Air Compressor for Pharmaceutical industry

APPLICATIONS OF AIR COMPRESSORS IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

Clean Compressed air is vital to the industry, and its usage can be classified into two categories: Process Air and Direct Contact.

Process air application

Process applications employ compressed air for a specific kinetic activity. For example, the uncoated pills are churned in a large drum during pill production as part of the coating process. Compressed air often drives the drum and plays an important role in operating the conveyor systems.

Direct contact application

Direct contact entails the direct contact of compressed air with the application, thus making air quality critical. For example, compressed air is used to coat tablets to ensure their structural integrity. Impurities in the air will compromise the integrity of the product and contaminate it. It is also critical in jet milling, where nitrogen is used to reduce active ingredients. Specifically, the powder is fed into a milling chamber where compressed air or nitrogen, usually in a vortex motion, promotes particle-to-particle collisions. Particle classification is made by inertia, following reduction via impaction and abrasion.

Compressed air is also used for bottle cleaning to safely remove dust and small particles from containers before filling. The system is particularly suitable for removing loose contaminants that may have accumulated during shipping or storage. Containers enter the rinsing area and are then bathed with ionised air generated by special transvector air flow amplifiers. The static charge that attracts debris to the surface of the containers is neutralised. Rinsing heads use a blast of compressed air to clean them. A vacuum collects the loose particles, which are then disposed of. As a final direct application, membrane technology with nitrogen generators uses compressed air forced through a polymeric hollow fibre to selectively permeate oxygen, water vapour and other impurities out of its side walls while allowing nitrogen to flow through its centre and emerge as high-purity N2 gas.

OIL-FREE AIR COMPRESSOR IN THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

Amidst the companies that provide pharmaceutical products & services, Oilfree air compressors play a pivotal role in the manufacturing of medicine and related products. With growing FDA scrutiny, strict warnings over toxic impurities and delicate pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, the quality of compressed air meeting the highest standards is of utmost importance. On the other hand, continuous air supply must be guaranteed since a disruption can lead to an immense loss of production and a negative impact on the manufacturer’s reputation due to product contamination, and this is why pharma-grade air compressors for the pharmaceutical industry are essential.

Middle East’s thriving pharmaceutical industry needs compressed air, free of entrained oil and other contaminants, for clean and pure air during manufacturing processes, such as Tablet Coating & Drying, Bottle cleaning, Nitrogen separation, and much more. To achieve high air purity levels, compressors must offer specialist air treatments and must adhere to industry regulations to ensure debris, particulates, and oils are removed, and that is why they need an oilless compressed air system. The amount of allowable oil in compressed air depends on its application, which aligns with the ISO8573-Class 7 compliance norms, which classify air quality based on oil content as Class 0 to Class 4.

ELGi pharmaceutical grade air compressors are used in diversified pharmaceutical applications, from conveying capsules and packaging to providing factories with a steady supply of clean, breathable air. Oilless compressors are essential to pharmaceutical industry processes, particularly during manufacturing medicines, capsules and other consumable products. As these products require the highest purity, including oil-free air compressors ensures production remains free from contamination within automated production lines, lowering rejection rates for packaging applications.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What are common challenges for pharmaceutical companies in maintaining compressed air systems?

Challenges may include contamination risks, meeting stringent air quality standards, ensuring proper documentation for compliance, and addressing system reliability and efficiency issues.

What are the key considerations when selecting an air compressor for pharmaceutical applications?

Factors to consider include the required level of air purity, compliance with industry regulations, energy efficiency, noise levels, and the specific needs of the pharmaceutical processes.

How can I ensure my air compressor system complies with pharmaceutical regulations?

Consult with relevant regulatory bodies and industry experts to understand specific requirements. Invest in compliant equipment, implement proper operation and maintenance procedures, and document your processes to ensure regulatory compliance.

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