TYPES OF AIRLOCK IN PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANY

Sanitalk 

Airlocks are an essential component of cleanroom design in the pharmaceutical industry. They are designed to maintain the cleanliness of the cleanroom by preventing the entry of contaminants from the outside environment. There are several types of airlocks used in pharmaceutical manufacturing, including cascade, bubble, and sink airlocks. Here's a detailed overview of each type:

1.Cascade Airlocks:

Cascade airlocks are designed to maintain a pressure gradient between the cleanroom and the outside environment. They use a series of interlocking doors that open and close in a sequence to prevent air from the outside environment from entering the cleanroom. As the door to the cleanroom is closed, the door to the anteroom opens, allowing air to flow from the cleanroom to the anteroom, creating a positive pressure gradient. This positive pressure gradient ensures that any contaminants that might be present in the anteroom are pushed away from the cleanroom.

Applications: Cascade airlocks are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities where the manufacturing process requires a high level of cleanliness.

2.Bubble Airlocks:

Bubble airlocks are designed to prevent cross-contamination between adjacent areas of the cleanroom. They use a single door to enter and exit the cleanroom, and a series of HEPA filters to remove any contaminants from the air. The air is then recycled back into the cleanroom through a series of grilles in the ceiling.

Applications: Bubble airlocks are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities where cross-contamination between adjacent areas of the cleanroom is a concern.

3.Sink Airlocks:

Sink airlocks are designed to prevent cross-contamination between the cleanroom and the outside environment. They use a series of interlocking doors that open and close in a sequence to prevent air from the outside environment from entering the cleanroom. As the door to the cleanroom is closed, the door to the anteroom opens, allowing air to flow from the cleanroom to the anteroom, creating a positive pressure gradient. The anteroom is equipped with a series of sinks, where personnel can wash their hands and remove any contaminants from their clothing before entering the cleanroom.

Applications: Sink airlocks are commonly used in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities where personnel are required to enter and exit the cleanroom frequently.

Other important points to consider regarding airlocks in pharmaceutical manufacturing include:

Airlocks should be designed to minimize the time it takes to pass through them to reduce the risk of contamination.

The number of airlocks required in a cleanroom will depend on the level of cleanliness required for the manufacturing process.

Airlocks should be equipped with HEPA filters to remove any contaminants from the air.

Personnel entering the cleanroom should be properly trained and follow strict gowning procedures to reduce the risk of contamination.

Airlocks should be regularly maintained and cleaned to ensure they are functioning properly.

Thank you for visiting, see you again 🙏