How to ensure the cleanability of your cleanroom crane in the pharmaceutical industry

Hygienic and sterile production processes. Pioneering research. Flawless products. The cutting-edge pharmaceutical industry is defined by its precise manufacturing methods and outstanding quality. To achieve these high levels of precision and cleanliness, specially designed and clean cleanroom cranes are a must. Read on to find out how to ensure high levels of cleanability at all times.

 

Why is cleanability so important?

The requirements set for certain work or production environments determine what material and/or surface treatment is most suitable for a lifting or hoisting device. In the pharmaceutical industry, the cleanability of the crane would be your starting point.

 

When manufacturing pharmaceutical products such as drugs, a wide variety of threats could (cross)contaminate or poison ingredients and end products subsequently. To stay away from the biggest threat to the pharmaceutical industry, microbial contamination, cleanliness is therefore a must. In any case, consider the following:

 

• The right material choice
  The pharmaceutical industry is a dry industry: no water is used during manufacturing, production, and cleaning. That’s why there is a wide material range to choose from. The two most frequently chosen materials for cranes in the pharmaceutical industry are stainless steel and steel.

• ATEX-free systems
  Cleanroom cranes in the pharmaceutical industry are sometimes equipped with ATEX-free systems. ATEX includes all situations in which there is a chance of gas or dust explosions. Think of processing pharmaceutical powders and dust. If powder particles mix in the air, and are then combined with the oxygen present in the room, a possible explosive situation occurs.

• Cleaning methods
  The ‘right’ cleaning procedure depends on many different factors, such as the type of crane, the surface treatment that was used, and the temperature. Note that the cleaning method should always be in line with and documented according to the regulations of the country / region in which the drugs of pharmaceutical supplies are being manufactured.

• Aftersales services
  Remember: keeping a high level of cleanliness throughout the entire life of a cleanroom crane requires more than just cleaning. To avoid rust – and the chance of flakes entering the final product – a cleanroom crane needs to be well maintained, preferably through a specialized aftersales program. These programs also manage cleanroom crane modifications, upgrades and decommissioning. And provide a suitable, technical solution to a possible issue.

More information
Eager to learn about the design and configuration of your cleanroom crane as well? Or do you want to find out more about checklists and tips and tricks that our experts are happy to share? Then please consult our pharma whitepaper.