Meeting Industry Demands: How SERTO Serves the Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sectors

In the high-stakes environments of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, the demands placed on process components are among the most rigorous of any sector. Systems must not only function with precision and consistency but must also stand up to aggressive media, extreme temperatures, regulatory scrutiny, and the pressure of zero downtime.

Every detail matters - from the traceability of the materials to the geometry of a fitting. In these industries, safety, hygiene, and compliance are paramount. The wrong choice in a single connection point can jeopardise entire operations. It’s why engineering professionals turn to proven, high-performance solutions they can trust.

At IPS Flow Systems, we work closely with industry-leading manufacturers to bring these solutions to customers across the UK and Ireland. Among them, SERTO stands out for its innovation, engineering excellence and adaptability — characteristics that make it a natural fit for both chemical processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Precision as Standard: The SERTO Radial System

What sets SERTO apart in such a competitive space? At the core of the system lies a unique, patented radial assembly principle. Unlike conventional axial fittings that require linear movement to install or remove tubing — which can disrupt complex assemblies — the radial system enables lateral installation and disassembly. This means that adjacent tubing and components remain untouched during maintenance or changeovers, significantly reducing time, labour and the risk of introducing contamination.

This radial advantage is particularly beneficial in dense system layouts, compact skids, and sensitive environments where disruption is costly — such as cleanrooms, laboratories and inline sampling systems. It also enhances operator safety by minimising handling of other components in areas where chemical exposure must be tightly controlled.

Material Versatility for Media Diversity

SERTO fittings are available in a wide range of materials, each suited to the unique challenges of different process environments:

• 316Ti Stainless Steel: Chosen for its superior corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, stainless steel is ideal for aggressive chemical handling, solvent-based processes and high-pressure applications.
• PVDF (Polyvinylidene fluoride): With excellent resistance to a broad range of chemicals and low leachability, PVDF fittings are widely used in pharmaceutical and biotech applications. They offer high purity and stability, even under fluctuating temperatures.
• PFA and PTFE: For ultra-high purity applications and extreme chemical resistance, fluoropolymer options provide peace of mind in critical dosing or sampling operations.
• Brass and Nylon: More economical options that are suitable for auxiliary systems, non-critical media or compressed air.

Choosing the right material isn’t only about chemical compatibility — it also affects cleanability, mechanical stress handling and long-term system integrity. IPS Flow Systems supports this selection process with practical, application-specific advice backed by decades of experience.

Designed for Cleanliness and Compliance

In pharmaceutical environments, the cleanability of components is just as important as performance. SERTO fittings are designed with smooth internal surfaces, minimal dead space and precision sealing — attributes that reduce the risk of bacterial growth, media retention and cross-contamination.

The fittings can be seamlessly integrated into CIP (Clean-In-Place) and SIP (Steam-In-Place) routines. The optional O-ring sealing (FPM or EPDM) and edge-seal versions further enhance leak-tightness and cleaning efficiency. All components come with full traceability and documentation, supporting validation efforts and audits required by GMP and other regulatory frameworks.

Building Reliable Systems, One Connection at a Time

SERTO’s offering goes well beyond standard fittings. The modular system includes a comprehensive range of:

• Straight, elbow and tee unions
• Male and female adaptors in BSP, NPT and metric threads
• Panel mount options for instrument integration
• Tube stubs, valves and reducers
• Non-return valves and regulating valves
• Hose nozzles and banjo fittings

This depth allows SERTO to be used across entire systems, from the plant room to the cleanroom. Whether designing a new skid, upgrading legacy equipment or maintaining a facility, engineers can specify SERTO for consistency, safety and ease of maintenance.

What’s more, SERTO products are dimensionally compatible with most global standards and can be integrated with tubing systems in various materials and wall thicknesses, including 1.5 mm - commonly used in both chemical and pharmaceutical lines.

Ease of Assembly Saves Time and Reduces Risk

Beyond performance, ease of use is a defining feature. Installation is remarkably simple: tubing is cut square and inserted into the fitting without the need for disassembly. The union nut is then tightened 1¾ turns to create a reliable, leak-tight seal.

For maintenance teams, this speeds up replacement and reconfiguration. For OEM builders, it simplifies assembly processes and reduces the likelihood of installation errors.

Supporting Every Step - From Specification to Installation

At IPS Flow Systems, our role is to do more than supply. We support engineers, buyers, and project managers through the full product lifecycle - from initial specification and design to site delivery and ongoing technical advice.

Working in partnership with SERTO, we ensure:

• Local stock availability and fast delivery
• Expert product support and training
• Customised assemblies and system integration
• Material selection guidance
• Traceable documentation for audit and compliance

In the fast-paced world of chemical and pharmaceutical production, our customers rely on us to help them stay compliant, responsive and safe — without sacrificing quality or system longevity.

Ready for What’s Next

As both industries evolve - through digitalisation, sustainability demands and stricter regulatory pressures - the components chosen today must be built to last. SERTO fittings offer that confidence. They’re future-ready, easy to scale, and trusted in thousands of installations across the world.

For companies that value safety, efficiency and system resilience, SERTO provides a dependable foundation.

To speak to one of our technical specialists, contact us today.

📧 sales@ipsflowsystems.com 📞 UK: 0191 521 3111 📞 IRE: +353 1 2573741 🌐 www.ipsflowsystems.com