Thursday, January 9
Compressed Air Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry
We have all been to a pharmacy to pick up medication when we are feeling under the weather. Did you know that the extensive stock of pharmaceuticals you see at your local drug store came to be by way of compressed air? Let’s look at the role air compressors play in pharmaceutical manufacturing:
Compressed Air Applications
HVAC controls
Compressed air can be used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to control variables in the environment such as humidity and temperature. This allows the facility to maintain a proper environment that meets all the clean air standards for the pharmaceutical industry.
Laboratory Instrumentation
Some lab equipment relies on compressed air to control and purify their operations. Examples of this include spectrometers or chromatographs.
Fermentation
Clean compressed air can be applied to aerate a fermenter to enhance fermenting efficiencies. This fermentation process is usually done to promote growth of certain bacteria, fungi, or yeast that is needed to create a certain medical compound intended to go into the pharmaceutical.
Mixing
Each medication has a unique formula of ingredients that needs to be mixed. Compressed air can power the machines that mix all the ingredients together to efficiently and successfully blend the components.
Tablet Coating & Gel Cap Manufacturing
Compressed air can be used to evenly apply the hard exterior coating to tablets and manufacture the exterior of gel capsules, which are usually composed of gelatin derived from the collagen of animal skin or bone, or from plant cellulose. Utilizing compressed air ensures a uniform, consistent structure and application of these shells.
Drying & Hardening
Drying is an important process for many different pharmaceuticals before they can be packaged. Freshly formed tablets need clean compressed air to be supplied to harden their exterior and dry fully before being packaged and shipped to drug stores. This drying and hardening process helps to extend shelf life and maintain the products shape, while holding in all the necessary ingredients the consumer expects to receive. Tubes and other containers that hold liquid medication, creams, gels, and ointments also need to be cleaned and dried fully before they are filled with their desired contents. The cleaning and drying process for these products ensures that contaminants, such as moisture or dust, are fully removed before the product encounters the consumer.
Cleaning, Sterilization, & Transportation
As in any industry, compressed air can be used to clean the environment that the pharmaceutical manufacturing process is taking place in, as well as blow-off or clean the product itself. Compressed air is also used to assist in sterilizing equipment such as manufacturing processes. In general, compressed air can be used to keep the production line and its equipment clean throughout the entire process, while also powering the pneumatic equipment conveying the pieces and products throughout the plant.
Packaging
As discussed earlier, compressed air can be used to clean and dry the inside of pharmaceutical packaging before it is filled with the proper contents. Clean compressed air can also be used to automate the sorting and filling of these packages and nitrogen may be applied before final sealing to increase the shelf life.
Compressed Air Quality Standards
Because pharmaceuticals are products being physically consumed by consumers or applied topically to consumers’ bodies, it is imperative that the air meeting the product is extremely clean, meaning it is free from any risk of contamination whether that be moisture, dust, oil, or otherwise. In the United States, ISO made it a requirement that pharmaceutical manufacturing processes must have Class 0 air, which is the strictest air quality standard to emphasize the critical need for consumer safety. This means, oil-free air compressors and technology are strongly recommended in all pharmaceutical manufacturing processes where the compressed air comes in direct contact with the products or its packaging. Other forms of air compressors may be used with proper filtration methods and similar equipment that mitigates the risk of contaminating the end product.
ZORN'S PROMISE
Zorn is the Midwest leader of custom, engineered compressed air and vacuum solutions. We provide the best customer experience by understanding your applications and needs and offering an unparalleled commitment to customer satisfaction.
Our comprehensive product and service solutions keep you running 24/7.
- Reliable equipment
- Trusted brands
- Seamless, easy installation
- Post-sales support
- Local, 24/7 service
Our compressed air experts look forward to meeting you to discuss your equipment and support needs. Please contact us directly at (262) 695-7000 with any questions or to schedule service for your system moving forward.