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Howorth Pharma - Facility Upgrade For Glaxosmithkline
September 2006
Howorth Pharma, a leading supplier of containment solutions for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, has recently completed a major project at GlaxoSmithKline's Research and Development Pilot Plant in Tonbridge, Kent. GSK spends a considerable amount on research and development, and demands the highest quality service and equipment available.
The Tonbridge Pilot Plant is used to prepare bulk chemical intermediates and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API) for clinical and development studies. During 2005/2006, this facility has undergone a major capital investment to upgrade plant and utilities to ensure its continued capabilities and meet the future requirements of the GSK pipeline.
A key objective of the plant upgrade has been to improve containment for powder reagent and solvent handling. As part of Howorth Pharma's ongoing commitment to producing brand new designs developed specifically to meet customers' demands, this project saw the inclusion of 2 system designs used here for the first time: |
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Contained Drum Filling System
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Contained Charging System
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Filter Drier Isolator
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Contained Drum Filling of Solvents - In the new contained drum filling system, primary containment is provided by local exhaust ventilation (LEV) directly above the drum filling nozzle. The exhausted gas and vapours from the drum are drawn into the LEV and extracted to suitably designed ventilation/scrubber systems. Fill level is automatically controlled by the integral auto sensor device and the optional weigh scale control. To ensure fill accuracy, the actuated fill control valve is mounted close the fill nozzle. The cantilevered support frame, combined with a pneumatically actuated piston, ensures effective ergonomic operation of the fill assembly.
Contained Reactor/Charging Systems for Solvents and Reagents - The introduction of reactor/charging systems with automated charging wands and dedicated vapour capture devices, has updated the solvent charging operations and provided primary operator protection. The systems, when used with the optional mobile high-containment booth, provide enhanced operator protection when handling solvents and reagents with higher toxicity or with lachrymatory liquids. A similar bespoke design has been implemented for reactor discharging operations. |
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| Further main elements of the upgrade were to improve containment for Powder Dispensing and Filter Drier Discharging of Powders: |
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To ensure greater levels of containment protection to the dispensing of powders, Howorth Pharma installed its distinctive and innovative Downflow Booth, featuring the exclusive new cGMP design High Containment Screen, reducing the reliance of full operator PPE. The screen provides protection of the operator’s breathing zone and, when used in conjunction with the integrated gloveports, takes conventional booth performance to an unprecedented level – a guarantee of less than 10 micrograms per cubic metre of air in the safe working zone, with levels as low as 1 microgram per cubic metre recorded independently in practise.
A key element of the upgrade has been to improve containment for powder and solvent handling. Howorth Pharma has provided a laminar flow dispensary, complete with moveable operator screen and gloveports, capable of meeting containment requirements down to 1 ug/m3, reducing the reliance on full operator PPE.
A Filter Drier Discharge Isolator was provided for the same facility, installed with a filter drier provided by Charles Thompson Ltd. Designed using the latest technology, the filter drier allows filtration, washing, drying and automated discharge to be safely performed under an inert and contained environment. The integrated and ergonomic design provided by engineers from Howorth and Charles Thompson ensures the system is suitable for processing toxic and high value substances with total protection for both the product and operators. |
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