Dehumidification holds a very significant place in pharmaceutical manufacturing, where the environmental conditions are strictly maintained to ensure the quality and safety of the product and to follow regulatory obligations. Pharmaceutical products like drugs, vaccines, and biologics are extremely susceptible to moisture, which might cause their degradation, drop in efficacy, and ultimately a shorter shelf life.

Dehumidification systems are designed in a pharmaceutical facility to maintain a perfect atmosphere, normally between 20% and 50% relative humidity, depending on the requirement by the product. It normally uses desiccant dehumidifiers that take away moisture from the air, providing a controlled atmosphere that does not allow contamination of products and protection for sensitive materials.

Applications of dehumidification in the pharmaceutical industry include:

Manufacturing Areas: These are those areas where humidity needs to be maintained at low levels, considering most materials and powders produced are hygroscopic.

Cleanrooms: In order to prevent microbial growth and contamination, air quality and humidity need to be well-maintained in the cleanroom.

Storage and Packaging: Preservation of finished products by not allowing any form of moisture that would lead to the degradation during storage and packaging.

R&D Laboratories: At the research and development areas, control in humidity is needed to maintain the accuracy of experimental findings and the consistency of a product.

Above is an example of a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility that incorporates the dehumidification systems necessary for maintaining humidity within appropriate levels. This shall be critical in guaranteeing the purity and quality of the pharmaceutical products.

DESIGN CONDITIONS

Powder Storage: Before production: 22°C @ %40RH – %60RH /  After production: 22°C @ %15RH – %30RH

Soft Gel: Production: 16°C – 18°C @ %20RH /  After production: 22°C @ %20RH

Tablet Press: 22°C @ %25RH – %50RH

Effervescent Tablet: 22°C @ %15RH – %20RH

Prebiotic Pills: 22°C @ %25RH – %40RH