Up to the GMP–Challenge with AODD Pumps

Related Vendors

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

Italvacuum, Srl

TRM Filter d.o.o.

ALMATEC Maschinenbau GmbH

Choosing the Right Pump

Ofichem’s API production takes place in three production areas ranging from small- to large-scale facilities. In the large-scale production area, for example, as many as 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) of solvents, acids or powders will be transferred in a single day, with various liquids also used to facilitate any number of chemical reactions.

One of the most dangerous chemicals the company handles is hydrochloric acid, which is highly corrosive and must be handled with extreme care. To that end, because of the toxic, corrosive and dangerous nature of many of the raw materials that Ofichem uses, safety for both site personnel and the environment is an overriding day-to-day concern.

A Challenging Task...

“If you look at safety issues, our highly toxic products are kept in special areas, things like carcinogenics that cause cancer,” said Egberts. “Also, if there happens to be a fire, we mandate that the area should be enclosed for at least 60 minutes.”

Handling corrosive, toxic and flammable materials is a fact of daily life at the Lab Ofichem facility, which is why it is critically important that the correct type of pump be identified and incorporated into the production process.

Wim Ekkelkamp is Ofichem’s Technical Manager and the man responsible for purchasing the pumps that are used in the Lab Ofichem production facility. “We have to keep production moving, we have to keep downtime as low as possible, and we have to be safe, so when we are purchasing any new equipment, the quality is very important,” he said.

(ID:44162089)