HVAC System - A Pivotal Setup in Pharmaceutical Industry

Introduction:

The HVAC system corresponds to the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Hence, the primary role of this system is to help regulate and maintain good indoor space air quality through a range of processes called heating (thermal support), ventilation, filtration, and air-conditioning. The vital features of HVAC system functioning principles include the use of radiation and convection in cooling and heating, the ability to transfer large amounts of air, and fundamental components that regulate the pressure and humidity levels. The applications of this system include residences, schools, and work areas, where the normal air purifiers fail. Nevertheless, it has a significant role and impact in the drug manufacturing process. It helps control contamination while enhancing a clean environment in the pharmaceutical industry. It is even considered an integral provision of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry.

What Is an HVAC System?

The regular air conditioning system has been restructured over the years. The new system called HVAC is used for regulating and maintaining the appropriate environment in the manufacturing and storage area in the pharmaceutical industry. The maintenance of the surface area and air quality is done by filtration. In addition, the temperature, humidity, pressure, and other factors are controlled by the HVAC system. So, an HVAC system is known as a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system that is primarily used for air conditioning in the pharmaceutical area where the regular air conditioning system cannot be used.

This system in the pharmaceutical industry is used for controlling the temperature, humidity, and pressure in the designated space by controlling the moisture in the air. It also supplies the air in designated areas with fresh air by controlling oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. The contamination of airborne particles is also controlled by regulating the air movements.

What Is the Difference Between AC and HVAC?

The air conditioner (AC) unit only cools the place, while the HVAC system heats, ventilates, and cools the area through distinct mechanisms. Air conditioning systems are extensively used in residences and commercial buildings, while the HVAC system is designed for various purposes in high-yielding buildings and settings like intensive care unit (ICU) and the pharmaceutical industry.

How Does an HVAC System Work?

HVAC systems function in various aspects. The primary significance of an HVAC system is the control of air conditions for a given parameter by means of heating and cooling. Heating is attained by heating or adding thermal energy to raise the temperature in the area. Similarly, cooling is done by reducing the thermal energy in the designated space to decrease the temperature. Meanwhile, increasing the humidity in the space is called humidifying, where water vapor and steam are used. Decreasing the humidity is the process known as dehumidifying, where water vapors get eliminated.

Cleaning the area is done by eliminating the contaminants such as smoke, pollen, and dust. The air ventilation in the area is implemented and regulated by maintaining the gas ratio in the air. This maintenance is generally done by including certain external fresh air.

What Are the Components of an HVAC System?

The fundamental components of an HVAC system and their function are as follows.

• Furnace: This is a significant component of the functioning HVAC system. The significance of a furnace is heating the air that gets supplied in the system. Processes like solar energy, heat pump, and burning of naturally occurring gases could be helpful in this process. There is a heat exchanger within the furnace that could help with switching on once after the furnace is activated. So, it takes the cold air and heats them. Then, the air gets circulated throughout the vents.

• Thermostat: The thermostat is another vital component of an HVAC system. It can be programmed or set manually according to the desired temperature. It is a prominent part of the system which can be easily accessible from outside. Another function of the thermostat is that it helps precipitate the heat exchanger and condensing unit for the air circulation of the area with warm or cold air.

• Evaporator Coil: The evaporator coil helps in cooling the warm air in the designated area. This component is united to the condensing unit loaded with refrigerant gases. This kind of condensing unit is generally fitted outside the area. This unit works by pumping the condensed liquid to this evaporator coil. So, the liquid is evaporated into a gas again.

• Ductwork: The duct unit made up of lightweight aluminum ducts aids in the transportation of the heated and cooled air within the room. This ductwork is united with the vent transferring heated or cooled air to every room. The ducts are fronted with appropriate angles and slats proximal to the ceiling. They include a manual controlling system regulating the cooling or heating of the area for which they are directed.

• Refrigerant Lines: A refrigerant line is a unit that transfers the refrigerant gas and substance to the condensing unit. They are typically narrow-shaped tubes that remain resistant to cooling and heating. This results in vaporization, retreating it to the evaporator coil in a liquid state.

What Are the Significant Functions of HVAC Systems?

The significant functions of an HVAC system are as follows:

• Controlling Microorganisms: Air quality monitoring is as important as water quality monitoring in drug manufacturing. The chief function of an HVAC system is to control the suspected microorganisms, dust, and other contaminant particles in air. A functional HVAC system primarily controls dust through an elimination process under filtration. Dust is a vital element to be eliminated since it could be the instant cause of contamination in the drug manufacturing process if not considered. Certain airborne substances present in the air could also influence the drug manufacturing process causing contamination. Microbes can also be a threat to efficient pharmaceutical processing and manufacturing. So, the environment should stay sterile at all times. The microbes, dust, and contaminants in the air and surface get eliminated by the high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) system.

• Maintenance of the Appropriate Temperature: Temperature serves as a key in the manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry. This element is crucial because the uncontrolled temperature could lead the bacteria and other microbes to grow in the area or within the operators. This contamination could also adversely affect the health of the workers. So, temperature maintenance is crucial for both the manufacturers and consumers. The HVAC system works best in temperature maintenance.

• Maintenance of Right Pressure: Similar to the maintenance of temperature, maintaining the appropriate pressure is a vital thing to be considered in the pharmaceutical industry. So, the surfaces and areas should be looked after all the time. The designated areas must be maintained at a positive pressure every time to achieve a clean surface. Moreover, the air floors of these surfaces must be significantly more at the opening space. Positive pressurization is achieved by pushing the air flower into the clear areas rather than addressing the existing airflow. The HVAC system ensures that there is no way for the growth of microbes in the space and surface by maintaining positive pressurization.

• Maintenance of Right Relative Humidity: Moisture control in the drug manufacturing process is also an important thing to be considered. Controlling the moisture is attained through installing specific and functional dehumidifiers, particularly desiccant dehumidifiers. Maintenance of the appropriate humidity level in the space is crucial for manufacturing the drugs. The potential humidity level is generally required to know that the medications are well manufactured and developed.

What Are the Factors Contributing to the HVAC System’s Efficacy?

Several factors could contribute to the efficacy of the HVAC system. They include the following:

• HVAC requirements, including the system and the room.

• Design of ducting.

• Airflow pattern.

• The construction layout of the room and building.

• Location of installation of filtration assembly.

• Licensing of the HVAC system.

• Heat load.

• The documentation of the qualification and validation.

• System promotion for commercial applications.

Conclusion:

The quality of the drug products strongly depends upon external factors like temperature, pressure, and humidity in the designated manufacturing space. These factors could largely influence the stability and efficacy of the drug products. The reason why pharmaceutical facilities have a functional HVAC system is to provide and assure the quality of the drug products is not compromised. This is achieved by a combination of processes of ventilation, heating, and air conditioning. So, it helps regulate the appropriate temperature and humidity. It also eliminates harmful contaminants in the air. Therefore, HVAC systems are an integral part of upholding the safety and stability of the drug product.