Tailored Cleanroom Solutions at Bray Controls Benelux

Bray Controls Benelux offers a comprehensive service for the cleaning, assembly, testing, and packaging of industrial valves. The ISO Class 6 cleanroom, where this service is carried out, provides a high-quality solution for all sectors where precision and reliability are essential. With many years of expertise in flow control solutions, companies can rely on Bray not only for valves and actuators but also for their professional cleaning. The specialised cleaning services offered by Bray comply with strict international standards.

The strength of an integrated approach

The strength of Bray’s cleaning services lies in the combination of two solid pillars: robust cleaning in accordance with international standards and proven technology in valve manufacturing and actuation. This makes Bray an all-in-one service point where companies can find tailored solutions, efficiency, and reliability.

Every project we carry out starts with a thorough evaluation of the customer’s specifications. No application is ever exactly the same, so a standardised solution would rarely be a perfect fit. By managing projects from start to finish via a single point of contact, we are able to prepare quotations quickly and efficiently, and tailor the specifications precisely to the application. Furthermore, the cleaning process itself is professionally executed in accordance with globally recognised standards, ensuring consistency and dependability throughout.

This approach also results in significant efficiency gains. Shorter lead times and faster delivery minimise downtime, which is particularly important for businesses dealing with critical applications. In addition to these logistical benefits, the collaboration between Bray and its clients is strengthened through direct OEM support provided throughout the entire project. This includes advice on material selection, appropriate cleaning levels, and installation requirements. Through this synergy of expertise, process control, and customer focus, Bray consistently meets—and often exceeds—client expectations.

Cleaning levels tailored to your application

As previously mentioned, each application requires a unique approach. For this reason, Bray offers a range of cleaning levels tailored to the specific application and customer requirements. Whether it involves oxygen-ready systems or EC 1935 compliance for food contact materials, Bray provides the right solution for every application.

Our available services include:

Oxygen Ready

Valves used in environments such as air separation units or cryogenic applications require a high level of cleanliness, making our cleaning and inspection services essential. Once validated, the valves are assembled using Krytox GPL-225 lubricant, pneumatically pressure-tested, and then double bagged and marked in accordance with the EIGA 33/18 standard.

Silicone-Free

Silicone is a well-known lubricant, but due to its significant impact on adhesion processes, the demand for silicone-free valves is rising rapidly—particularly in the aerospace industry. After cleaning, components are inspected under both white and UV light to ensure that all traces of silicone have been removed. Validation then takes place according to the MSS-SP-140 standard. The valves are subsequently assembled using silicone-free lubricant, pneumatically pressure-tested, double bagged, sealed, and prepared for installation.

Process Clean

Valves undergoing the Process Clean treatment follow the same steps as the Silicone-Free process. The key difference is that this method is tailored for specific applications within the industrial gas sector. After cleaning, the components are validated using white light inspection and wipe tests.

LABS-Free

LABS refers to the complete removal of dust, particles, oils, greases, and any other substances that may impair paint adhesion (in compliance with VDMA 24364). The LABS-Free process is similar to the Silicone-Free method, with the crucial distinction that no lubricants may be used. These products are ideal for applications in the automotive industry.

EC 1935 Compliant

EC 1935 is a European regulation that outlines the requirements for materials or products intended to come into contact with food, ensuring they do not affect the quality of the end product. EC 1935 certification is achieved through compliance with EU 10/2011 and EC 2023/2006, which govern the selection of plastic materials and good manufacturing practices, respectively. Bray offers compliant butterfly and ball valves in various configurations; please contact us for further details. Selected valves are cleaned using the Clean and Degrease method and are then single bagged for shipment.

Clean and Degreased

Fully assembled valves are manually cleaned and inspected under white light to remove visible particles and/or grease. The cleaned valves are then single bagged to ensure cleanliness during transport to the installation site.

These services can be applied to various types of valves, where components may be treated individually or as fully assembled units.

A precisely controlled cleaning process

Bray’s cleanroom process consists of five carefully defined steps:

1. Preparation and disassembly – In the first phase, all components are thoroughly inspected and approved for use. To protect both the product and personnel, our staff wear appropriate protective gear, including lab coats, nitrile gloves, and shoe covers. Where necessary, valves are completely disassembled to eliminate all pre-contamination.
2. Cleaning and drying – In the second step, mechanical, chemical, and water-based cleaning methods are employed, depending on the required level of cleanliness. After cleaning, components are dried using oil-free nitrogen, which is cleaner and more effective than compressed air.
3. Inspection and validation – After cleaning and drying, the components are inspected using white light, UV light, and wipe tests. If contamination is detected at any point, the parts are re-cleaned accordingly.
4. Assembly, testing and mounting – In the fourth phase, valves are assembled using an application-specific lubricant. They are then pneumatically tested using oil-free nitrogen to ensure proper functionality. Mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic actuators are mounted in the same cleanroom environment and externally cleaned using isopropanol and lint-free cloths.
5. Packaging and shipping – The final step involves the packaging and shipment of the valves. All products are packed, labelled, and dispatched according to applicable standards—clean and ready for installation.

Certifications and standards that make the difference

Bray Controls complies with a wide range of international standards and certifications:

• EIGA 33/18 – Guidelines for cleaning equipment for oxygen service, aimed at preventing flammable residues.
• MSS-SP-140 – Specification for preparing valves and fittings for silicone-free service, essential in industries such as aerospace.
• VDMA 24364 – Testing standard to confirm the absence of paint-wetting impairment substances (LABS conformity).
• EC 1935/2004 – European regulation for materials that come into contact with food, ensuring safety and product integrity.
• EU 10/2011 – Directive outlining testing requirements for plastic materials intended for food contact.
• EC 2023/2006 – Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines for the production of food-contact materials.
• EN 12266-1 – European standard for testing the tightness and performance of metallic industrial valves.
• ISO 45001 – International standard for occupational health and safety management systems.
• ISO 9001 – Quality management standard focused on continual improvement and customer satisfaction.
• ISO 14001 – Environmental management system standard to enhance environmental performance.
• ISO 14644-1 – Cleanroom classification standard based on airborne particle concentrations.

Thanks to these certifications, Bray is fully equipped to perform cleanroom operations in accordance with the most stringent standards.

Contact Bray Controls Benelux

Would you like to learn more about Bray’s cleanroom solutions or receive tailored advice on which cleaning service best suits your application? Don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our experts are happy to assist with your enquiry. Visit our Cleanroom page or consult the Cleanroom brochure for more information.