INDUSTRIES
Pharmaceutical
An overview of hazardous-area applications across pharmaceutical production, solvent handling and powder processing facilities.
DESCRIPTION
Pharmaceutical production includes areas where alcohol and solvent vapours or combustible product and excipient dusts create explosion hazards. Gas areas are classified as Zone 0, 1 or 2 under IEC/ATEX, or Class I, Division 1 or 2 under NEC; dust areas as Zone 20, 21 or 22, or Class II, Division 1 or 2. Electrical equipment must also meet cleaning and hygiene requirements.
REPRESENTATIVE HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES
- Ethanol vapours
- Isopropyl alcohol vapours
- Acetone and solvent vapours
- Combustible API dust
- Lactose and starch dust
- Sugar and excipient dust
TYPICAL APPLICATION LOCATIONS
- Solvent storage and handling areas
- Mixing and blending rooms
- Granulation and drying areas
- Milling and sieving rooms
- Tablet and capsule production
- Dust collection systems