Water has great importance in pharmaceutical industries as it is used for all washing activities & is also used for various manufacturing processes.
It is a common observation that pharmaceutical water is distributed through a closed-loop system & this water remains in continuous circulation 24 hours a day & 7 days a week.
The circulation of pharma-grade water is not stopped even when the shift is closed or there is a manufacturing plant holiday.
Did you ever think about what is the reason behind this 24/7 continuous circulation of water in pharma?
Explanation
Water is a good source of microbial growth & these microbes are highly pathogenic which may cause serious diseases after consumption of this contaminated water.
Stagnant water is a favorite medium for microbes to settle & grow.If water is left stagnant in a vessel or pipes, the microbes form a film over the surface of vessels or pipelines.This film is known as biofilm.
It is very difficult to remove this biofilm once it is formed.When water comes in contact with this biofilm it is contaminated with microbes & results in harmful effects.
Why 24/7 CirculationÂ
The pharmaceutical water in pharma industries is stored in stainless steel vessels.It is supplied through the close loop circulation system & is kept in continuous circulation to overcome the issue of biofilm formation.
The microbes are not able to grow or biofilm is not formed due to continuous motion.
The velocity of water in the loop circulation system is kept at 1.4 meter per second.
If the water is left stagnant for 3 to 4 hrs it will result in formation of biofilm that is why water from the storage vessel moves towards the user ends & comes back to the storage vessel through the close loop.
A pump is used for this water circulation & water velocity is also checked at specified time intervals.
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