Products / GMP Steam Sterilizers / Aquapro
Overview
Aquapro Water Cascade sterilizers provide fast, safe and effective terminal sterilization of liquids in sealed or heat sensitive containers. High capacity water circulation pumps and large diameter piping ensures high water flow rates and faster heating and cooling of the load. The recirculating water is heated and cooled by external heat exchangers. The heat exchanger is heated by plant steam and cooled by softened water and has no direct contact with the recirculating water. Therefore, pure steam is not required in this process. The recirculating water is directed to a perforated tray which evenly distributes the cascading water over the product. Due to the high flow rate of the recirculating water, very even heat distribution is realized.


cGMP Sterilizer Brochure
Key Features:
- US FDA cGMP compliant
- Fast heating and cooling for gentle sterilization of heat-sensitive loads
- Ideal for sterilization of liquids in sealed containers
- No pure steam required as water is heated indirectly by plant steam
- 316L stainless steel chamber and sanitary piping
- High capacity recirculation pump for even temperature distribution
- External heat exchangers for heating and cooling of the recirculation water
- Perforated tray for water distribution with holes on the front, back and sides to evenly heat the door chamber surfaces
- Allen-Bradley or Siemens PLC control system
- 21 CFR part 11 compliance for secure electronic data storage
Engineered Features
BMT USA offers a range of features that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and serviceability of our sterilizers. Vertical and horizontal precision machined sliding doors are exceptionally smooth and provide a safer environment for operators. Door gaskets that reliably operate without the need for lubrication reduce maintenance and prolong life span. The chamber jacket design utilizes a unique beam construction that provides a complete envelope around the chamber. PLC-based control systems are intuitive and simple to operate, while providing the necessary sophistication for maximum flexibility and ease of validation.

Perforated Trays
Aquapro sterilizers are equipped with perforated trays that evenly distribute the recirculating water across the entire load. Additional holes on all sides of the tray distribute water throughout the chamber and door to ensure they are heated to the same temperature as the load, allowing for even heat distribution.
Validation
Chamber
Repeatability
Sanitary Piping
PLC Control System
Validation
BMT USA understands that validation is a critical concern when purchasing a GMP sterilizer, so special attention has been given to the documentation and repeatability of each system. Every Aquapro steam sterilizer is subject to rigorous pre-validation testing at the factory and shipped with an extensive documentation package to help minimize the time required for onsite validation. IQ/OQ protocols and on-site execution are also available as options.
Chamber
BMT USA Aquapro sterilizers are made entirely of 316L stainless steel for superior durability. The chamber door is also made from solid plate 316L stainless steel. Precision machined door brackets for retaining the door on all four sides ensures smooth travel and improved security during the sterilization cycle. All chamber connections are sanitary clamp type and sloped to drain. Lubricant free door gaskets last longer and will eliminate particle shedding into clean rooms.
Repeatability
The primary use of BMT USA Aquapro Steam Sterilizers is for production in pharmaceutical and biotech facilities where repeatability is an important criteria. Aquapro sterilizers utilize high-grade vacuum pumps, the highest quality instrumentation, and industry-standard PLC control systems to ensure repeatable cycles regardless of changing environmental conditions. Temperature distribution within the chamber is better than +/- 0.5°C
Sanitary Piping
All piping and ports in contact with the chamber are constructed of 316L stainless steel and are sloped to drain with no dead legs. Sanitary clamp fittings are used for ease in removal of components. Non-proprietary sanitary valves and components are selected for their reliability and availability to reduce machine downtime.
PLC Control System
Aquapro Sterilizers are equipped with industrial-grade Allen Bradley or Siemens PLC control systems that provide superior reliability, serviceability, and repeatability of cycles. The control systems are developed under the latest GAMP (Good Automated Manufacturing Practices) guidelines to ensure reliability and ease in validation. Each system is also supported with a comprehensive documentation package.
The control system can configure and store 20 sterilizing cycles, which are accessed via a large touch screen operator interface terminal. In double door units, operator interface terminals are mounted on both the load and unload side of the sterilizer. All sterilizer functions are accessed through these screens and are secured by multi-level authentication. If electronic data storage is desired, the control system can be provided with 21 CFR part 11 compliance when connected to a PC or central computer system. The control system can also be equipped with different types of printers and recorders for data storage on paper.
