2025-02-27

The Indian pharma industry is progressing at a rapid rate, vying to further bolster its prospects in the international market. In the process, the manufacturing operations, along with machinery, are crucial for giving the desired thrust to the industry. The pharma industry invariably depends on pneumatic machinery for various operations throughout the processing, manufacturing, and packaging stages of pharma products.

The quality of pharma products is crucial for the growth of the sector, and pneumatic equipment contributes to precision in manufacturing while maintaining hygiene throughout the process. The systems find application in a range of activities involving granulation, pressing, ingredient mixing, drying, and tablet coating for giving the desired colour, texture, and flavour to the tablets. Similarly, at the time of liquid medicine manufacturing, the machines reside well for exercising accuracy in the balance of ingredients specific to formulas.

Any form of malfunctioning in the machine can jeopardize the entire manufacturing of medicines and in turn, impact the quality of the end products. Considering that the Indian pharma industry has been experiencing an upswing in recent years, there is an invigorated focus on the quality of medicines more than ever. Working towards the same, even the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has indicated its plan to introduce a zero-tolerance policy towards substandard drugs. As part of the plan, the organization is determined to intensify Schedule M good manufacturing practices (GMP) for compliance with the highest industry standards.

As a result, preserving the pneumatic machines from any damage is essential for ensuring the production of quality products and also bodes well for driving the optimal functioning of the processes. However, pneumatic machines are highly vulnerable to moisture which can severely defy hygiene standards at the time of manufacturing. The machines are majorly powered by compressed air to perform various operations, and the presence of moisture in the air can meddle with the compression and coating of the tablet. Offering resistance to manufacturing at various stages, moisture can further give rise to the issue of lumping and caking at the time of compression of powdered materials.

Along with this, compressed air laden with moisture can also compromise the tableting process and can even go the extreme way in decomposing the drug. Consequently, curtailing the medicinal value of the medicines, it is responsible for shrinking the shelf life of medicine as well. The repercussions of moisture in compressed air have a far-reaching effect on the performance and longevity of pneumatic machines as well. Accounting for the corrosion of pipes, pneumatic-operated cylinders, zig & fixtures, and other components, it leads to the malfunctioning of pneumatic tools. Ultimately resulting in the sluggish and inconsistent performance of pneumatic valves and cylinders, it resists the smooth completion of the operations. The complication is further exacerbated in cold weather when moisture gives rise to freezing issues in the machines.

Hindering the manufacturing, any fault in the machinery can impact the production capacity of medicines and even account for substandard end products. Hence, in order to protect the equipment and ensure the production of drugs conforming to industry standards, it is advisable to supply quality compressed air, devoid of any moisture/water, oil vapors, dust particles, or solid contaminants. Industry players should prioritize making use of compressed air dryers to eliminate moisture from the pressurized air. It resides well for conducting the treatment of compressed air, contributing to the immaculate completion of manufacturing processes.  

Here, the dryers dwell in desiccant-based drying technology for achieving the best atmospheric dew point temperature of (-40°C) to (-70°C) max aimed at providing dry compressed air. Working on the pressure swing principle/purge air, it empowers the regeneration of the desiccant bed with the help of adsorption and desorption of the water vapor.

Therefore, understanding the pivotal role of pneumatic machines in rendering quality and reliable pharma products, it is essential to safeguard them from any damage. At the same time, the machines are important for achieving optimal hygiene standards in the process, enabling safe pharma products. Likewise, embracing quality air solutions for providing dry compressed air can go a long way in protecting the integrity of machines and medicines at the same time.