İlaç Endüstrisinde Sıvı Halkalı Vakum Pompalarının Önlemleri

Precautions (Selection, Use, and Maintenance)

Given the GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) requirements of the pharmaceutical industry and the specific nature of process media, the following points must be considered when using liquid ring vacuum pumps:

1)Material Selection (Crucial)

Stainless Steel is Mandatory: Standard cast iron pumps are prone to corrosion and rust, which can lead to product contamination by metal ions. They are absolutely not permitted for use in processes involving direct contact with the process medium. 316 or 316L stainless steel is the standard choice due to its excellent corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning, ensuring compliance with GMP cleanliness and hygiene requirements.

2)Working Fluid (Water) Management and Recirculation

Closed-Loop System: Pharmaceutical plants typically do not use a once-through system for the working fluid. Instead, they use a closed-loop recirculation system (often called a "liquid ring pump system" or "vacuum system"). This system includes a gas-water separator, a heat exchanger, and a recirculation tank.

Cooling: The heat generated during compression raises the temperature of the working fluid, leading to a drop in vacuum level. The working fluid must be continuously cooled via a plate heat exchanger or cooling tower to maintain stable vacuum performance.

Contamination Control: When pumping solvents, they will mix into the working fluid. The working fluid needs to be treated or regularly replaced to prevent solvent saturation, which reduces pump efficiency and creates safety hazards. For valuable solvents, a condensation recovery unit can be integrated into the system.

3)Contamination and Cross-Contamination Prevention

Exhaust Gas Treatment: The gas discharged from the pump may contain drug dust or solvent vapors. Exhaust gas treatment devices (e.g., deep cold traps, absorption towers, rupture discs) must be installed to prevent harmful substances from being released into the atmosphere or entering the workshop and to recover valuable product.

Cleaning and Sterilization (CIP/SIP): For pumps or systems used in sterile products, the design should facilitate Clean-in-Place (CIP) and, if necessary, Sterilize-in-Place (SIP). This means internal pipes and vessels should be smooth without dead legs and able to withstand flushing with hot steam or chemical disinfectants.

4)Sealing

Ensure all pipelines and the pump itself are well-sealed to prevent outside air from entering and disrupting the vacuum, and to prevent internal media leakage causing contamination or safety incidents.

5)Routine Maintenance

Regular Inspection: Check the mechanical seal for wear to prevent leakage.

Monitor Water Quality: Regularly monitor the pH, conductivity, and cleanliness of the recirculating working fluid, replacing or treating it promptly.

Kireçlenmeyi Önleyin: Çalışma akışkanı olarak sert su kullanılıyorsa, ısı değiştirici ve pompanın içinde kireçlenmeyi önlemek için yumuşatıcılar veya kireç önleyici maddeler eklenmesi gerekir; bu da verimliliği etkiler.