Pharmaceutical Applications

During production and packing of tablets and other pharmaceutical products hazardous dusts are produced. There are two critical areas for consideration and risk assessment when handling pharmaceutical dusts:

Personnel exposure to potent, toxic or allergenic dusts

Camfil dust collection experts understand the toxicological properties of dusts and potent compounds. We also know how to review the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL), and can perform a risk-based exposure evaluation to determine the proper method of dust control. In most cases, we recommend a secondary HEPA system to safeguard against the release of hazardous substances. It is a legal obligation to protect operators and to ensure that they are not subjected to any contact with these harmful substances and that any particulate is not emitted. To ensure adequate protection for your employees from contact with hazardous substances during maintenance or while changing the filter cartridges or the dust discharge, we recommend the use of dust extraction system with an integrated containment system. The so-called BIBO system (Bag-In Bag-Out) consist of special protective covers for the filter cartridges resp. a continuous liner technology for the dust discharge to protect the operator from contamination with the hazardous substances.

The explosion properties of the dusts

To safeguard against deflagration from combustible dust, your facility may require control measures such as explosion venting, chemical suppression, and isolation systems. Camfil APC will recommend these accessories if the Kst, Pmax, MIE and the dust collector location require them. We will make certain that the all explosion protection equipment satisfies the requirements and standards of ATEX directives, local fire marshals and insurance carriers.

Pharmaceutical processes that produce dust

• Tablet presses
• Tablet coating
• Fluid bed drying
• Spray drying
• Blending
• Granulation
• General room ventilation
• House and high-vacuum systems