Contact us

Published: Jan 27, 2025

Steam production in the pharmaceutical industry: Innovation, flexibility, and precision

)

The pharmaceutical industry encompasses a wide range of production activities, including the manufacturing of medicines, cosmetics, and polymers. This sector imposes exceptional demands on production processes, where steam plays a critical role.

Unique needs of the pharmaceutical industry

Unique needs of the pharmaceutical industry

The pharmaceutical sector involves both continuous and batch processes. Batch processes, in particular, pose unique challenges due to the variable steam demand at different stages of production. During a batch, there can be significant peaks in steam demand, for instance, when reaching high temperatures, followed by a stable demand to maintain those temperatures. This requires flexible and rapidly responsive steam solutions.

 

Steam is applied in the pharmaceutical industry for:

  • Sterilization of equipment and workspaces: Ensuring autoclaves, cleanrooms, and production lines remain sterile.
  • Cleaning and disinfection: Steam provides a chemical-free solution for cleaning glass containers, tanks, and other production equipment.
  • Humidification of air conditioning systems: Essential for creating controlled production environments with the correct humidity levels.
  • Manufacturing of pharmaceutical, oleochemical, and polymer products: Steam is used for temperature regulation, drying, and chemical synthesis.

Strict compliance with FDA and GMP guidelines

The pharmaceutical industry is highly regulated to ensure product quality and safety. Steam is an essential tool for meeting these standards.

  • FDA guidelines
    • Steam must be free from contaminants and meet strict purity and consistency requirements.
    • Clayton steam generators produce dry steam with a dryness fraction of 99.5%, which is crucial for sterile applications.
  • GMP standards
    • Batch processes require repeatable results and stringent process control.
    • Clayton’s technology ensures reproducible performance through precise pressure and temperature regulation.

The role of steam in pharmaceutical production processes

Steam plays a central role in the production of various pharmaceutical and chemical products. Key applications include:

Sterilization of equipment and cleanrooms

Steam is used to sterilize autoclaves, tanks, and workspaces to prevent contamination. These processes are critical for maintaining a sterile environment, as required by FDA and GMP standards.

 

Cleaning and dehydrogenation

Steam provides an efficient, chemical-free cleaning method for glass containers and other packaging materials. It is also suitable for removing chemical residues and moisture.

 

Humidity control

In cleanrooms and other controlled environments, steam is used to humidify air conditioning systems, ensuring a stable and safe production environment.

 

Flexibility in batch processes

Batch processes demand a steam solution capable of handling peaks in demand and quickly adapting to changes in heat load. Clayton steam generators are designed to manage these variations effortlessly.

Why choose Clayton for the pharmaceutical sector?

Why choose Clayton for the pharmaceutical sector?

Clayton offers solutions specifically designed to address the unique challenges of the pharmaceutical industry. Our technology is renowned for its precision, reliability, and flexibility, making us an ideal partner for companies in this sector.

High steam quality for sterile processes

Clayton steam generators deliver dry, pharmaceutical-grade steam, essential for sterilization and cleaning.

 

Rapid and flexible technology

With fast startup times and immediate adjustment to demand changes, our generators are ideal for batch processes with variable heat loads. This prevents unnecessary energy waste and optimizes productivity.

 

Space-saving and scalable design

Our compact generators integrate easily into existing facilities, including cleanrooms, and can be scaled to meet evolving production needs.

 

Efficient energy consumption and sustainability

Clayton’s focus on energy efficiency helps companies reduce operational costs and minimize their environmental footprint without compromising performance.

 

Tailored support

Clayton not only provides high-quality technology but also extensive support, from installation and validation to maintenance and training. Our solutions are customized to meet the specific needs of your production process.

With Clayton, you choose a partner who understands the importance of precision, speed, and reliability in the pharmaceutical industry. Contact us to discover how our advanced steam solutions can elevate your production processes to the next level.

 

Want to discover more?

Contact us

CO2 Energy Efficient

Logo partner Agfa Logo partner Danone Logo partner Pfizer Logo partner Bayer Logo partner JTI Logo partner Unilever Logo partner Coca cola Logo partner L'oréal Logo partner BASF Logo partner GSK Logo partner Knorr Logo partner Mars Logo partner Nestlé Logo partner P&G Logo partner Siemens Logo partner Esso Logo partner Spie Logo partner Maersk Logo partner Pepsico Logo partner Q8 Logo partner Solvay Logo partner Heinz Logo partner EON