Pharma plants depend on plant utilities, and reliable data from wireless instrumentation can make it simpler and less costly to monitor these installations
Pharmaceutical manufacturing consists of a variety of processes with different equipment configurations and extensive instrumentation. But there is one common denominator from plant to plant: those processes are all supported by plant utilities to provide necessary material, control, and support to the manufacturing processes. Most of the time, these utilities are taken for granted until there is a problem, but effective management can improve reliable performance and reduce costs.
For purposes of plant utilities, we’ll concentrate on three key areas:
1. Steam is a source of gentle and controllable heat for some reactors, heat exchanges, and other processes. Clean steam is used for sterilizing equipment.
2. HVAC systems take on great importance in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments. Air handling equipment and filters are used to minimize airborne contaminants, control the temperature and humidity of the room, as well as control the differential pressure between rooms. There are important features for classified production and storage areas.
3. Water is necessary in many forms, from basic potable tap water to highly treated water for injection (WFI) used as an ingredient.