The control system can configure and store 20 sterilizing cycles, which are accessed via a large touch screen operator interface terminal. In double door units, operator interface terminals are mounted on both the load and unload side of the sterilizer. All sterilizer functions are accessed through these screens and are secured by multi-level authentication. If electronic data storage is desired, the control system can be provided with 21 CFR part 11 compliance when connected to a PC or central computer system. The control system can also be equipped with different types of printers and recorders for data storage on paper.
Aquapro Sterilization Cycles
Aquapro sterilizers are programmed with a hot water cascade sterilization cycle with configurable parameters for each cycle phase. The programmed cycle recipe is stored in the sterilizer’s control system memory and is recalled and started with the touch of a button on the operator interface. All recipes are also protected from unauthorized changes via a multi-level authentication system.

Hot Water Cascade Cycle
The cycle begins with filling the chamber to a predetermined level with purified water. The water is circulated by a high capacity pump through an external heat exchanger that is heated by plant steam. The water is distributed through a perforation tray onto the product. Due to the efficient heat transfer of the water, the product is heated rapidly. Compressed air at an over-pressure is injected into the chamber to compensate for the rising temperature and pressure that builds inside liquid containers when heated. At the end of the exposure step, cooling begins. The circulating water is cooled by an external heat exchanger that is cooled with cooling or chilled water. The load is quickly cooled to ambient temperature by continuously being sprayed with the circulating water. This method of sterilization is the fastest method for sterilization of liquids in sealed containers.
Sterilizer Steam Source
BMT USA steam generators are constructed to cGMP guidelines and designed to provide pure or clean steam to meet the requirements of your sterilization application. The units can be configured as stand-alone units to be used a central source of steam for multiple units, or directly built into the sterilizer for a fully integrated solution. BMT USA steam generators utilize high grade non-proprietary components and can be electrically heated or heated by plant steam.
Electric Heated Steam
BMT USA electric clean steam generators are equipped with an ASME pressure vessel constructed from 316L stainless steel. The heating elements require three-phase voltage that can be specified at time of order. The units are equipped with an automatic blow-down system that carries impurities to drain. Feed water booster pumps are available when feed water is not available at the required pressure.
Steam-to-Steam
BMT USA steam-to-steam generators utilize plant steam as the heating source to produce clean steam. The tube and shell heat exchanger is made from 316L stainless steel and can be built in single-tube or double-tube configurations. The evaporator utilizes a wetted design that minimizes the temperature difference between the feed water and the heating steam, reducing stress on the evaporator tube sheet.
Vertically Integrated Electric Clean Steam Generator Option
In addition to vertically integrated steam-to-steam generators, BMT USA is one of the only manufacturers also offering vertically integrated electric clean and pure steam generators up to a 400lb/hr capacity with a maximum output pressure of 80 PSIG. The vertical integration offers significant space savings while maintaining the same tight steam pressure control within +/- 2 PSIG of the set point.
P: 360-863-2252
E: Sales@BMTUSA.com
Sterilizer Loading Equipment
BMT USA manufactures stainless steel loading equipment in standard or custom designs to accommodate any type of load. Our smaller chamber sizes can be equipped with wire or perforated shelves or loading racks, while large chambers can be equipped with loading carts and transfer trolleys. Large pit-mounted chamber include options for tracks and rub rails that can be designed to work with almost any type of wheel configuration on existing equipment. Carts with drop down wheels are also available for rooms with limited space.


Sterilizer Accessories & Options
Enhance your sterilizer’s functionality and maximize usable space with a range of sterilizer accessories and options, including 316L stainless steel perforated trays, steam quality sample cooler, printers, paperless videographic recorders, seismic restraint kits, additional operator interfaces, and electropolished chamber and piping finishes.
Aquapro Chamber Sizes
Aquapro water cascade sterilizers are offered in a range of chamber sizes and volumes. The table below contains some of our standard models; however, we can design and build a customized solution to match your exact chamber capacity, exterior dimension, and mounting requirements.
