GMP cleaning of fluidized-bed filters
Alternative to conventional washing
GMP-compliant cleaning of fluidized-bed filters using a rotating drum integrated into a pharma-grade washer. Combine strong mechanical action with validated, documented cycles instead of relying on conventional industrial tumble washers.
Limitations of conventional tumble washing
Filters used in fluidized bed systems come into direct contact with pharmaceutical products and are exposed to powder contamination. Despite this, they are often cleaned in industrial tumble washers because of the strong mechanical action required to remove residues from textile materials.
The limitation of this approach is that conventional tumble washers are not designed as GMP batch-controlled cleaning systems. They offer limited process monitoring, documentation and validation capability for pharmaceutical applications.
SteelcoBelimed provides a GMP-compliant alternative that combines the mechanical effectiveness of a rotating drum with the control and documentation standards of a pharma-grade washer. This can be implemented on a dedicated washer or one also used for parts.
Mechanical performance within a validated system
The solution integrates a rotating drum rack inside a pharmaceutical washer. The rotation provides the necessary movement and mechanical action required to clean textile filter media, while the washer ensures controlled detergent dosing, defined temperature profiles and monitored process parameters.
Unlike industrial washing systems, cleaning takes place in a GMP-controlled environment with automated wash, rinse and active hot air drying phases. The entire cycle is batch managed, repeatable and documentable.
This approach enables effective removal of powder contamination while meeting pharmaceutical requirements for traceability and validation.
Validated chemistry and documented performance
To support a robust and reproducible process, SteelcoBelimed collaborates with Borer Chemie AG. Using deconex cleaning chemistry, extensive testing has been performed to define suitable cleaning parameters for different filter materials and product residues.
The cleaning concept is supported by documented validation, including defined process parameters and cleaning performance verification. This ensures that each filter fabric receives an optimized treatment aligned with pharmaceutical compliance expectations.
From conventional practice to controlled GMP cleaning
By combining rotating drum mechanics with a pharma-grade washer platform, fluidized-bed filters can be cleaned within a validated, documented and controlled environment rather than in conventional industrial equipment.
The result is improved process reliability, consistent cleaning performance and a cleaning solution aligned with GMP standards, without compromising the mechanical action required for textile filter applications.
