Oxygen measurement in inertization gas phase

One of the leading global suppliers of high-quality generic pharmaceuticals was able to enhance process safety and efficiency during centrifugation by using a competitive METTLER TOLEDO INGOLD oxygen measurement system. Due to the fact that generics are not protected by patents, manufacturers are operating in a market that is affected by constant price pressure. This makes process optimization a key factor for profitability. INGOLD measurement systems help the customer to increase the efficiency for optimized pharmaceutical downstream processing.

Background
The production of high-enriched penicillin (Figure 1) requires several process steps starting from fermentation, through crystallization, filtration and precipitation, ending in a centrifugation before final drugs can be further processed.

Centrifuges (Figure 2) play a key role in separating penicillin from water and organic solvents to obtain the purified penicillin crystals. Safety and efficiency must always be a top priority in the separation process.

An inert nitrogen gas atmosphere serves to reduce a centrifuge's oxygen concentration below the limiting oxygen concentration (LOC). Consequently, the headspace is permanently purged by nitrogen. The INGOLD oxygen measurement system allows to stay below the LOC and minimizes the nitrogen consumption at the same time…..

Please open the below pdf-file to read the entire «Application Note»!