COMPANY-REPORTED CASE
Investigating internal contamination and treating hard-to-reach process piping.
A pharmaceutical company experienced recurring elevated total viable counts in samples taken at process-pipeline endpoints and engaged VanTsteri to investigate and address the problem. The investigation looked beyond endpoint water samples to attached contamination inside the piping that could continue to affect those results.
Internal walls and connection points in closed process piping are difficult to access directly. Treatment needed to consider both the location of contamination and compatibility with the system’s materials. The choice, quantity and conditions of use of liquid treatment chemicals were assessed in relation to those materials.
The team combined sampling and testing, internal endoscopic inspection, and microscopic examination of samples from connection gaskets and valves to assess biofilm and define the treatment priorities.
VanTsteri applied its own technology to address microorganisms and attached biofilm inside the piping, considering the treatment target, chemical use and material compatibility together.
According to VanTsteri’s project representative, the approach used relatively small quantities of treatment chemicals and specifically targeted attached biofilm. The formulation and proprietary process are not disclosed.
Following treatment, microbiological testing of both internal-wall samples and water samples showed improvement. Inspection and testing were used together to assess the changes observed in this project.
The project connected investigation inside the system with targeted biofilm treatment and post-treatment testing. This helped the customer understand the contamination locations, the direction of the treatment approach and the changes observed after treatment.
If your pharmaceutical equipment or process piping is experiencing recurring microbial abnormalities, discuss contamination investigation, biofilm treatment and outcome assessment with VanTsteri.
This anonymized case is based on project records and information supplied by VanTsteri’s project representative. The customer’s identity is withheld.