Life-Giving Technology within the Pharmaceutical Industry

Peyton Trauth, Applications Engineer, has been with Swagelok Minnesota for over 5 years.

At Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota| Appleton, our expert engineers are not just designing products—they’re helping advance the medical field and life sciences manufacturing industries through cutting-edge solutions in pharmaceutical fluid systems and technology, including pharmaceutical fluid handling valves. Peyton Trauth, an application engineer and services lead at Swagelok, delved in to discuss more about our role in the life sciences industry, our use of innovative products, and what makes Swagelok’s work so impactful.

A Crucial Role in the Life Sciences Industry

Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota | Appleton is a key player in the life sciences industry, which encompasses medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and biology-related sectors. Specifically, our focus is on life sciences medical devices, especially in the Medical Alley Region in Minnesota, which is home to some of the world’s largest medical device companies.

Trauth explains that Swagelok works closely with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in the medical device industry, providing products that integrate into critical devices such as cryoablation equipment. Cryoablation is a procedure used to treat conditions like cardiac arrhythmias by freezing part of the heart to restore proper rhythm.

Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota | Appleton’s Unique Products for Life Sciences

We pride ourselves on the design and manufacturing of components for medical devices. Trauth highlights the importance of compactness in medical equipment. The need for small, efficient components is critical, especially when developing OEM equipment. This is where Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota| Appleton’s  specialized medical tube fittings and microfits come in.

“Compactness is a huge deal when making OEM equipment,” says Trauth. “Our weld fittings and microfits help create a smaller footprint without compromising functionality.”

Additionally, we offer high-purity lines, diaphragm valves, and a specialized process called SC-O1 (electropolishing and cleaning) that ensures the cleanliness of our products—a necessity in the medical device industry.

Another standout product is the quick connect fittings, which Trauth explains are a game-changer for the life sciences industry. Quick connects are designed to allow fast, easy connections and disconnections without leaks for the optimal flow of fluid in pharmaceutical engineering. This functionality is crucial in environments where fluid systems must be both reliable and easy to manage.

Click to learn more about Swagelok’s quick connect products

Challenges within the Life Sciences Industry

While our products are widely used, Trauth acknowledges that the life sciences industry presents several challenges. For example, medical device manufacturers often struggle with maintaining high-quality medical tubing connectors that are leak-free under high pressure. Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota | Appleton’s solutions, such as our durable fittings, are designed to eliminate these common issues, improving the safety and efficiency of pharmaceutical bottling and fluid handling valves. 

Many medical device companies still use cheaper, less reliable products like plastic tubing, Luer locks, and push-to-connect fittings. Although these products are cost-effective, they tend to leak frequently, which can lead to issues like wasted gases or reduced product yield.

“We often see medical device companies using these cheap plastic products that leak, especially in high-pressure situations,” says Trauth. “Our products are much more reliable and leak-proof, which ultimately saves the companies money and improves their product yield.”

Working with FDA Requirements

Our products are crucial in the design and manufacturing of medical devices that meet stringent regulatory standards. Trauth discusses the company’s role in helping clients navigate the fluid system design phase while ensuring compliance with FDA requirements: 

Innovative Training Programs

Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota | Appleton also provides valuable training to clients in the life sciences industry. Trainings are usually focused on tube fitting installation and best practices.

“We cater the training to what our clients need,” says Trauth. “We offer everything from lunch-and-learns to specific product training sessions on topics like high-purity products and tube bending. We can adjust the content based on what the client is looking for.”

Click to Learn More about our Life Science Industry Trainings 

Saving Lives Through Cutting-Edge Products: The Swagelok Way

Trauth is grateful for the hands-on nature of her role and the chance to work with some of the biggest names in the medical device industry and medical assemblies.

“It’s such an adventurous, exciting role. I’m never stuck in one thing for too long,” Trauth explains. “The team is amazing, and I really enjoy the connection we have, not just within our office, but with the larger Swagelok network.”

Trauth’s insights provide a deep look into the essential role Swagelok Minnesota | North Dakota | Appleton plays in the life sciences industry. Through high-quality products, exceptional customer support, and a collaborative work environment, we’re helping medical device companies innovate and ensure the safety and effectiveness of their products. Whether it’s cryoablation devices or gas distribution systems, our engineering expertise continues to make a significant impact on the medical and pharmaceutical fields.

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