IMI PBM Steam Trap Ball Valve
Sanitary Clean Steam Trap ball valve, IMI PBM Igenix® range
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – Ball valves with integrated drain for condensate purging and SIP sterilisation
The IMI PBM Clean Steam Trap range is designed for low points in clean steam networks and the ends of SIP loops where condensate must be purged continuously, without compromising sterility or creating a cold spot.
It combines the isolation valve function and the purge function in a single body, eliminating the intermediate branch, the fitting, the associated dead leg and the potential contamination point.
Used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and aseptic manufacturing, at SIP line ends, clean steam distribution low points, bioreactor drains and steam quality control points.
Principle and benefits in SIP
On a conventional SIP line, condensate is purged through a dedicated valve branched downstream of the isolation valve.
This branch creates a dead leg between the valve and the purge point, where steam struggles to reach sterilisation temperature. It is a recurring non-sterility point during qualification.
The Clean Steam Trap integrates the purge into the valve body itself, through a drain port in direct contact with the ball cavity.
Steam sweeps the cavity in the open position, condensate drains in the purge position, and there is no longer any measurable dead leg between isolation and purge.
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 Clean Steam Trap 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.
Ball and purge port configuration
Ball machined with milled flats or a dedicated bore connecting the main line to the purge port depending on position.
Three typical positions available: open (main flow free), closed (bidirectional isolation), purge (main line isolated, open to drain port).
The purge port is integrated into the body, with a hygienic clamp connection or extended tube for orbital welding.
Piggable configuration available for pigging circuits.
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.
Dimensions and connections
Sizes available from 1/4″ to 6″ (DN 8 to DN 150) on the main line, purge port sized according to the expected condensate flow.
Optional True-Bore® design, with a bore diameter equal to the inside diameter of the connected tube or pipe.
Available main line and purge connections: hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp), extended tube ends for orbital welding, sanitary thread, flanges to specification.
Compatible with ASME BPE, 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 lockable multi-position handle or automation.
Integrated Direct Mount Actuation interface on the stem axis, ensuring precise alignment with the multi-position pneumatic actuator (typically 90° rotation for isolation/purge, or 180° for three positions).
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, flow direction and purge position.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.