Diaphragm pumps are positive displacement pumps that use a flexible diaphragm to displace a fluid volume. They’re used to move fluids with viscous materials or solid particles because they can move the fluids without causing damage to the pump. Almost all major industries use diaphragm pumps to move concrete, acid, and abrasive fluids. Diaphragm pumps use power sources like air pressure, mechanical means, and electricity.
One industry that relies heavily on diaphragm pump operation is the pharmaceutical industry. The diaphragm pump is suitable for the pharmaceutical industry because it can handle a variety of fluids and provide a gentle flow. This article discusses the various uses of diaphragm pumps in the pharmaceutical industry and how they have revolutionized it.
1. Filling Vials
Filling vials with liquid medication is a task that has to be accurate and concise. Diaphragm pumps can dispense a precise amount of drugs into a vial. The pump provides an exact flow rate, ensuring each vial has the correct medication dosage. Diaphragm pumps reduce the risk of medication errors.
2. Cleaning And Sterilization
Diaphragm pumps clean and sterilize by pumping cleaning and disinfecting agents through the system. They can pump steam and other sterilization agents through the system without sustaining any damage. Diaphragm pumps can handle the high temperatures and pressure required in sterilization.
3. Fluid Transfer
Diaphragm pumps move fluids through the different sections of the production process. They can handle both non-viscous and viscous fluids, allowing for a smooth transfer. Diaphragm pumps can handle a variety of fluids (even viscous and corrosive fluids) without getting damaged.
4. Chromatography Systems
Chromatography systems allow for the separation of specific compounds from a compound mixture. Diaphragm pumps provide the pressure to push the fluids through the chromatography column. They offer a precise and consistent flow rate essential for separating components in the mixture.
5. Chemical Metering
Precise addition of chemicals is crucial to maintain the quality standards of products in the pharmaceutical industry. Diaphragm pumps deliver chemicals with precision making them the perfect tool for chemical metering. They provide accurate levels of chemicals at different stages of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process. This precision minimizes human error and ensures the finished product is high quality.Â
6. Handling Of Powder And Granular Material
In the pharmaceutical industry, it’s essential to avoid damaging or compromising the quality of the ingredients during manufacturing. Diaphragm pumps can work with powder and granular materials without compromising the quality of the end product. They provide a gentle and consistent flow of materials, ensuring it’s not damaged. The pumps are also used for packaging powders and granules and filling capsules with medication.
7. Aseptic Processing
Preventing contamination and ensuring product safety is essential in the pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical companies can ensure product safety through aseptic processing. Diaphragm pumps can be used in aseptic processing systems, ensuring the end product is safe and contaminant free. The pump’s design adheres to the strict regulations of aseptic processing.
8. Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater from pharmaceutical manufacturing contains high contaminants and must undergo treatment before being safely discharged. Diaphragm pumps can push the wastewater through water treatment systems, ensuring it’s free of contaminants before discharge. These pumps can handle large amounts of solids present in pharmaceutical wastewater.
9. Tablet Coating
Tablet coating is a typical process in the pharmaceutical industry. Diaphragm pumps spray a coating solution on tablets. Diaphragm pumps also ensure that the coating sticks to the tablet surface. These pumps deliver precise and accurate sprays on each tablet, guaranteeing even coating. They can cover pills with viscous solutions without damaging the pump.
10. Continuous Processing
Continuous processing has become popular in the pharmaceutical industry due to high demand. Diaphragm pumps provide a constant fluid flow, enabling continuous processing and increasing efficiency. The use of these pumps reduces the likelihood of human error and contamination.
11. Freeze Drying
Freeze-drying can preserve some pharmaceutical products. Diaphragm pumps provide vacuum pressure and circulate the refrigerant in the freeze-drying process. Vacuum pressure removes moisture from the product. Diaphragm pumps can handle the high vacuum pressure and sub-zero temperatures used in freeze-drying.
12. Purification
Diaphragm pumps are crucial to purifying certain pharmaceutical products like antibodies and vaccines. These pumps can handle delicate products without harming or damaging their quality. Diaphragm pumps ensure the manufacture of fragile products is done efficiently by maintaining consistent flow rates throughout production.
Diaphragm Pumps And The Pharmaceutical Industry
Diaphragm pumps play a vital role in the pharmaceutical industry. They move fluids and materials through the production process in a precise manner. From coating tablets to handling powder and granules to filling vials, diaphragm pumps ensure that the end products of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process are high quality.
Diaphragm pumps’ reliability and ability to operate in a sterile environment make them the perfect choice for pharmaceutical applications. Even as technologies grow and evolve in the pharmaceutical industry, diaphragm pumps will still have a significant role to play in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
