Jessica Kask | April 22, 2020
Oral suspensions are widely used in the Pharmaceutical and Consumer Industries as a delivery method for both over the counter and prescription drugs. Active ingredients are either dissolved or suspended in a solvent such as water, alcohol or glycerin. Excipients are then added to modify taste and viscosity. The manufacturing of these liquids typically take place in large mixing vessels. Cleaning the equipment is done via manual processes (scrubbing, spray wands), fill, soak and agitate processes, or automated cleaning through CIP systems and spray balls.
Difficulties in cleaning for these products typically come from insoluble solids or viscosity modifiers. Inefficient detergents & cleaning processes do not effectively address these challenges, leading to ineffective soil removal that can require re-cleaning and manual scrubbing. Not only does it require more time and resources dedicated to cleaning, but can also add to the potential for microbial contamination.
Not only does it require more time and resources dedicated to cleaning, but can also add to the potential for microbial contamination.
Insolubles can settle out of the suspension and adhere to surfaces leaving hazes. The use of high cleaning temperatures, especially in water pre-rinses, can strip away other components of the product matrix, leaving only the pigment behind to bond with the surface. Ideally, all parts of the residue should be removed simultaneously to avoid hazes from the insoluble components. The proper detergent for products containing a high amount of insoluble solids should contain a robust surfactant and dispersant package in order to make sure that particles remain suspended and sequestered in the detergent solution, so they can effectively be flushed out of the equipment along with the cleaning solution. If possible, final rinses should be performed immediately after draining the detergent solution and ambient temperatures should be used. Hot post rinses can cause any remaining particulate to dry in place and not be effectively rinsed away.
Viscosity modifiers, such as celluloses, Sodium CMC and xanthan gum can swell when hydrated, creating a hydrophilic layer that is difficult for detergents to penetrate, making removal less effective. When these residues dry, they become difficult to see and have the potential to build-up over time, becoming a food source for microbial contamination. If not completely removed from the surface, these residues can build up & become visible over time, also having the potential to trap particles and contaminants from subsequent batches. If these viscosity modifiers are pH dependent, it is possible for them to be overcome by using a detergent with the proper acidic or alkaline base. If they are not, detergents with oxidizing properties are often needed to remove the hydrophilic layer. If possible, it is recommended to avoid the use of water pre-rinses for these products, as hydrating the residues before the introduction of detergent promotes swelling and hinders cleaning.
Recommended detergents: Chematic® 630, Chematic® 640, Chematic® 670, Chematic® 9250
Recommended detergent: Chematic® 630
Recommended Procedure:
Please note that the process steps outlined above are meant to be starting points for cleaning cycle development. To discuss a cleaning process based on your coating process and cleaning capabilities please reach out, we'd love to hear from you.
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