How is the water used in the pharmaceutical industry filtered (Section 2)
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5. Electrodeionization (EDI)
Electrodeionization (EDI) is an advanced water treatment technology that combines electrical ion exchange and ion-selective membranes to remove ions from water. Here’s an explanation of how electrodeionization works:
5.1 the basic principle :
- Electrodeionization relies on an electrical principle to continuously remove ions from water. It typically consists of ion exchange resin beds and ion-selective membranes.
5.2 components:
- Ion Exchange Resin: Placed between the ion-selective membranes, it contains ion exchange beads that capture ions from the water.
- Ion-Selective Membranes: These membranes allow only specific ions to pass through, facilitating the removal of ions from the water flow.
Ion Exchange Resin: Placed between the ion-selective membranes, it contains ion exchange beads that capture ions from the water.
- Ion-Selective Membranes: These membranes allow only specific ions to pass through, facilitating the removal of ions from the water flow.
5.3 Process:
- Ion Capture: Water containing ions flows through the resin beds. Here, positively charged resin beads (cations) attract positive ions, while negatively charged resin beads (anions) attract negative ions.
- Electric Field: An electric potential is applied across the ion-selective membranes, creating an electric field. This field causes the ions within the resin beds to move towards the membranes.
- Ion Removal: Once the ions move through the membranes, they are separated and expelled from the system, leaving purified water.
5.4 Benefits:
- Continuous Operation: EDI operates continuously without the need for chemicals or regeneration cycles, unlike traditional ion exchange techniques.
- High Purity: Produces water with high purity suitable for various applications, including pharmaceuticals, electronics manufacturing, and power generation.
- Environmental Benefits: Reduces the use of chemicals and waste disposal compared to traditional water treatment methods.
5.5 Applications:
- Ultra-Pure Water: Used in industries requiring water with absolute purity, such as semiconductor manufacturing and pharmaceutical production.
- Boiler Feed Water: Provides high-quality water for boiler feed in power plants, reducing scaling and corrosion.
- Wastewater Treatment: Can be used for treating and recycling wastewater by removing contaminants and ions.
6. Purified Water Distribution System :
In pharmaceutical companies, the purified water distribution system is a crucial part of the essential infrastructure needed to produce and deliver high-quality pharmaceuticals safely. This system ensures the provision of pure water free from impurities and contaminants that could negatively affect the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products. Here’s a detailed explanation of the purified water distribution system in this context:
6.1 Purified Water Storage:
- Purified water is stored in dedicated tanks made from contamination-resistant materials to ensure its purity is maintained.
6.2 Distribution Network and Usage Points
- The distribution network consists of pipes and valves designed to safely and accurately deliver purified water to usage areas within the facility. It also includes supply faucets, mixers, media preparation tools, and equipment necessary for utilizing purified water in pharmaceutical production processes.
6.3 Ozone (O3) Water Disinfection
Ozone water disinfection is a process used to enhance water quality by employing ozone gas (O3). Ozone is a triatomic gas consisting of two oxygen atoms and is considered one of the most powerful natural disinfectants available.
Here’s a detailed explanation of the ozone water disinfection process:
Ozone Disinfection: When ozone is used to disinfect water, ozone gas is introduced into the water to be treated. Ozone works to destroy harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites through oxidation processes.
Reaction Process: When ozone interacts with water, it breaks down into diatomic oxygen (O2) and free oxygen atoms (O). These free oxygen atoms react with organic matter and microbes in the water, leading to their breakdown and disinfection.
6.4 Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization
Ultraviolet (UV) technology is a method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet light, which is shorter than visible light, to purify and disinfect filtered water from germs, viruses, bacteria, and other harmful organic materials.
6.5 Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Removal
Some systems rely on Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal to ensure the absence of any organic contaminants. This is achieved using advanced techniques such as ultraviolet (UV) oxidation or enhanced ion exchange.
Water purification systems in pharmaceutical laboratories are among the most complex and advanced systems, ensuring the provision of water that meets strict quality standards. From preliminary treatment to reverse osmosis and ion exchange, each stage plays a vital role in producing pure and safe water for pharmaceutical manufacturing. With ongoing technological advancements, these systems continue to improve to meet industry requirements more efficiently and effectively.