Model
Chamber Dimensions
(W X H X D)
Chamber Volume
(ft³/m³)
Mountings
Door Slide Direction
P202038
Chamber Dimensions
20″ x 20″ x 38″
508 x 508 x 965 mm
508 x 508 x 965 mm
Chamber Volume
8.8ft³/0.24m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Vertical
P262639
Chamber Dimensions
26″ x 26″ x 39″
660 x 660 x 990 mm
660 x 660 x 990 mm
Chamber Volume
15.8ft³/0.44m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Vertical
P262649
Chamber Dimensions
26″ x 26″ x 49″
660 x 660 x 1245 mm
660 x 660 x 1245 mm
Chamber Volume
19ft³/0.54m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Vertical
P263639
Chamber Dimensions
26″ x 36″ x 39″
660 x 915 x 990 mm
660 x 915 x 990 mm
Chamber Volume
21ft³/0.59m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Vertical or Horizontal
P263648
Chamber Dimensions
26″ x 36″ x 48″
660 x 915 x 1220 mm
660 x 915 x 1220 mm
Chamber Volume
25.9ft³/0.73m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Vertical or Horizontal
P263660
Chamber Dimensions
26″ x 36″ x 60″
660 x 915 x 1524 mm
660 x 915 x 1524 mm
Chamber Volume
32.5ft³/0.92m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Vertical or Horizontal
P363648
Chamber Dimensions
36″ x 36″ x 48″
915 x 915 x 1220 mm
915 x 915 x 1220 mm
Chamber Volume
36ft³/1.02m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P363660
Chamber Dimensions
36″ x 36″ x 60″
915 x 915 x 1524 mm
915 x 915 x 1524 mm
Chamber Volume
45ft³/1.27m³
Mountings
Floor
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P375760
Chamber Dimensions
37″ x 57″ x 60″
940 x 1448 x 1524 mm
940 x 1448 x 1524 mm
Chamber Volume
73.2ft³/2.07m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P375786
Chamber Dimensions
37″ x 57″ x 86″
940 x 1448 x 2184 mm
940 x 1448 x 2184 mm
Chamber Volume
102.4ft³/2.9m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P484860
Chamber Dimensions
48″ x 48″ x 60″
1219 x 1219 x 1524 mm
1219 x 1219 x 1524 mm
Chamber Volume
80ft³/2.26m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P484872
Chamber Dimensions
48″ x 48″ x 72″
1219 x 1219 x 1829 mm
1219 x 1219 x 1829 mm
Chamber Volume
96ft³/2.72m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P484886
Chamber Dimensions
48″ x 48″ x 86″
1219 x 1219 x 2184 mm
1219 x 1219 x 2184 mm
Chamber Volume
114.5ft³/3.24m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P495748
Chamber Dimensions
49″ x 57″ x 48″
1219 x 1448 x 1219 mm
1219 x 1448 x 1219 mm
Chamber Volume
77.5ft³/2.19m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P495760
Chamber Dimensions
49″ x 57″ x 60″
1219 x 1448 x 1524 mm
1219 x 1448 x 1524 mm
Chamber Volume
96.9ft³/2.74m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P495772
Chamber Dimensions
49″ x 57″ x 72″
1219 x 1448 x 1829 mm
1219 x 1448 x 1829 mm
Chamber Volume
116.3ft³/3.29m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P495786
Chamber Dimensions
49″ x 57″ x 86″
1219 x 1448 x 2184 mm
1219 x 1448 x 2184 mm
Chamber Volume
155ft³/4.39m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P495796
Chamber Dimensions
49″ x 57″ x 96″
1219 x 1448 x 2438 mm
1219 x 1448 x 2438 mm
Chamber Volume
8.8ft³/0.24m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P488660
Chamber Dimensions
48″ x 86″ x 60″
1219 x 2184 x 1524 mm
1219 x 2184 x 1524 mm
Chamber Volume
143ft³/4.05m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P488686
Chamber Dimensions
48″ x 86″ x 86″
1219 x 2184 x 2184 mm
1219 x 2184 x 2184 mm
Chamber Volume
205ft³/5.8m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal
P548686
Chamber Dimensions
54″ x 86″ x 86″
1371 x 2184 x 2184 mm
1371 x 2184 x 2184 mm
Chamber Volume
230.7ft³/6.5m³
Mountings
Floor or Pit
Door Slide Direction
Horizontal