycles and extends stem seal life.
Full range of actuators, limit switch boxes and positioners available.
Traceability and packaging
Each valve is supplied with a 3.1 material certificate according to EN 10204 for all wetted parts (CMTR), a USP Class VI declaration of conformity for elastomers and an FDA statement for product-contact materials.
Laser marking on the body: reference, size, material, serial number.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.