Therefore, water quality in the pharmaceutical industry particularly in the production processes is highly valued. It will be seen that water plays a very important role in the production of drugs as a solvent, for cleaning and as a material which enters into the composition of products in many instances. This type of water must therefore undergo certain purification processes so as to meet the required standard of safety and efficacy in the production of pharmaceutical products. The present article focuses on the topic of water treatment equipment as a part of the pharmaceutical industry discussing the significance of potable water and water treatment machinery, responsibilities of pharmacy equipment manufacturers and freeze dryer manufacturers.
Importance of Water Purity
The sources of water used in the preparation of the production ought to be free from contaminants that may interfere with the output in terms of quality and safety of the drug. Microorganisms, endotoxins, particles and other contaminants in water can get into the manufacturing process and cause product recall, regulatory problems, and harm to consumers.
Thus, water applied in the course of production of pharmaceuticals should be devoid of the mentioned risks, which presupposes it to meet the requirements of the USP and EP. These standards state the tolerance amounts of various impurities and describe the procedures of removal of such impurities so that water used in the process of production of drugs does not pose any risks to the users.
Purchasers of pharmaceutical equipment also have a critical role of sourcing the right water treatment systems that will produce water to this standard. Such systems are intended to effectively filter the water to be used and to ensure its’ purity during the process of production to protect the drug as a product.
Types of Water Treatment Equipment
There are several categories of water treatment equipment that are used in production of pharmaceuticals, with each playing its role of purifying water. The most common are reverse osmosis (RO), ultrafiltration, deionisation and distillation equipment.
– Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: RO systems rely on the separation of water through a special membrane that filters dissolved solid ions and bacteriological particles from water. The process is very efficient in delivering water that is pure and clear for pharmaceutical use, a factor that makes the process very useful.
– Ultrafiltration Units: These are employed in elimination of particles, bacteria and pyrogens within water passage through the ultrafiltration units. Such systems are usually applied in combination with other techniques which makes it possible to remove impurities effectively.
– Deionization Systems: Deionization systems aim at washing away ionized salts and minerals in the water to get water with the least ionic ability. This is especially so in cases where product quality is sensitive to the presence of even a small concentration of ions.
– Distillation Units: Distillation units for water purification involve heating of water so as to form steam which is then condensed back into water thus leaving behind impurities. This method is generally applied in preparing Water for Injection (WFI) required for the preparation of sterile preparations.
These water treatment systems are supplied by pharmaceutical equipment suppliers as part of a total solution for drug manufacturing water quality. In this way, they guarantee that manufacturers receive the most suitable system for their operations among the technologies provided.
Role of Water Treatment in Compliance
A key issue central to the pharmaceutical activity is that of compliance in the provision of sources of water and water treatment in general. The quality of water used in the production of drugs is highly regulated ranging from FDA and EMA among other regulatory agencies. Noncompliance with these guidelines leads to penalties such as product recalls, fines and revocation of licenses for manufacturing.
Manufacturers require water treatment equipment to support them in meeting and applying such regulations. For instance, the supply of freeze dryers may involve supplying water for the lyophilization process and those suppliers need to consult pharmaceutical manufacturers regarding the purity of water to be used. This cooperation assists in eliminating any contaminants in the final product and also conformity to the requirements of the law.
The suppliers of the pharmaceutical equipment also offer validation and qualification services in the treatment systems with a view of ascertaining that the water system is in proper working conditions and is producing water which meets the requisite quality. Such services are mandatory for keeping appropriate compliance and keeping production lines standard and predictable.
Advances in Water Treatment Technology
The pharmaceutical industry, specifically the one in the UK is dynamic and so is the technology employed in water treatment. Recent trends in filtration, purification, and monitoring technology are aimed at improving the capacity for more reliable production of high purity water more efficiently.
One of the main developments is the usage of automation and digital control in the equipment for water treatment. Such systems facilitate constant monitoring of water quality and once there is a problem, manufacturers will be able to correct it in good time. Another advantage of automation is the minimization of errors which might be caused by human beings; hence making the water treatment process continuous and dependable.
Customers in the pharmaceutical industry are at the vanguard of these technologies as suppliers of pharmaceutical equipment provide some of the best water treatment systems that reflect the ongoing developments in technology. These systems have the added advantage of not only increasing the quality of water, but also optimizing the production flow of the manufacturing line.
Choosing the Right Equipment Supplier
Picking a competent supplier is very critical in order to guarantee that your water treatment system is of high quality to meet the needs of pharmaceutical manufacturing. When selecting a supplier there are various factors that need to be looked at for example the length of their experience, the kind of equipment they supply and many more importantly how they will be willing to support and upgrade this equipment in future.
Companies who have been in the business for sometime are in a better position to understand the needs of the customers who are in the drug manufacturing business and be in a position to offer equipment that complies with regulatory standards. Moreover, engaging the freeze dryer suppliers who offer water treatment services makes it easier to incorporate these systems in production lines because they will offer the right service and ensure that the equipment is compatible with your production line.
Water treatment equipment is critical in that it helps in purification of water used in the production of pharmaceuticals thus protecting the drug quality. Chemical manufacturers involved in supplying instruments for water treatment, pharmaceutical equipment, and freeze dryers are thus valuable in enabling manufacturers to obey international standards and legislation.
With the pharmaceutical industry in constant evolution so also will be the technology of water treatment. Pharmaceutical companies must keep abreast of such development and have to select the right equipment suppliers as this will enable them operate within the provided legal requirements while achieving efficiency and capability to produce quality goods.