Pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical industry discovers, develops, and produces pharmaceutical drugs. During pharmaceutical drugs’ production processes, the synthesis of raw materials used can emit flammable vapors and gases, causing potentially explosive atmospheres.
The pharmaceutical industry includes two main divisions:
  • Manufacturing companies where pharmaceutical drugs are produced through mixing, emulsifying, filtration, distillation, etc.… and chemical reactions of organic and inorganic compounds may generate potentially explosive atmospheres;
  • Research and development chemical laboratories where research activity is conducted in presence of flammable substances (gases, vapors, dusts) and potential sources of ignition.

In this scenario, a small mechanical failure may create an excess of heat and be the origin of an explosion. For this reason, it is very important to design and use electrical devices, which must strictly meet the ATEX/IECEx standards.

Hazardous area classification in pharmaceutical plants is the evaluation and classification of hazardous (classified) locations using scientific and engineering principles, within facilities where chemicals are manufactured, processed and used. In order to proceed with the area classification and choose the correct Ex-certified electrical equipment, it is necessary to verify the characteristics of all substances used in the production processes and map the area in which these substances are used or stored.

The pharmaceutical manufacturing process is made up of a combination of specific unit processes to convert the hazardous raw materials into finished products. The main processes, which can cause flammable substances (gases, vapors and dust) are:

  • Dry granulation - Compaction of a low-density powder to a granule. The roller compaction process consists of a combination of screw feed, compaction and milling systems
  • Powder blending - Excipients may be blended together to create the final blend used to manufacture the solid dosage form;
  • Drying - Understanding and controlling the moisture content of powders is critical to many pharmaceutical processes;
  • Pharmaceutical milling - The process of using rotary cutters in pharmaceutical equipment machinery to remove materials from a workpiece by feeding in at an angle with the axis of the tool;
  • Compression of powder or granules into tablets - An efficient process for producing a solid dose medication.

Further areas at great risk in pharmaceutical plants are:

  • Storage areas – Generally, large quantities of flammable substances are stored in tanks and closed in chemical reactors, where a leakage could be responsible for the emission of gases and vapors in the air and consequently can cause disasters or catastrophic events;
  • Loading and unloading areas

In order to guarantee the safety of working conditions and avoid any explosion to occur, systems and machinery used for such processes need to be powered and monitored by reliable ex-proof electrical equipment.

Our solutions for your business

Pharmaceutical plants and research laboratories require high-standard explosion-proof electrical equipment suitable for cleanrooms and complying with the stringent safety requirements regulating this sector. Our products can withstand potentially corrosive atmospheres, high pressure and extreme temperatures. Moreover, thanks to our stainless steel enclosures and lighting fixtures, our products have smooth surfaces, which make them easy to clean.

Technor Italsmea can supply a full range of stainless steel Ex-proof enclosures, lighting fixtures and fittings:

  • In full compliance with ISO 9001, ATEX, IECEx and EAC requirements;
  • For installation in Zones 1, 2, 21, 22 & non-hazardous areas;
  • With high resistance to high temperatures;
  • With high resistance to corrosion (which can be further improved with electro-polishing treatment);
  • Designed to be robust, durable and reliable over the years;
  • With long lifetime and low power consumption;
  • With low costs of ownership and maintenance;
  • Highly recyclable, when product lifetime is over.

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